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Recent unconfirmed reports state that the Germans have taken over control of the port of Genoa and possibly of certain other Italian ports. German control of ports would doubtless be one of the conditions required if Germany intended to attack Malta or if an expedition to Tunisia or Libya were contemplated.
In Roumania.
26. The number of German divisions in Roumania is now thought to be at least 15, of which 3 or 4 are armoured and 2 or 3 motorised. This is an increase of some 5 divisions during the past week. Five divisions and a mountain unit are believed to be distributed along the Danube between Turnu Severin and Calarasi, 3 divisions in the Dobruja and 2 or 3 in Moldavia and on River Siret. The Roumanian Banat is at present believed to be free of German troops.
In Bulgaria.
27. German troops are reported to be moving into Eastern Bulgaria, but no reliable evidence as to the extent or rate of the movement, if it is taking place, is so far available. Reports that schools in the Sofia area are being vacated and that the Bulgarians are withdrawing troops from the Turkish frontier may both indicate that space is being made for German troops.
Roumania.
28. The Roumanian Army is now reported to consist of 19 infantry divisions, 4 cavalry brigades, 4 mountain brigades, 2 fortifications brigades and 1 mechanised brigade. None of these formations is at full strength and the number of men still with the colours is thought to be about 250,000.
It is reported that the army is to be mobilised in February and March. This report should be treated with reserve, but, if it is correct, the strength would be raised to about 500,000 men during those months.
Africa.
Libya.
29. Leading elements of our forces entered Cirene on the 3rd February.
Egypt.
30.
12,400 Australians, including an infantry brigade, a M.G. battalion and a light A.A. regiment and 300 New Zealanders, have arrived at Suez.
Sudan.
31. On the 1st February troops of our northern column occupied Agordat, and are now closing in on the strongly held positions about Keren. As a result of our pressure on Barentu the enemy withdrew to the south-east on the night of the 1st/2nd February; we occupied the town on the morning of the 2nd February and are pressing the enemy vigorously in the Tole area.
In the various operations based on the Sudan our casualties have been light. We have taken about 1,500 prisoners, mostly Italian, and considerable military material.
East Africa.
32. East of Lake Rudolf, our troops have occupied El Gummu and Goras (28 miles north-east of Dukana), and over the Somaliland border, Beles Gugani (50 miles north-west of Kismayu). In all sectors the enemy have sustained casualties disproportionate to our own, which have been negligible.
Seychelles.
33. The personnel of a Coast Defence Battery of the Ceylon Garrison Artillery has arrived in Seychelles to man two 6-inch naval guns.
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