CAB80-20 — Page 259

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ANNEX.

Copy of a Telegram dated 16th October, No A.ES./0/22719 from Commander-in-Chief

Middle East to the War Office.

1940

228

Private from Secretary of State for C.I.G.S. and

P.S. to S. of S. for Prime Minister.

One.

Following on my discussions with Commander-in- Chief and Air Officer Commanding yesterday (Monday), Commander-in-Chief, General Wilson and I had a conference for

General Wilson explained situation three hours this morning. in detail and we examined exhaustively dispositions in Western Desert, enemy's probable intentions, our present

I shall bring back full counter action and future plans.

details on all these points but following are chief factors which emerged.

Two.

General Wilson estimates that the maximum strength Italians can deploy against Matruh is three divisions though larger forces are available, limiting factors being difficulties of maintenance particularly water and communica- tions. Road from Sidi Barrani to the East has been thoroughly

as the North and broken and all water slated as far East

Of these three divisions it is South road through Medwar. unlikely that any one will be a complete armoured division as Italian tactics in this respect differ from ours and the Germans. They use their armoured troops in conjunction with

The only Italian columns of infantry and mobile artillery. activity at present East and South East of Sidi Barrani is reconnaissance in M.T. which is not pressed when resistance is

met.

Three. At present the enemy is being continually harassed by patrols of our armoured cars, mobile artillery and

This harassing is being infantry carried in trucks. continued to the limit of our resources but shortage of M.T. conditions our mobility. For the present tanks of the 7th Armoured Division are being rested with a view to their employment against any further enemy advance, but General Wilson intends to blood his new tank regiments as soon as he can.

Four. If the enemy resunes his advance from Sidi Barrani, it is probable that the nature of the country will

It is force him to move in two widely separated columns. intended to harass this advance continually and to hold the enemy in front of Matruh while the 7th Armoured Division

Dumps of attacks the enemy southern column in the flank. petrol and water have been so placed in the desert that however much the enemy may try to outflank the 7th Armoured

The latter will Division, they will be unable to do so. always be able to keep south of the enemy and attack his flank.

Five. While it is intended to give battle to the enemy in the neighbourhood of Matruh, further defences have been constructed in depth. These are being strengthened.

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