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Information from a Finnish source states that both German and Russian minefields have been laid off Petsamo.
A dangerous area due to mines has been declared about 9 miles south-east of Delimara Point, Malta.
At the close of the period covered in this report the following ports were closed, due to enemy mines: the Hoy entrance to Scapa, the approaches to Rosyth, Tyne, Falmouth and the Kyles of Bute.
MILITARY SITUATION.
Germany.
Distribution of German Divisions.
19. Although divisions are constantly being moved, the total number in each area does not appear to have changed in the past few weeks.
Italy and Italian Possessions.
20. The Italian advance in Egypt has not proceeded further east than Sidi Barrani, where the frontier is being consolidated and probably prepared for use as an advanced base. There has been considerable movement of M.T. in the L. of C. area, and perimeter camps, containing large numbers of M.T., have been established inland from the coast. There are, at present, no indications of a threat to the Sudan from Libya.
21. Attention is again drawn to the Italian concentrations in Italian East Africa. On the Sudan frontier strong garrisons are at Elghena, Cassala, Metemma and Kunmuk. Opposite Kenya the Italians have adequate forces along the east-west and north-south sides of the Mandera triangle. Previous reports stated that offensive action might commence at the end of September or the 1st October, and, the threat is in no way diminished.
I although
The Balkan States.
Greece.
مسر :
unie
مه
naw
22. The military situation vis-à-vis Italy remains calm. In consequence, however, of reports of increased Italian troop concentrations in Albania, Greek forces have been strengthened in the regions of Epirus and Florina. It is also reported that all Army, Navy and Air Force leave was cancelled on the 28th September.
Roumania.
23. There are indications that difficulties between General Antonescu and the Iron Guard are coming to a head. The General's immediate tasks are to reorganise the army and to moderate the Iron Guard. The latter party, though divided internally, is gaining many undesirable adherents and it would seem, from press reports of the expulsion of all Britons and the assassination of twelve policemen at Galatz, that they are also gaining the upper hand. The internal situation thus threatens to deteriorate rapidly. Although it has been generally believed that Germany's interests would be best served by a stable Roumanian Government, there are now certain indications that her faith in the maintenance of any such government may have waned.
Iceland.
24. One battalion of the Durham Light Infantry has arrived in the area Hunafloi-Borganes as a garrison.
Malta.
25. Reinforcements of approximately 1,000 men, which include one Battery Heavy A.A. and 720 infantry drafts have arrived in Malta from Alexandria.
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