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281 Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister, to Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London

Cablegram unnumbered 26 May 1940,

IMMEDIATE PERSONAL

Your latest appreciation [1], in conjunction with D.W's [2],
indicates the extreme gravity of the position as affecting the
Belgian and British Armies. The operations of the mechanised
divisions on flank and rear of our Forces have so affected the
supply situation that it seems to us there is little hope of the
position being retrieved. News of capitulation of the Allied
Forces north of the gap will profoundly shock public opinion here,
and we think it advisable in public interest we should have
immediate warning of the likelihood of this in order to prepare
public. Would be glad if you would ensure we have advice of any
adverse or extreme development before it appears in press or over
radio, and that you will send your reviews at most frequent
intervals.

MENZIES

1 On 25 May 1940 Bruce reported that the German threat to the
Channel ports had made the position of British and Belgian forces
in the north extremely serious (see Bruce's cablegram 355 on file
AA: M100, May 1940).

2 On file AA: A1608, G41/1/1, iii.


[FA: A3196, 0.3228]
Last Updated: 11 September 2013
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