63 Bruce to Curtin
Cablegram 171[A] LONDON, 20 October 1942, 12 noon
MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET
Your telegram No. 9551. [1]
Our manpower problem fully recognised and the necessity for the return of the 9th Division appreciated. The Chiefs of Staff are now examining the problem with a view to return at the earliest possible date. Owing to the operation which is now imminent [2] and the part in it which has been allocated to the 9th Division, the date of its withdrawal from the front line depends on developments in the immediate future.
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