Chapter 77 Volume 3 Chapter 4 Mediterranean War

The importance of the island of Malta Admiral Keith's plan to capture the island of Banterella was postponed. Our navy had an encounter with the Luftwaffe on January 10. The aircraft carrier HMS Radiance was out of combat. The HMS Southampton was sunk. The Lost was damaged and sent reinforcements to the island of Malta. The Germans decided to attack the island of Malta. Admiral Somerville, the governor of Dobby, attacked Genoa on February 9 to reinforce the defenders of the island of Malta. Our submarine activities and achievements annihilated an enemy group. The transport convoy captured Benghazi on February 6th and completely occupied Cyrenaica. Eden and Dill's mission to the Middle East I telegraphed General Wavell on February 12th. To General Smuts on the 15th of February I am in charge of the Foreign Office I have a telegram to Mr Eden on the 20th of February Simultaneous telegram from Mr Eden Suez Canal threatened by mines Mr Eden's 21st of February Reporting he went to Athens His report dated 22 February Greece would hold on to the war It accepted the proposal to send British troops The War Cabinet favored the sending of troops to Greece The prospects were uncertain.

Since the days of Nelson, the island of Malta has stood like a loyal British sentinel guarding that narrow, vital sea corridor in the middle of the Mediterranean.In the latest war it has assumed greater strategic importance than in the past.In order to meet the needs of our large forces in Egypt, it has become our first priority to keep our convoys free to pass through the Mediterranean Sea while preventing the enemy from sending reinforcements to Tripoli.At the same time, the new German air weapons dealt a serious blow not only to the island of Malta, but also to Britain's effective maintenance of command over these narrow seas.Without the dangers of such modern weapons, our task would be much simpler.We were able to navigate the Mediterranean Sea freely, and cut off all other nations by sea.It is now impossible to base the main fleet on the island of Malta.The island itself was threatened by enemy attacks from various Italian ports and suffered frequent and repeated air raids.The enemy's air force also made it almost impossible for our transport fleet to pass through the Tunis Strait and the Malta Strait due to the dangers. We had to go around the Cape of Good Hope and experience a long voyage.At the same time, the superiority of the enemy's air force prevented our warships from operating fully in the Central Mediterranean without great loss and danger, so that they could maintain a supply line for Tripoli with troops and supplies.

The Italian island of Banterella lies about 140 miles from the island of Malta, at the throat of the western strait between Sicily and Tunisia.The island is known for being fortified and has a valuable airfield.This is an important stronghold on the enemy's air route to Tunis and Tripoli, and if it fell into our hands it would considerably increase the air cover we could place around the island of Malta.In September, 1940, I asked Admiral Keyes to develop a plan for the capture of Banterella Island with a new commando force.Our vision is for two or three troop transports to follow a well-defended convoy of ours.When the convoy caught the enemy's attention, the troop transports swerved in the dark and swooped on the island unexpectedly.This battle plan, known as the workshop, is gaining more and more support from the chiefs of staff of the three services.Keyes declared enthusiastically that he would put aside his position as admiral and lead the attack himself.

I, and others left and right, did not think much of the difficulty of actually taking the island, but the difficulty of maintaining this spoil when we were already under heavy pressure on the island of Malta aroused our misgivings.Nevertheless, on December 28, 1940, I issued the following memorandum: Prime Minister to General Ismay, Transfer to the Chiefs of Staff Committee After repeated consideration, I feel that the value of the workshop combat plan is very high, but there must be a careful and perfect plan before encountering a good opportunity.If successful, the effects of the workshop plan will be astonishing and will greatly increase our strategic position in the Central Mediterranean.It was also the most important step in enabling our merchant fleet and army transport fleet to pass through the Straits of Tunis and Malta, thus making our shipping much easier.The urgency of the matter is increased by the danger that if the Germans take over Italy, they must take over that workshop island, both to harass shipping and to defend against attack, thereby making an extremely difficult situation for our side.

The Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces immediately took up the matter, and I issued instructions on the matter again in the New Year: Prime Minister to General Ismay, Transfer to the Chiefs of Staff Committee January 13, 1941 The smooth entry of the German Air Force into Sicily may be the beginning of the deterioration of the situation in the central Mediterranean.The enemy's successful dive-bombing of the Radiant and two cruisers showed the need for such ships to be equipped with air mine throwers.I don't know why the Radiance failed to install two empty mine throwers.Every effort should be made to urge the parties concerned to use improved air mines suitable for use by the Navy.There seems to be a great need for high-speed aircraft to go out to sea to chase dive bombers.We should indeed try to have six Glenn Gates on board the Formidable before she sails into the Mediterranean.

