740.0011 European War 1939/23091: Telegram

The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

1317. Personal for the Secretary and Under Secretary. The continuation of the hitherto indecisive fighting on the El Alamein front has furnished occasion for professing of optimism as to the outcome of the struggle and an inclination is apparent to exalt Allied achievement and discount the growing strength of the enemy. This attitude is unjustified and fundamentally unhealthy. Reports are current of [Page 86] the mounting reinforcements to Rommel’s army and in spite of the efforts which have apparently been made, there is no outstanding improvement in the general position of the British. A few days ago operations were initiated by Auchinleck27 which it is difficult to believe were not intended to attain a decisive objective but those operations halted at an inconclusive state. It is now said that they may be resumed at any moment. I fail to see, however, any new and definite factor which in itself offers encouragement for the future.

Kirk
  1. Gen. Sir Claude J. E. Auchinleck, Commanding General, British Forces in the Middle East.