Page:Cabinet Secretary's Notebook WM (42) 47th - 155th meetings..pdf/6

 1st Sea Lord.

For wk. 15 ships sunk by sub.

6 " " " aircraft

2 " " mines

3 " " for Gothenburg

4 " marine casualties

2 Japs in Bay Bengal

5 N. Atlantic - not known how

213,000 tons Overdue 52,000 50 ships 265,000 tons

180-190,000 tons in this week in N. Atlantic alone.

P.M. How came it that ships sheltering in Calcutta were sent out to their doom?

1st S. Ld. They were ordered out before known Japs were in Bay Bengal. Agreed however that reconnaissance wd. have helped. Convoys off N. America. Middle Section (Hampton Ride to Key West) to be introduced by 15th May. Southern section in July. Russian convoys. Bad time. 24 ships + 16 escort. Ice unexpectedly. 4 of convoy T. 3 ships damaged + returned. Rest of convoy going on - submarines awaiting them. Returning convoy 17 + 8 escort. Being attacked 1st air then u-boat - & 3 known to have bn. sunk. 20 Uboats [xxxx] concentrated in this area.

P.M. Conveying to Russians seriousness of effort we are making - and the great risk we are running. Admy. + F.O. suppose to see Russians on this and press for more air & sea support & co-operation.

1st Sea Lo. Truant (sub) sunk 2 returning Jap transports. (empty).

C.I.G.S. Burma. On E. Rd. 22nd Chinese Bttl lost 1200 men (heavy). 96th " Chinese expected to occupy Mandalay soon. P.M. No guerilla activity going on in China. Their own war is not being waged. In Burma they are fighting well. Libya. 7th A.Divi is now Sidi Omar 5th Indian Division in Sollum area. Changes in disposition as fm. map R. came on 3 columns, last few days. 4/4 signs retirement north and far south of [xxx]