Chapter 73 Volume 2, Chapter 31, Victory in the Desert

Intermittent and Preparation The Advance December 6-8 Completely Successful My Letter to the President, Mr. Menzies and General Wavell Defeats the Main Force Matthew James Badia 3rd January Tobruk on the 21st of January 113,000 captured and more than 700 cannon captured Menciano's diary Mussolini's reaction I present a warning to the Senate about the future of the threat of submarines I address the Italian people The broadcast of one man and one man alone is guilty of the revolt of Abyssinia the emperor returns home to try to save Vichy my letter to Marshal Pétain to General Weygand the plan for the liberation of Djibouti: Mary's plan of operations at airfields in Greece and Turkey A fortune of choice At the end of the year At the end of the year I have received a letter from the Emperor I have restored the honor of the British nation and empire on the 5th of January The banner of liberty is flying But mortal danger is imminent.

Days are like years before a great operation begins.The remedy was to deal with other urgent matters. There were indeed many urgent matters at that time.I was so happy that our generals were going to take the offensive that I had no undue apprehension at all about the outcome.I am very disapproving of wasting the army on the internal security of Kenya, Palestine and Egypt; however, I am very impressed with the quality and high morale of the famous teams and professional officers and soldiers who have received long-term training for this important task. Is convinced.Eden also felt quite sure, especially in General Wilson, who was in charge of the battle; but they were all wearing green jackets at that time[1], and they also fought in green jacket troops in the last war.At the same time, there is a lot to talk and do outside of the few who know the inside story.

[1] The Rifle Brigade and the Royal Rifle Brigade. All those troops that were to be employed in this attack practiced for a month or more the special tasks they would undertake in the extremely complex offensive.The details of the plan were drawn up by Lieutenant General Wilson and Major General O'Connor, and General Wavell was often present to review them.Only a few officers knew the extent of the full plan, and there was literally nothing on the matter in the documents.In order to surprise the enemy and launch a surprise attack, we tried to give the enemy the impression that our troops were greatly weakened by the reinforcement of Greece and that they were about to continue to retreat.On December 6th, about 25,000 of our lean, dark-faced, fully mechanized army, trained in the desert, advanced for more than 40 miles, and lay motionless all day long in the desert. In the barren sand, it was not discovered by the Italian Air Force.On December 8, they advanced again, and the troops were not informed for the first time that night that this was not an exercise in the desert, but a real war.At dawn in September, the prelude to the Battle of Sidi Barani began.

During the next four days the intricate and very scattered fighting spread over an area about the size of Yorkshire, of which I shall not here dwell.It's all going great.A brigade attacked Nibewa at seven in the morning, and after more than an hour's fighting captured the city.At 1:30 p.m., the attack on the Tumar barracks began. In the evening, almost the entire area of ​​the barracks was occupied by our army, and most of the defenders were captured.Meanwhile, the 7th Armored Division cut off the coastal road to the west, thereby isolating Sidi Barani.The troops stationed in Matruh Port, including the Colstream Guard, also prepared to stand by for an attack.As soon as dawn broke on the tenth, they stormed the frontal Italian positions under the cover of powerful firepower from warships.

The fighting lasted all day, and at ten o'clock the Kolestream Guard Command reported that there were too many prisoners to count, some five hundred officers and two hundred soldiers. Every hour they sent messages from the battlefield to my flat in Downing Street.Although it is difficult to know the detailed combat situation, the overall impression is good. I remember a telegram sent by a young officer from a tank of the Seventh Armored Division impressed me deeply. He said: "Have arrived in Booker‧ Booker's second cloth.On the tenth I informed the House of Commons that the battle in the desert was going on; five hundred enemy troops had been captured and an Italian general killed; our troops had reached the coast.It is too early to estimate the scope or outcome of the ongoing war.In any event, we can say that the preliminary phase has been successful.In the afternoon, our army captured Sidi Barani.

From December 11, the main content of the fighting was: the 7th Armored Division, followed by the British 16th Infantry Brigade (motorized) and the Australian 6th Division, which switched defenses with the 4th Indian Division, continued to pursue the Italian deserters .On the twelfth of December I could tell the House of Commons that the whole seaside area around Booker Booker and Sidi Barrani had fallen into the hands of the British and Imperial forces and that seven thousand prisoners had been sent to Matt Lu Gang.We do not yet know how many Italians were surrounded, but it would not be surprising if the elite of at least three Italian divisions, including many Blackshirt groups, were either wiped out or captured.Now it is continuing to pursue westward in one go.The air force was bombing, the navy was targeting the main roads of retreat, and reports were being received, and a large number of captures had been made.

