740.0011 E.W./9–444: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Italy (Offie) to the Secretary of State
282. General Sosnkowski informed SAC1 that he received yesterday a message from General Bór, Polish commanding general War saw, stating loss of old town has opened a serious breach in defenses [Page 188] of Polish home army. Now increased pressure from enemy is to be expected against remaining portions of old town aiming at annihilation of Polish resistance. Bór added he had decided to defend Warsaw to limit of his means. Bór’s message went on to state food supply would hold out till September 7, bread till September 5. Ammunition supply is being exhausted. Polish morale is good. Civilian population suffering from lack of food water housing clothing and health, a degree of hope for rapid end of fight or on amount of assistance obtained. Holding out possibilities do not depend on Polish endurance only but on material help and on rapidity of successful Red Army operations in that locality.
Sosnkowski appeals to General Wilson for large scale air operations from Italian bases with participation of British crews as an indispensable measure to save situation and concludes with statement that he feels he would have failed in his duty if he did not bring foregoing to attention of General Wilson.
- General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson.↩