2. I am very worried that the Germans will be stationed on Banterella Island. If so, they can block the channel with a powerful dive bomber fleet.There is an old saying: One stitch in time saves nine stitches. I am afraid this incident is another example of this old saying. 3. Now it is necessary to re-examine the workshop plan.Things had become far more urgent and more difficult at the same time, and would be even more difficult once the Germans were on the island.It is hoped that within a week the plan will be revised to a very precise level.Plans should also be made for identifying opportunities to start this action as early as possible.The question of whether to give it a try can only be decided after the method and timing are properly arranged.

4. I still fully believe that the workshop is a battle at stake. There was complete agreement, but, due to other work, there was no time to start action on the original end-January date.At a meeting at Checkers on the morning of January 18th, I agreed with the First Sea Lord and the other Chiefs of Staff, etc., to postpone the date by a month.I think I would have been able to get the meeting passed to maintain the original plan, but I and others were busy with more important business and heard that the commando team was not fully trained, so we did not stick to the original date .Case, who was not there at the time, was disappointed to hear about it.The delay put that plan in jeopardy.Long before the end of January, the Luftwaffe entered Sicily long before the end of January, and the situation changed completely.The value of this spoil, which we did not get, cannot be questioned.If we had taken Banterella in 1942, many good ships would have been spared while our convoys sailed past the enemy's interception to the island of Malta, and the enemy's route to Tripoli would have been spared. more harassment.On the other hand, we are also likely to be overwhelmed by the German air attack and lose our favorable position, which will further complicate the defense of Malta at this time.

I deeply feel the need for Banterella, but the timing is lost.We faced a great variety of problems until May 1943, after we had destroyed the German and Italian armies in Tunisia, and a British landing force under the orders of General Eisenhower, after a heavy bombardment, took over Banterella Island.At that time, we already had a very strong force in this field, and although the task was considered very difficult in advance, we did not suffer losses. The first fierce encounter between our navy and the Luftwaffe took place on January 10.At that time, the fleet was covering a series of important operations, including:

A convoy was sailing across the central Mediterranean from the west, other ships were carrying supplies to the island of Malta from the east, and various smaller convoys were heading to Greece.Early that morning, the destroyer Gallant hit a mine while escorting the main fleet in the Strait of Malta.Soon there were enemy planes following for reconnaissance; in the afternoon of the same day, German bombers began to attack violently.Enemy planes concentrated on bombing the new aircraft carrier USS Radiance commanded by Colonel Boyd.In three air raids, the Glory was hit six times by giant bombs, severely damaged and set ablaze, killing 83 people and seriously wounding 60.Thanks to its armored deck, the ship could effectively resist. The aircraft equipped on the ship destroyed at least five incoming enemy aircraft.That night, as the air raids intensified and the steering gear failed, Colonel Boyd sailed the Radiance into Malta.

That night, Admiral Cunningham led the main fleet to escort the eastward transport convoy south of the island of Malta without being blocked.The next day, as the cruisers HMS Southampton and HMS Gloucester were approaching the east coast of the island of Malta, they were attacked by dive bombers.Gloucester was hit by a bomb, which did not explode and was slightly damaged.However, Southampton's engine room was hit. The fire was so intense that it could not be extinguished, the ship had to give up and then sank.In this way, although the transport fleet sailed safely to its destination, the fleet paid a heavy price.