It is too early to estimate the size of these military operations, but it is clear that the victories they have won on this African battlefield are first-class victories, Sir Archibald Wavell, Henry May Highest merit to Sir Tlan Wilson, the staff who planned this extremely complex military operation, and the troops who carried it out with astonishing stamina and bravery.The whole matter must be weighed against the background of the fact that, just three or four months ago, we were very concerned about the defense of Egypt.Our apprehensions are now swept away, and Britain has fully fulfilled its pledges and promises to defend Egypt effectively against invaders.

When Sidi Barani's victory was finally secured, on December 12, General Wavell took a wise and bold decision on his own initiative.Instead of leaving the newly replaced 4th British Indian Division on the field as a general reserve, he immediately transferred it to Eritrea to join the 5th British Indian Division in the Abyssinian Army under the command of General Pratt. battle.Part of the division went to Port Sudan by sea, and the other part went up the Nile River by train and then changed boats.Some of them sailed almost directly from the Sidi Barani front to where they had embarked, and when they reached the battlefield seven hundred miles away, they quickly went into battle again.The first troops to Port Sudan arrived at the end of December and the full deployment was completed on 21 January.The division participated in the pursuit of the Italian army retreating from Kassala to Keren on January 19, where it encountered resistance from the main force of the Italian army.As we shall see, General Pratt's combat tasks at Keren were difficult even with the British 4th and 5th Indian Divisions.Without General Wavell's foresighted decision-making, not only the victory of the Battle of Keren would not be guaranteed, but also the liberation of Abyssinia would be far away.Recent developments on the coast of North Africa and in Abyssinia have shown how correct the Commander-in-Chief's assessment of the pros and cons of the situation and of the surrounding circumstances was.

I hastened to congratulate all concerned and urged them to spare no effort in pursuing the enemy. former navy personnel to president roosevelt December 13, 1940 I am sure you will be delighted with our victory in Libya.This victory, combined with Italy's setback in Albania, will make life very difficult for Mussolini if ​​we make good use of our success.The full outcome of the campaign is not yet known, but if Italy is defeated our cause will be more promising than it was four or five months ago. Mr. Churchill to Mr. Menzies, Prime Minister of Australia December 13, 1940 I am sure that you will rejoice at the splendid victory of the Imperial Army in Libya.This victory, and the Italian defeat in Albania, would make life very difficult for Mussolini.You remember, a few months ago, I couldn't even guarantee the successful defense of the Nile Delta and the Suez Canal.We sailed around the Cape of Good Hope at great peril under the imminent threat of invasion on our home island, and now it was all paid off.We are planning to muster in the Middle East a strong army representing the entire Reich and a large navy to deal with Germany's sudden turn there, while, if necessary, moving eastward in your direction.Always work harder to be successful.Wish you all the best.

Prime Minister to General Wavell December 13, 1940 I sincerely congratulate you on your glorious victory, which fulfilled our highest hopes.There was a thunderous round of applause when I told in the House of Commons what a masterful staff job was required and how bravely the Army carried out this daunting task.Once all the results are known, the Emperor will call to reward.In the meantime, please convey my thanks and respects to Wilson, and please accept my thanks and respects yourself. The poet Walt Whitman said that with every successful outcome, no matter how full it may be, there will be problems that will require us to devote even greater battles to solve them.Naturally, chasing the enemy is at the top of your mind.The day when the victor is exhausted is the time when the greatest compensation can be obtained from the loser.Nothing made Mussolini shudder more than the defeat in Libya.No doubt you have considered taking several ports in Italian territory, and having your fleet transport all the men and equipment you need, using these ports as new springboards for pursuing the enemy along the coast until real resistance is met.It seems that these people are like ripe crops waiting for us to harvest.Please let us know your ideas and plans as soon as possible.

