We have received cable from Blamey [1] in which he expresses his
views regarding Cyprus.

It appears that the intention is to hold Cyprus, at least for the
time being. It seems clear, however, that the Chiefs of Staff in
the United Kingdom place Cyprus as of lesser importance than the
Western Desert and Syria, and apparently no further troops,
transport or equipment can be made available for Cyprus. Despite
this, the Chiefs of Staff have decreed that 'Garrison must be
retained to force enemy to undertake serious operations to capture
it' (Cyprus).

You will of course appreciate what this means.

Another forced evacuation, particularly if accompanied with great
losses, will have serious effect on public opinion in America and
elsewhere, whilst in Australia there are certain to be serious
reactions which may well involve the Government. Concisely, my
view is that there are but two alternatives, either Cyprus is to
be held-and to that end should be garrisoned by a sufficiently
strong force-or, if such a force is not available, then the
enterprise should be abandoned. [2]

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