Your telegram 384 of 24th July. [1]

As regards the first paragraph, His Majesty's Government in the
Commonwealth of Australia will appreciate that it is impossible to
guarantee passage through the Red Sea with absolute certainty, but
the scale of attack has been materially reduced by the destruction
of 60% of the Italian Submarines in that area and by the reduction
of fuel stocks caused by our continual bombing of Italian Air
Bases. Two convoys have already passed through the Red Sea without
loss, and before the passage of U.S.4 [2] His Majesty's Government
in the United Kingdom themselves intend to pass about 27,000
further troops through the Red Sea, in addition to the regular
supply convoys. The security of the route will therefore have been
fully tested before the passage of U.S.4 leaving Australia on 23rd
August.

A further telegram will be sent as soon as possible regarding the
second and third paragraphs. A full appreciation on Far Eastern
situation will be communicated shortly. The Commonwealth
Government's view[s] as to equipment in relation to the despatch
of subsequent formations overseas are noted and are under
consideration.