MOST IMMEDIATE

My telegram No. 442. [2]

(1) In the event of French resistance being continued in the
colonies and forces kept in the field, can these forces be
supplied and kept on operational basis, in particular armies in
Syria and Morocco.

(2) If they can-
(a) From what sources could supplies, equipment, munitions, food,
etc. be drawn?
(b) What naval and air dispositions would be necessary and from
what bases would they operate?
(c) Is provision of necessary naval co-operation dependent on the
retention of the French fleet in whole or part?
(d) Would forces in the French colonies have to remain merely on
the defensive or could they take the offensive?
(3) If French resistance in the colonies is not continued, could
we retain naval forces in the Mediterranean-
(a) If substantial part of the French fleet in German and Italian
hands;

(b) If French fleet sunk;

(c) If French fleet in our hands.

(4) If we could retain naval forces in the Mediterranean-
(a) On what ports would they be based;

(b) How effectively could we prevent increase in Italian forces in
Libya and embarrass maintenance of existing forces by denial of
necessary supplies.

(5) If we cannot retain naval forces in the Mediterranean-
(a) Could we continue an effective blockade of supplies to that
sea and if so on what ports would our ships be based;

(b) Could we maintain land and air forces in Egypt and/or
Palestine.

BRUCE