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No. XXXC 64 April 24, 1942 AMDI 2 24/115P dj

CABLEGRAM

AC-4

Received at the War Department Message Center Room 3441 Muntions Bldg., Washington, D.C.

April 24, 1942

735A M.

From LONDON

To THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Former Naval person to President and secret number 76.

In my immediately following telegram is a note drafted by me on 22nd for Defense Committee and accepted by them. It should explain to you how we are planning to act. I beg that this may be for you and Admiral King alone.

I am deeply anxious about Malta under the unceasing bombardment of 450 1st line German aircraft. If the island fortress is to hold out till the June convoy, which is the earliest possible, it must have a continued flow of Spitfires. The last flying off from Wasp was most successful, although unhappily the enemys attack broke up many after they had landed. We are using Eagle to send in 15 or so at a time. I shall be grateful if you will allow Wasp to do a 2nd trip. We will of course escort with Renown as before. I do not think enemy have the slightest idea Wasp has been in and out of the Mediterranean. Without this aid I fear Malta will be pounded to bits. Meanwhile its defense is wearing out the enemys air force and effectively aiding Russia.

Para 3 will follow later.

PRIME

SECRET REGARDED UNCLASSIFIED by British Govt., State Dept. tel., 3-29-72 By R. H. Parks Date MAY 5 1972

Copies furnished as noted:

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