Once you have fully concluded operations on the coast of Africa, we will be able to take a fresh look at our prospects, and several great opportunities to choose from will be presented to us. By December 15, all enemy troops had been swept from Egypt.Most of the Italian forces remaining in Cyrenaica retreated to the isolated defensive position of Badia.This ended the first phase of the Battle of Sidi Barrani and wiped out most of the five enemy divisions.More than 38,000 enemy soldiers were captured.Our own losses were: 133 killed, 387 wounded, and 8 missing. Prime Minister to General Wavell December 16, 1940 The Nile Corps have done honorable service to the Empire and our cause, and we have reaped the rewards in every way.We are deeply indebted to you, Wilson, and the other commanders whose military skill and daring leadership brought us great victories in the Libyan Desert.Now, of course, your first object is to smash the Italian Army and drive them off the coast of Africa as best you can.We have learned that you intend to attack Badia and Tobruk, and now we have the latest news about your capture of Sulum and Capucho. We are very happy.I am convinced that you would abandon your main object for secondary operations in the Sudan or the Dodecanese only when you were sure you could go no further.Sudan is extremely important, and obviously can be taken, and it can save two Indian brigades (ie the British 4th Indian Division) without affecting the pursuit of Libya.Wait a while before starting the operation on the Dodecanese Islands, so as not to increase difficulties.However, these two actions must not be allowed to interfere with the supreme task of further defeating the main Italian army.Of course, I am far away from home and cannot make judgments on special circumstances, but I think that Napoleon's motto should defeat the main force, and the rest will be solved, so it should be remembered.I must reiterate what I stated in my last telegram: conduct amphibious operations and land behind enemy lines in order to cut off the enemy's forces and enable our army to transport supplies and troops by sea. Please convey my respect and congratulations to Longmore for his excellent handling of the Royal Air Force and his success with the Army.I hope that most of the new Tornados have reached him safely.Please tell him we loaded the Fury with more aircraft available from Takoradi.He's also going to get the planes that went through the excess (action plan).Both batches are due to arrive in early January. Prime Minister to General Wavell December 18, 1940 Chapter Seven of Matthew's Gospel. Ask and it will be given to you.Seek and you will find.Knock, and the door will be opened to you. General Wavell Prime Minister December 19, 1940 The seventeenth chapter of the first chapter of the Book of James. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. descended from the Father of Lights.With him there is no change, no shadow of turning. Badia is our next target.Most of the other four Italian divisions were stationed within seventeen miles of it.The fortifications consisted of continuous anti-tank trenches and barbed wire barriers, with concrete bunkers at intervals and a second fortification behind them.Assaulting such a powerfully fortified position requires preparation.The 7th Armored Division prevented the enemy from escaping to the north and northwest.To attack this position we have at our disposal the 6th Australian Division, the 16th British Infantry Brigade, the 7th Battalion of the Royal Tank Regiment (26 tanks), a Machine Gun Battalion, a Field Artillery Regiment and a Medium Range artillery regiment. In order to finish the paragraph on Victory in the Desert, I forgot to talk about the New Year.The attack began in the early morning of January 3.A battalion of Australian troops, under the cover of powerful intensive artillery fire, captured a stronghold in the western outlying position.Behind them, sappers rushed into the anti-tank trenches.The two Australian brigades went on the offensive and swept east and southeast.At that time, they sang a song they learned from American movies, which soon became popular in England as well: Let's go see the wizard, the mysterious wizard of oz We've heard he's the patriarch of wizards, If there really are wizards in the world. This song often reminds me of these light-hearted days.On the afternoon of the 4th, the British tanks, the