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Alexandria. These squadrons also cover canal area against bombers attacking from Libya, though cannot prevent raiding
There is on canal area by bombers based on Dodecane se.. also in this area one Egyptian fighter squadron, the value of which in battle is as yet unproved. Two flying boat squadrons. (C) Vicinity Cairo. One squadron of old Blenheims, one Australian army co-operation squadron of Lysanders and Gladiators.
Twelve. The chief danger in the Western Desert is the possibility of concentrated attack there by Italian alecraft. Total Italian air strength in Cyrenaica is estimated here to be 700 including dive bombers.
This takes
no account of possible reinforcements. It is reported from good sources that Italian dive bomber pilots are being trained by Germans in Italy. A.0.C.-in-C, considers that three additional fighter squadrons (Hurricanes or Curtiss Mohawks) is immediate minimum necessary to give adequate protection to the army against this form of attack.
Thirteen. He considers that if steady shipment of Hurricanes continues and deliveries of Curtiss Mohawks fighters materialise in numbers and at rate already notified he should be able to form these three squadrons provided the pilots for one and the other rank personnel, M.T. and squadron equipment on mobile basis for the three squadrons are supplied from home. He undertakes to find from within Middle East resources pilots for the remaining two squadrons.
Fourteen. The next most important requirement is for dive bombers of our own. If the enemy does not press his advance we should, as I have explained above, be strong enough before long to hit at him, and for this purpose dive bombers could give invaluable aid,
Fifteen. Problem of Siwa presents special features with which I will deal fully after my visit there.
The
Sixteen. Appreciation on Sudan follows, but meanwhile C.in-C. and General Huddlestone are agreed in wishing to develop an offensive on the Kassala area, which, if successful, will have far reaching military and political consequences.
I regard this as of first importance. effect upon the rebellion in Abyssinia which is already developing favourably would be electric. The possibility of this offensive being developed at an early date is likely to depend on availability of I tanks. I must repeat therefore urgent request that a company of I tanks may be included in November convoy, destination Port Sudan,
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