I appreciate greatly your cablegram of 11th June [1] and the
assurances in your cablegram of 31st May [2] that everything
possible will be done to strengthen the air forces in the Middle
East. I am delighted to learn of the success that has followed
your bold stroke relative to convoys.

2. I would be greatly strengthened in my handling of the position
here if I could be given specific figures in respect of aircraft
and tanks and have your authority to communicate the information
to members of Advisory War Council who of course are under an oath
of secrecy. You will have gathered from my earlier messages how
greatly the War Cabinet and War Council feel as you do the
paramount importance of these essential needs for our forces in
the Middle East.

3. A statement on the following lines is suggested-
(1) ARMOURED DIVISIONS-
(a) Number of Divisions and present stage of preparedness for
operations;

(b) Total strength of tanks in Middle East in broad classes;

(c) Prospective strength aimed at and rate of reinforcement for
achieving it or maintaining present strength.

(2) AIR FORCES-
(a) Number of Squadrons by classes;

(b) First line strength of aircraft for each class of Squadron;

(c) Contemplated strength of Squadrons and first line strength and
rate at which it is expected this strength will be built up;

(d) Total number of aircraft at present in Middle East including
first line strength;

(e) Number of aircraft at present en route;

(f) Anticipated monthly rate of future deliveries.

MENZIES