so-called Matildas, attacked Bardia with the support of infantry; on the 5th, all the defenders surrendered.A total of 45,000 enemies were captured, and 462 cannons were captured. The next day, January 6, it was Tobruk's turn, and the 7th Armored Division cut off its communication; on the 7th, the leading Australian brigade had reached the front of its eastern defense line. The twenty-seven miles of outlying positions here were similar to those at Bardia, except that in many places the anti-tank trenches were not deep enough to be effective.The garrison consisted of a full infantry division, a corps headquarters, and a large number of remnants drawn from the front positions.The attack was not possible until 21 January, when another Australian brigade, under cover of heavy artillery fire, charged into the southern outlying positions.The other two brigades of the division entered the improvised bridgehead position and expanded to the left and right.In the evening, one-third of the defense zone was occupied by our troops, and all resistance ceased in the early morning of the next day.Nearly 30,000 people were captured, and 236 cannons were seized.In six weeks, the Desert Corps advanced more than 200 miles in the water-scarce and food-deficient areas, captured two well-fortified ports often equipped with naval and air forces, captured 113,000 enemy troops, and captured more than 700 cannons. Door.The vast Italian army, which had invaded and hoped to conquer Egypt, was now in ruins, and it was only the great difficulties of distance and supplies that delayed the infinite westward advance of the British army. During all these battles the fleet gave great support.Badia and Tobruk were in turn heavily bombarded by the fleet, whose aircraft also took part in the land operations.In particular, the navy, in addition to providing great convenience for transporting military personnel into the occupied ports, also sent three thousand tons of supplies to the army's vanguard every day to support the advance of the army.The success of our victorious Army was also largely due to the superiority of the Royal Air Force over the Italian Air Force.Although our air force is inferior to the enemy in numbers, the aggressive spirit of the pilots quickly made them completely overwhelm the enemy in terms of morale, thus enjoying the freedom of air activities.Our attack on the enemy's airfield was quite fruitful, and it was later discovered that hundreds of enemy planes had been destroyed and abandoned. It is often interesting to see the other person's reaction.Readers are already familiar with Count Ciano, please don't be too harsh on weak people, such people are easily led astray by the temptation of money and status.Those who have successfully resisted these temptations can comment on matters.When Ciano faced the firing squad, he fully paid his debt.Bad guys are made of different materials.However, we mustn't think this way: it's better to be a big bad than to be a Ciano or one of various potential Cianos.We have seen Ciano's daily diary. 【１】 [1] "Ciano's Diary, 1939 | 1943", edited by Malcolm Magritte, pp. 315 | 317. Among them are the following: December 8: Nothing new.December 9: Plotting against Badoglio.December 10: The news of the British attack on Sidi Barani came like a bolt from the blue.It didn't seem serious at first, but Graziani's subsequent telegrams proved that we were defeated.Ciano had seen his father-in-law twice that day and thought his father-in-law was still calm.He put aside his personal position and commented on this matter with an objective attitude.Even more obsessed with Graziani's prestige.On the 11th, the key figures in Rome had to admit that the fourth division of the Italian army had been wiped out; and what was worse: Graziani emphasized the courage and strategy of the enemy without talking about his own countermeasures.Mussolini remained poised.He believed that at the turning point of every war, we inevitably have to live through many painful days.Nothing serious would have happened if the British had stopped as soon as they reached the frontier.On the contrary, if they had reached Tobruk, he thought the situation was close to tragedy.In the evening, the leaders were informed that within two days all five divisions had been smashed.Obviously, something has always gone wrong with the Italian Army of the Five Divisions! On December 12, Graziani sent a disastrous