The Germans, sensing the danger the wounded Radiant was in on the island of Malta, were determined to destroy her.However, our air force stationed on the island has been strengthened, so that in the battle, nineteen enemy aircraft were shot down in one day.Although the Radiance was hit by another bomb in the dock, she was able to set sail on the night of January 23. The enemy found her sailing away, and searched for it in every possible way, but the ship arrived safely in Alexandria two days later. At this time, there were no fewer than 250 German planes attacking from Sicily.The island of Malta was bombed fifty-eight times in January, and thereafter until the end of May three or four times a day, with only short intervals in between.But our manpower and material resources have increased.Between April and June 1941, Admiral Somerville's H-Fleet made six sorties, transporting a considerable number of flying squadrons within range of the island of Malta, with 224 Tornado fighters Together with a few other types of aircraft, it flew to the battlefield from the west.Supplies and reinforcements also arrived from the east.By June, the island survived by repelling the first heavy enemy attack.The catastrophe came in 1942. General Dobby was an eminent governor in the island of Malta.He inspired soldiers and civilians of all ranks and classes with his determination.He was a soldier, recalling General Gordon[1] in leadership of war and religious zeal, and even earlier cavalry[2] and serious allies[3]. 【1】Charles George Gordon (1833｜85), a British colonialist, was engaged in the activities of aggression against China, Egypt and Sudan, and was the executioner of the bloody suppression of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Revolutionary Movement in China.In 1885, the Sudanese people killed Gordon in an armed uprising.translator [2] In the seventeenth century, the cavalry under Cromwell in England were fierce and good at fighting, and they were called iron cavalry.translator 【3】Participants in the serious alliance between England and Scotland in the seventeenth century against King Charles I.translator Prime Minister to General Dobby (in Malta) January 21, 1941 On behalf of the War Cabinet I send my heartfelt heartfelt heartfelt thanks to your heroic defenders and inhabitants, aided by the Navy and especially the Royal Air Force, in the splendid and unforgettable defense of the German and Italian forces congratulations.The whole British people, indeed the whole people of the British Empire, look day by day on the island of Malta in battle, and we are sure that your efforts will be crowned with success and glory. In the growing tension of events in the Mediterranean region, we tried to find ways to fight the enemy on the Italian mainland.The Italians are said to be demoralized, and attacking them on their own soil would depress them still more, and bring about the early collapse of Italy which we expect.On February 9, Admiral Somerville launched a valiant and successful attack on the port of Genoa. Force H, which included the Renown, the Malaya, and the Sheffield, appeared off the coast of Genoa and bombarded the city for half an hour.Meanwhile, planes from HMS Ark Royal bombed Livorno and Pisa and laid mines off Spezia.It was a completely successful surprise attack, met only by weak and utterly ineffectual fire from the batteries off the coast of Genoa.Port equipment and ships suffered great losses.Admiral Somerville's ships retreated under cover of low cloud cover, successfully evading interception by an enemy fleet searching west of Sardinia. At this time, the Germans became interested in the Mediterranean, so we urgently needed reinforcements for the island of Malta. Prime Minister to General Ismay, Transfer to the Chiefs of Staff Committee February 6, 1941 Although the British gas station at Souda Bay has made the attack on the island of Malta more difficult, I still hope to send another battalion as soon as possible, bringing the total strength to seven British battalions.Considering the rout of the Italian armies in Africa, there should be no difficulty in taking this seventh battalion from Egypt. It is a matter of arranging the transport of the fleet, and the question arises: Are not two battalions as easy to transport as one? It seems a pity that the bakery cart is so expensive to deliver only one loaf; if there are other loaves to deliver, the cart can easily carry two loaves.Please take this into consideration.Don't delay. By the beginning of April we were able to intensify our attacks on enemy ships carrying supplies for Rommel's troops in Libya.British submarines from the island of Malta played a major role in this operation, and their activities steadily increased in scale and success.The event was distinguished by Lieutenant Commander Malcolm Wanklin, who was later awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic deeds.He sank at the same time as his ship Support the following year, but the example he set will live on in the hearts of those who have carried on his work. On April 10, a battle fleet of four destroyers sailed to the island of Malta, commanded by Colonel Mike from the HMS Gaffers Bay, ready to attack the enemy's convoy.Within a week, they achieved amazing results.On a bright moonlit night, they encountered an enemy convoy heading south: five transports, escorted by three destroyers.All of these ships were annihilated in a close-quarters melee.Our destroyer USS Mohawk was also torpedoed and was allowed to sink, but her captain and most of her crew were rescued.In this operation alone, enemy ships loaded with 14,000 tons of important combat supplies were sunk. Good news keeps coming from the deserts of Africa.The 6th Australian Division entered