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Recently there have been reports that the German ships Braunfels (7,847 tons), Drachenfels (6,342 tons) and Ehrenfels (7,752 tons) and the Italian s.s. Anfora (5,452 tons), will try and escape from Mormugao (Portuguese India).

American Intelligence.

13. There are no major changes in the American dispositions in the Pacific. The forces to the west of the Panama Canal consist of nine battleships, three aircraft carriers, twelve heavy cruisers, eleven light cruisers, upwards of seventy- five destroyers, and some forty submarines. Of these about two-thirds are stationed at the Sandwich Islands and the others on the Pacific coast.

Vichy French Intelligence.

14. The following is the latest information regarding the present state of readiness of the main units of the Vichy French Fleet :--

Richelieu.

At Dakar. Lying alongside No. 3 Mole, where she has been since the 5th July, 1941. Temporary repairs completed. One gun in upper after 15-inch turret out of action, otherwise main and secondary armament complete. Starboard outboard propeller removed. Present estimated maximum speed 234 knots. It is reported that the ship is looked upon as part of the fixed defences of the port, and that there is no immediate intention of moving her.

Jean Bart.

At Casablanca. Forward lower turret only mounted. A recent report has stated that this turret is in operating condition, although there is no evidence that missing breech blocks have in fact been fitted. Recent reports also indicate that work is being carried out on ship, believed in connection with installation of A.A. armament. It has also been reported that decks are being strengthened to resist incendiary and dive-bombing attacks. Hull reported to be very foul, and ship is probably not capable of more than 20 knots. Used as training ship. Upper structure has been painted yellow to blend with nearby buildings. Hull grey.

Dunkerque.

At Mers-el-Kebir (Oran). Temporary repairs to hull completed. Main and secondary armament complete. Reported that damage to electrical and fire control installations cannot be repaired locally owing to lack of material and technical equipment. Ship requires dry docking. Starboard outboard shaft is out of commission from effects of shell-fire in July 1940, and in present condition reported capable of 18 knots only on three shafts.

Strasbourg.

At Toulon. In full commission and fully effective. Last docked May 1941.

Provence.

At Toulon. Believed fully effective.

MILITARY SITUATION.

(An outline map showing Axis operations against Russia is included in this Résumé as an inset.)

Russo-German Campaign.

Finland and Leningrad Sectors.

15. There has been no change.

Central Sector.

16. On the Moscow front the Germans have, during the past week, made progress in three directions :-

(a) From the Klin area both eastwards and south-eastwards to points about

35 miles from Moscow;

(b) In the area of Novo Petrovskoje (about 30 miles W.N.W. of

Moscow); and

I

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