telegram.He intended to retreat all the way to Tripoli so that the flag could fly over at least that fortress.He was very annoyed that Mussolini was too influenced by Rommel to insist that he take such a big risk to attack Egypt.He complained that he had been forced to fight a flea versus an elephant.Apparently, fleas had eaten most of the statue. On the 15th, Ciano himself could not decide whether the British would stop at the border, and he briefly wrote down his opinion in his diary.Deviating from military behavior, Graziani lashed out at his superiors.Mussolini said something that was perhaps quite fair: this is another man whom I should not be angry with because I despise him.He still hoped that the British advance would be stopped at Derna at least. I reported to the House every day our progress in the desert, and on the nineteenth of December I gave a long speech on the whole situation.I describe the improvement of our homeland defenses and urge everyone to be vigilant.We expect the enemy's air raids to continue; and the arrangement of our bomb shelters, improvements in sanitation, and efforts to ameliorate the abysmal conditions of the people's night's rest are among the top priorities of the government at home.The Air Defense Battalion, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Health fought on the front lines, as did the armored units that pursued the Italians in the Libyan desert.Concerning the loss of ships in the Atlantic, I think it is also necessary to warn.The rate of loss of ships remains worrisome; not as bad as it was at the height of the crisis in 1917, but we should still realize that the danger which we seemed to have overcome a year ago may also return.In the future, we will continue to increase the strength of our small fleet and other methods of defense, but we must deal with enemy submarines and enemy long-range bombers that are now attacking us. The first task of all military tasks. I felt that now was the time to say a few words to the Italian people over the radio, and so on the night of December 23rd I reminded them of the long friendship between Britain and Italy, and now we are at war with each other.Our armies are smashing and must smash your African Empire.How did all this come about? What is all this for? Italians, I will tell you the truth.It's all because of one person.One man, the one man who plunged the Italian people into a life-and-death struggle against the British Empire, and deprived Italy of the sympathy and friendship of the United States of America.I do not deny that he was a great man, but no one can deny that after eighteen years of unfettered power he has brought your country to the brink of terrible ruin.That is, this person, against the will of the Italian king and royal family, against the purpose of the Pope and the Holy See of the Vatican and the Catholic Church, against the will of the Italian people who did not want to fight this war at all, made the heirs and descendants of ancient Rome and the vicious and brutal pagans For company. I read out my letter to Mussolini when I was Prime Minister and the reply he wrote to me on May 18, 1940 [1], and then I said: 【1】See Chapter VI of the upper part of this volume, page 107.translator Where has this leader led the people who trusted him after eighteen years of dictatorship?What a bad way out they could choose now: either, prepare to be bombarded by the whole British Empire at sea, in the air, and in Africa, and face a violent counterattack by the Greek nation; 1] Leading the greedy army and the secret police to occupy, suppress and protect the Italian people, whom he and his Nazis had an outspoken and extreme contempt for, race by race as they have for you never seen. 【1】Attila was the king of the Huns in the fifth century. He once attacked Gaul and invaded Italy, causing Western Rome to beg for peace. This is a metaphor for Hitler.translator That is what happened to you with one and only one.I will wait until the day when the Italian nation can once again create its own destiny must come to dwell on this unfolding story. Strangely enough, on the same day, Mussolini Ciano said about the morale of the Italian Army[1]: Anyway, I have to admit that the Italians in 1914 were better than the Italians now.This is not to praise the system at that time, but to tell the truth.The next day, he looked out the window and said: "It's been nice with the snow and the