740.0011 European War 1939/18878: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 24—5:05 p.m.]
131. My 119, January 21, 7 p.m. As further facts regarding the circumstances surrounding the altercation between the King and the Foreign Minister on the Vichy severance question have come to light the British appear to be taking an increasingly serious view of the influence being exerted by certain elements in the King’s entourage. The present status of the matter is understood to be that the British Embassy has recommended to London the taking of firm measures to effect the removal from the Palace of certain undesirable persons particularly the Assistant Chief of the Royal Cabinet who is reputed to be close to Aly Maher Pasha and 16 or 17 Italians who are still connected with the Palace in various capacities but that London has not yet indicated its reaction.