Benghazi on 6 February, three weeks earlier than planned.At dawn on February 5, the British 7th Armored Division (at that time counted as a brigade in tanks) reached Musus after crossing many rough terrain.The division was ordered to cut off the coast road.That night an enemy column, numbering about 5,000 men, encountered our roadblock at Bedafum and quickly surrendered.In the early morning of February 6, several main columns of the enemy army began to enter this road, and we fought fiercely all day with the advancing troops, among which there were a considerable number of tanks.In the evening, the enemy army was in disarray, and the vehicles were in a mess for almost twenty miles, blocked in front and attacked in flank.Shortly after dawn on February 7, they dispatched thirty tanks for a final blow. This time they failed again, and General Bergenzuoli surrendered with his troops. Thus, in two months, the Nile Army advanced 500 miles, wiped out more than nine Italian divisions, captured 130,000 prisoners, and captured 400 tanks and 1,290 cannons.Cyrenaica has been completely conquered by our army. In spite of these victories, the military and diplomatic issues concerning the fate of the Middle East remained so serious and complex, and the affairs before General Wavell were so numerous, that it was proposed at the meeting of the National Defense Council on February 11 that the dispatch of The Foreign Secretary and Chief of the Imperial General Staff, General Dill, went to Cairo to assist. Prime Minister to General Wavell February 12, 1941 Please accept my hearty congratulations on your splendid success in this latest campaign and on the capture of Cyrenaica with unexpected speed.I have honored Generals O'Connor and Clay as you wished. 2. The National Defense Committee considered the whole situation last night, including: first, the extremely smooth development of the supply side of the United States; Thirdly, there is no doubt that there is a great possibility that the enemy will attempt to attack our homeland.In such a situation, we must determine the plans for the Mediterranean. 3. We should be satisfied that at Tobruk we have established a flank for the defense of Egypt.We have not talked to you about supporting Greece and/or Turkey as a priority going forward, but if you can easily take Benghazi without compromising European needs, all the better.Now that you've got this loot three weeks ahead of schedule, we're delighted.However, this does not change and actually confirms our previous order that your main mission now is to support Greece and/or Turkey.This would obviate the need for a serious deployment of troops to attack Tripoli.But a small feint in that direction would be a useful diversion.You should therefore stand firm at Benghazi and muster all available forces in the Egyptian Delta for transfer to Europe. 4. Greece and Turkey have until now denied us technical troops because they considered them too small to solve their main problems, yet so visible that they would invite German intervention.German intervention, however, has become increasingly explicit and urgent, and has now reached a point where it can be launched at any time.If Turkey and Yugoslavia inform Bulgaria that they are about to attack her if Bulgaria does not unite against Germany's southward advance, an obstacle will be erected in her southward advance and Germany will need to invest more troops, the number of which is far greater than that of Germany. Far more than the troops it currently has in Romania.But I am afraid that they will not do so, that they will miss the opportunity of united resistance, and go through the same mistakes as the Low Countries. 5. We must first think of our ally Greece, which in fact is fighting valiantly.If Greece were defeated, or forced to make a separate peace with Italy, and surrender strategic air and naval bases to Germany in spite of our interests, the consequences for Turkey would be disastrous.However, if Greece, with British support, can hold off the German advance for a few months, this will facilitate the chances of Turkish intervention.It therefore seemed that we should do our utmost to enable us to propose to the Greeks that the fighting force which had been employed in the defense of Egypt should be sent to Greece, and that plans should be drawn up for their support as far as possible in men and material. 6. We do not know how Greece will respond to this major proposal.We do not know the means by which it will resist an attack by German troops through Bulgaria, and we have reason to assume that they have drawn up a plan for mobilizing troops via Albania to defend the passes and the borders already established along or near the Bulgarian frontier. line of defense.They certainly could not advance in Albania without regard to the mortal dangers that existed on their right flank (and almost in the rear).If they do have a good plan, we should support it with all our might, and fight the Germans in Greece, thereby hopefully drawing Turkey and Yugoslavia into the war.You should start drawing up plans, schedules, and preparations for shipping right away. 7. We are not asking you to postpone (capture) Rhodes, we think this is the most urgent task. 8. In order to obtain the best chance of coordinating our military and diplomatic measures against Germany in the Balkans, we are sending the Foreign Secretary and General Dill to Cairo to work with you.They will leave on February 12th and arrive on February 14th or 15th.After you have inspected the whole situation in Cairo and supervised the preparations, you will of course go with them to Athens, and, if it is convenient, from Athens to Ankara.We hope that Greece will be provided with at least four divisions, including an armored division, and a new air force that can be accommodated by the Greek airfields, together with all the supplies that can be supplied, in the best possible way and in the shortest period of time. 9. As to which Greek ports we should use, or which front we should try to hold or keep the Greeks, we cannot express an opinion here.That can only be resolved on the spot with the Greek High Command. 