cold.In this way we good-for-nothing Italians, an inferior race, will improve.Such were the anguish and unpleasant feelings that the defeat of the Italian Army in Libya and Albania tormented the heart of this evil man after what he believed to be a six-month war of aggression against the fading British Empire. [1] "Ciano's Diary", page 321 At this time, the situation evolves rapidly, so all possible measures must be considered in advance, so that we can cope with the situation.Our victory in Libya has stirred a rebellion against Italy in Abyssinia.I hope that Emperor Haile Selassie can return to his homeland as he wished.The Foreign Office considers this step premature.I heeded the advice of the new foreign minister, but without delay, the emperor risked everything, and returned to his country before long. (Same day action only) Prime Minister to Foreign Secretary, General Ismay and to Chiefs of Staff Committee December 30, 1940 It seems that we should make every effort to satisfy the wishes of the Ethiopian Emperor.As far as I understand, we have prevented our officers from entering the Gaela [1] place.It would be a pity to use only a few battalions of Ethiopian fugitives to build the road, and these people may be able to foment an uprising.We have an army of 64,000 in Kenya, completely inactive, and of course they can replace these road builders.First of all, I am very much in favor of Haile Selassie returning to Abyssinia.Whatever the divisions among the Abyssinian tribes, there can be no doubt that the return of the emperor was a sign of the strength of the uprising and could be linked with our rumored victory in Libya. [1] Kusitik-speaking tribes in southeastern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and British East Africa at that time.translator It would be my pleasure to draw up for me a reply addressed to the Emperor of Abyssinia expressing his assent. Prime Minister to Foreign Secretary December 31, 1940 It was thought that it was best for the emperor of Abyssinia to judge for himself when he might risk his life to return home and be restored.You said in your memo that we were rushed into premature and potentially disastrous action.Not at all do I wish to be compelled to act in haste, but I wish to know the reasons why the Emperor of Abyssinia did nothing for several months.I wish the telegram to him had been a little more conspicuous, and the telegram to Sir Miles Lampson more definite.However, these are only matters to be emphasized; and if, in your opinion, it is not convenient for you to give more explicit instructions, I do not insist on changing the message. The question of what guarantees would be given to Haile Selassie's restoration, and what would be said about Italy's position in East Africa, should our campaign go well (and it likely will be), was gaining the attention of the Foreign Office.It was a great pleasure to hear you speak of it this morning. Finally, I am anxious to give the Vichy government an opportunity to take advantage of this favorable turn of events.In war there is no room for anger, anger, or resentment.The primary purpose must override any secondary causes of distress.A few weeks earlier the Chiefs of Staff and the War Department Staff had prepared an expeditionary force of six divisions and had drawn up plans to land in Morocco if France agreed.We have the advantage that M. Dupuy, Canada's representative at Vichy, can serve as our intermediary for Marshal Pétain.The United States must be kept informed of the situation; for I have already sensed that the President expresses concern for Tangier, Casablanca, and even the entire Atlantic coastline of Africa, which the American military authorities consider endangering the United States if Germany seizes this coastline as a base for submarines safety.Accordingly, with the full agreement of the Committee of the Chiefs of Staff and the War Cabinet, M. Dupuy himself sent the following letter to the Vichy Government, and the Foreign Office informed our Chargé d'affaires in Washington. Prime Minister to Marshal Petain December 31, 1940 If at any time in the near future the French Government decides to move to North Africa, or to resume the war against Italy and Germany from there, we are ready to send a strong and well-equipped expeditionary force of six divisions to the aid of Morocco, Algiers, and Tunisia defense.As soon as the transport and landing equipment were ready, the divisions were ready to go.We now have in England a large and well-armed army, with a large well-trained and rapidly improving reserve force, in addition to meeting enemy invasions.The situation in the Middle East is also improving. 