Cablegram 171[A] LONDON, 20 October 1942, 12 noon
MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET
Your telegram No. 9551. [1]
Our manpower problem fully recognised and the necessity for the
return of the 9th Division appreciated. The Chiefs of Staff are
now examining the problem with a view to return at the earliest
possible date. Owing to the operation which is now imminent [2]
and the part in it which has been allocated to the 9th Division,
the date of its withdrawal from the front line depends on
developments in the immediate future.
[AA:A4763]