Your telegram No. 208 of 8th May [1], Section (D). We are sorry
that the Commonwealth Government should have been disappointed
with the Chiefs of Staff review regarding Italy. Owing to
suspension of the activities of the Committee of Imperial Defence
since the outbreak of war, the ordinary arrangements for the
preparation of C.I.D. papers have naturally ceased. It will be
realized that, under war conditions, preparation of special
reviews, particularly when urgently required, cannot be carried
out with the same fulness and elaboration as is possible in the
case of C.I.D. papers drawn up in time of peace.

It is of course our desire that the Commonwealth Government should
receive the fullest information with regard to the war situation
in order that they may be in a position to frame their own
measures for the prosecution of the war with full knowledge of all
relevant facts. There is no question of withholding such
information, which it is realized that the Commonwealth Government
ought to have whenever it is available. But it will be understood
at a time of intensive operations such as the present, when the
Chiefs of Staff, who alone can give authoritative advice, are
working under continuous and heavy pressure on matters necessary
for the immediate conduct of operations, there is thus very great
difficulty in preparing general appreciations and it is hardly
possible to do more than to supply such information as is already
to hand. [2] But we shall do everything possible, having regard to
the circumstances, to meet the wishes of the Commonwealth
Government and the points made in your telegram will be kept fully
in mind.

The request for information received through Bruce on 25th May
[3], and that in your telegram Most Secret 242 [4], are being
answered separately.