2. The British Air Force has now begun to expand and may also provide strong assistance. 3. The British and French fleets will be united again, and the two sides will jointly use bases in Morocco and North Africa to ensure control of the Mediterranean Sea. 4. We are willing to hold the most confidential staff meeting with any military representative you designate. 5. On the other hand, delay is dangerous.The Germans could at any time, by threat or inducement, fly down to Spain to keep us out of the anchorage at Gibraltar, and they would effectively control the batteries on both sides of the Channel and station their air force at the airfields.They are accustomed to surprise attacks, and if they gain a foothold on the coast of Morocco, all plans will be in vain.Unless we make up our minds to plan together and act decisively, at any time the situation may deteriorate and hopes will be dashed.Above all, the French government understands that we are able and willing to provide strong and increasing assistance.However, once we are wasted, there is nothing we can do. A letter of similar content was also sent through another person to General Weygand, commander-in-chief now in Algiers.There was no reply from either party. We have made many works and plans, most of which have been arranged and prepared and approved in principle, let us now examine them.First of all, of course, is to defend the island from being invaded by enemies.So far we have armed and equipped nearly thirty highly mobile divisions, not necessarily all of them up to the highest standards of modern equipment; most of them are regular troops, and the soldiers have undergone rigorous training for fifteen months.In our opinion, the use of fifteen of these divisions, in addition to the troops stationed on the coast, would be sufficient to meet an invasion from overseas.In addition to our reserves, our National Guard now numbered over a million men, and they all had rifles and some ammunition.Therefore, we can devote twelve or fifteen divisions to overseas offensive operations whenever the need and opportunity arise.Reinforcement from Australia and New Zealand and from India to the Middle East, especially the Army of the Nile, has been made by ship or other arrangements.Since the Mediterranean Sea was still unnavigable, these convoys and their escorts had to make a long voyage, taking many weeks. Secondly, if the Vichy government or the French in North Africa are willing to unite under a common cause, we have prepared an expeditionary force of six divisions, with a part of the air force, which can be carried out in the Atlantic ports of Morocco, mainly Casablanca. Landing without resistance and with assistance.The Germans may send an equal number and equipment via Spain, and it depends on the degree of Spanish resistance whether we can move this elite force to Morocco or to Ceuta across Gibraltar more quickly than the Germans.But if we are asked, and if we want, we can land at Cadiz to help the Spaniards. Thirdly, if the Spanish government yields to German pressure and becomes Hitler's henchman or co-belligerent, thereby preventing us from using the port of Gibraltar, we will use the elite brigade and four suitable fast transports that are ready to go. Capture or occupy some Atlantic islands.Alternatively, if the Government of Portugal agrees, we may invoke for this purpose the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1373, friend to friend, foe to foe, with swift action in the Cape Verde Islands to establish a base.This plan of operations, known as the Blowing Bomb, would give us the necessary air bases and refueling bases for ships, and enable the Navy to control the vital route around the Cape of Good Hope. Fourth, to send a French Charles de Gaulle brigade from England, with reinforcements from West Africa, to sail around the Cape of Good Hope to Egypt in order to take Djibouti when circumstances permit (Marie's Operation Plan). 【１】 [1] The Prime Minister to General Ismay, Transfer to the Chiefs of Staff Committee December 1, 1940 General de Gaulle told me that he wanted to recover Djibouti and would refer to it as Marie in all future documents and telegrams related to this operation.He was sending three battalions of French troops from Equatorial Africa to Egypt, where General Le Genthiaume would meet them.These battalions were to be used in the defense of Egypt, or perhaps ostensibly as a symbolic contribution to the defense of Greece.There are no secrets about this.Instead, make a big announcement that they are in Egypt.However, when the time came, the battalions were escorted to Djibouti by British naval ships.Apart from this, no other assistance will be requested from the UK.General de Gaulle believed that Le Genthiaume, whose annex also naturally agreed with this opinion, could take control of the place, win over the garrison there, unite it, and immediately fight the Italian army.This will be a very favorable development, and it is also the best thing de Gaulle can do at present.Please study this plan carefully and with de Gaulle.All relevant personnel should be earnestly warned to keep confidentiality and never mention this place name.The lessons of Dakar should be kept in mind.I estimate that it will take at least two months for the French battalions to reach Egypt.Please send me a detailed report. Preparations were also underway for reinforcements to the island of Malta, in particular air reinforcements (Operation Winch Plan), aimed at regaining control of the sea lanes between Sicily and Tunisia.As an important part of this strategy, plans were drawn up to capture the small rocky island of Pantleria with a brigade of shock troops under the personal command of Sir Roger Case (Operation Workshop Plan).Orders had been given that if, as a result of changes in the situation in Greece, it was necessary to reinforce the garrison on Crete, every effort should be made to develop the island's Souda Bay into a consolidated naval and air base.我們正在希臘增建機場，以便協助希臘陸軍並襲擊意大利，或在必要時襲擊羅馬尼亞的油田。在土耳其積極增建機場和對土耳其給予技術援助，也同樣在進行。 最後，我們還使用一切方法煽動阿比西尼亞起義，並以可觀的兵力駐在喀土穆，以便襲擊卡薩拉附近以對付駐在阿比西尼亞境內的大量意軍的威脅。曾經計劃，由陸軍和海軍聯合從肯尼亞沿東非海岸向紅海推進，奪取意大利的設防港口阿薩布和馬薩瓦，目的在於奪取意大利的殖民地厄立特里亞屬地。 這樣，我就可以把一個考慮周密、計劃詳細而有充分選擇餘地的行動方案提交戰時內閣，一下命令，便可立即執行，打擊敵人；並且，從作戰中，我們是一定能夠找到一些主動的、連續的海外攻勢作戰方法的，即使作戰的規模不大，也有利於我們一九四一年上半年的戰爭活動。在這期間，我們主要的作戰力量，在人員、軍火、飛機、坦克以及大炮各方面都將不斷地、大大地壯大起來。 在這年終的時候，這一年的光明和陰暗都刺人眼目地顯現在畫面上。我們還活著。我們已經擊敗德國的空軍。我們這個島沒有遭受敵人入侵。國內的陸軍現在已極為強大。倫敦在經歷考驗之後仍巍然屹立。一切與本土製空權有關的事項都得到迅速的改進。聽莫斯科指揮的共產黨人誹謗我們，胡說這是一場資本主義和帝國主義的戰爭，但是，在工廠裡機器之聲震耳欲聾，整個不列顛民族日以繼夜地辛勤勞動，我們得到了更生，我們感到自豪，我們精神振奮，奔騰前進。在利比亞的沙漠上發射出勝利的光芒；大西洋彼岸的偉大的共和國越來越接近於承擔起它的義務，並對我們進行援助了。 這時，我奉到英皇慰勉有加的手諭。 桑德林厄姆 我親愛的首相 一九四一年一月二日 我衷心祝你新年快樂，並願我們在來年見到這場戰爭將接近結束。我在此逗留期間，覺得體力日漸恢復；這對我大有裨益；環境的變換和戶外運動無異於良好的補劑。但是，當每一個人都堅守崗位的時候，我認為我不應離開我的職責所在的地方。然而，我應當把這次旅行當作醫療，希望歸去時身體強健，精神煥發，重新以充沛的精力與敵人戰鬥。 我衷心希望並確信你在聖誕節能百忙之中抽暇稍事休息。我對你在過去七個月中作為我的首相的一切經營擘劃備致讚佩，我對我們每週一同進餐時的談話，甚有興味。我希望在我歸來後我們仍繼續每週同進一次午餐，我切盼與你一起談話。 我希望於下星期一到謝菲爾德【１】 巡視。我可以在這一天 從這裡直接前往。 再次為你祝福。 你的誠摯的 國王喬治 我表示衷心的感激。 陛下：一九四一年一月五日 【１】謝菲爾德曾遭受慘重的轟炸。 奉到陛下慰勉有加的手諭，極感榮幸。自從我出任海軍大臣，尤其是擔任首相以來，陛下和王后對於我的恩眷，是我在為生存而進行激烈鬥爭的坎坷歷程中獲取力量和鼓舞的泉源。作為君王的一個大臣，我在陛下的父親和祖父治下供職多年，我的父親和祖父也曾在維多利亞女王治下供職，但是，陛下待我的親切仁厚，已超過所能想像的程度。 陛下，我們度過的這些日子，不亞於英吉利君主國歷史中所曾有過的最艱難、嚴峻的日子，就是現在擺在我們面前的仍然是一條艱苦漫長的道路。我們每週在那座慘遭轟炸的古老的白金漢宮共進午餐，使我受到莫大的鼓舞，對陛下和王后不懼危險不怕勞累的旺盛精神深有感受。這場戰爭使君王和人民的關係空前密切，陛下和王后比過去任何一個君王都更受各個階層和各種社會地位的人的愛戴。在英國歷史上的這個重要關頭，我榮膺重任，擔任首相，得侍立於陛下的左右，內心竊幸，感到自豪；值茲巴迪亞日，英勇的澳大利亞軍又俘獲意軍兩萬我於此日上書足證我們的前途美好，對未來充滿希望和信心。 陛下的忠實臣僕 溫斯頓‧斯‧邱吉爾 我深信，我們可以把這驚濤駭浪的一年當作我們悠久的英吉利和大不列顛帝國歷史上最光榮的一年，也是最艱難的一年。摧毀西班牙的無敵艦隊的，就是這個偉大的古老的英格蘭。信念和決心燃起的熾烈的火焰，使我們渡過了威廉三世和馬爾巴羅公爵對路易十四進行的二十五年戰爭。我們曾經有過查塔姆【１】的光榮時代。我們曾對拿破侖進行過長期的鬥爭，在這一鬥爭中我們的生存由於英國海軍在納爾遜和他的同僚的出色的領導下掌握了制海權而得到保障。在第一次世界大戰中，英國犧牲了一百萬人，但所有這些與一九四○年相比，都相形見絀。在這年年底，這個古老的蕞爾海島，連同效忠的聯邦、自治領和普天之下的屬地，已經證明它是能夠負起支配世界命運的全部重擔的。我們沒有被嚇倒，我們也沒有動搖。我們並未失敗。英國人民和英國民族的精神已經證明是不可征服的。聯邦和帝國的堡壘是攻不破的。我們雖單獨作戰，但任何見義勇為的人都給我們以支持，我們在暴君達到勝利的高峰時向他挑戰。 【１】即查塔姆伯爵威廉‧皮特（一七○八｜一七七八年）。皮特為英國歷史中的政治家，在他當權的年代，英國先後在印度、非洲和加拿大發動侵略，海軍稱霸海上。translator 我們的一切潛力現在都發揮出來了。空襲的恐怖業經克服。我們這個島令人莫測高深，是不可侵犯的。今後，我們也將獲得戰鬥的武器。今後，我們也將成為一部結構極為嚴密的作戰機器。我們已經向世界表明，我們自己能夠保衛自己。關於希特勒統治世界的問題有兩個方面。不列顛，許多人曾經認為它已經完了，可是，現在仍然在比賽場上，而且比過去強大得多，它的力量正與日俱增。時間再一次對我們有利，而且不僅限於我國一隅。美國正在迅速地武裝，越來越接近於戰爭。在戰爭爆發時，蘇俄愚昧地錯誤估計我們不堪一擊，並從德國換取了暫時的權益，分得了一份贓物；它現在也比以前強大多了，並且鞏固了它為保衛自己而取得的許多前沿陣地。日本似乎是由於世界大戰顯然有拖長之勢，而一時畏縮不前，它密切地注視著俄國和美國，深思熟慮：怎樣做才明智而有利。 大不列顛和它分佈遼闊的自治領和屬地，似乎曾經瀕臨毀滅的邊緣，它的心臟幾乎被敵人刺穿，它集中全力於戰爭問題至今已十五十月之久，訓練作戰人員，把無窮無盡的種種力量都用之於戰爭。弱小的中立國和被征服的國家，在大吃一驚和頓覺寬慰之後，見到天空的明星仍然發射著燦爛的光輝。千千萬萬人的心中又燃起了希望的火焰，迸發出奔騰的激情。正義的事業一定勝利。公理決不會被人蹂躪到底。自由的旗幟在這緊要關頭是英國國旗仍將迎風飄揚。 儘管我和我忠誠的同僚，根據精確的情報，站在高處，綜觀戰局，但感到憂慮的事仍然不少。我們已經覺察到敵人潛艇封鎖的陰影。我們的一切計劃能否成功，完全以我們能否擊退這一威脅為轉移。法蘭西之戰失敗了。不列顛之戰勝利了。大西洋之戰現在就要開始了。