10. In the event that no satisfactory agreement can be reached with the Greeks, and a practical military plan cannot be drawn up, we must salvage as much as we can from the wreck.We must hold Crete at all costs and take any Greek island that can be used as an air base.We could also reconsider the march to Tripoli.However, this is nothing more than getting some consolation prizes after you have already lost in the horse race.Turkey will always support us unswervingly. General Wavell telegraphed back on February 12 thanking me for my congratulations.Needless to say, he has long been thinking about aiding Greece and Turkey.He hoped to be able to add to his previous estimates of the available reserves, especially if the Australian Government would agree to increase them.When Mr. Menzies, the Prime Minister of Australia, came to London and passed through Cairo, Wavell had already discussed this with him, and he readily agreed.He welcomed the visits of the Foreign Secretary and General Deal.He said: We should do our best to defeat the German plans in the Balkans, but due to the hesitation of Greece and Turkey and the cowardice of Yugoslavia, our task is very difficult.Due to the difficult situation with ships and ports, our troops can only arrive in batches. I have drawn up instructions on the mandate of the Foreign Secretary, which have been formally approved by the Cabinet. February 12, 1941 The Foreign Secretary will represent His Majesty's Government on all military and diplomatic matters during his visit to the Mediterranean theater of operations.He will report to the War Cabinet, through the Prime Minister, as necessary. 2. His main purpose was to help Greece quickly.To this end, he will take whatever measures he deems necessary with the Commander-in-Chief of the Middle East Theater, the Government of Egypt, and the governments of Greece, Yugoslavia, and Turkey.He will, of course, keep the Foreign Office fully informed, and he will be informed by the Foreign Office or the Prime Minister of every change in domestic plans and opinions. 3. The Chief of the Imperial General Staff will advise him on military matters, and the Foreign Secretary shall undertake to ensure that, in case of any disagreement, his opinion shall be reported to His Majesty's Government. 4. Special attention should be paid to the following points: (1) What is the minimum number of troops stationed on the western border of Libya and Benghazi, and what measures should be taken to make Benghazi a major garrison area and air base?The critical importance of early abandonment of land lines of communication should be emphasized. (2) What institutions and policies should be implemented in Cyrenaica in light of our desire to separate the country of Italy from the Mussolini regime. (3) Early implementation of the Jaw (Rhode Island) operation plan.Commando units at Cape Town should be made ready if necessary (for landing in front of the enemy), but the main operation should not be hindered by this. (4) Establish powerful and well-equipped troops in the Egyptian Delta, organized in divisions or brigades, and these troops should be dispatched to Greece as soon as possible. (5) Concerning the requisition of our human and material resources as much as possible to end the war in Eritrea and destroy the Italian positions in Abyssinia.The former is urgent; the latter, though necessary, must not affect the main action.Maybe it should wait until it's ripe. (6) There are currently more than 70,000 troops fighting in Kenya. Strict inspections should be carried out, especially the South African division should be transferred to serve in Egypt.Any contact with General Smuts is best through the Prime Minister.The Foreign Secretary could also hold another meeting with General Smuts. (7) The Foreign Secretary, when visiting Athens with the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, General Wavell, and any other officials, has full powers to make with the Greek Government the best arrangements for the prevailing circumstances.At the same time, he will keep His Majesty's government informed of the situation, or obtain the assistance of the government as far as possible.In times of emergency, act cheaply according to your own judgment. (8) He will directly contact the governments of Yugoslavia and Turkey, and send copies of official documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The aim is to have the two nations fight at the same time, or as best they can.For this purpose, he should summon at his convenience the Minister in Belgrade or the Ambassador in Turkey.He will keep in mind that, on the one hand, it is our duty to fight, and share weal and woe with Greece if necessary;Greece and Turkey require us to provide air and arms assistance, which we should be able to meet. (9) The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will devote himself to the following problems: to enable the Army and Air Force of the Middle East to play the greatest role with the least manpower and material resources in achieving the above objectives, and to ensure that many important forces in the theater are integrated into a unified plan , so that they all work instantly. (10) He shall, through the Prime Minister, propose to His Majesty's Government a candidate for Commander to be used in all respects.In this connection he will of course consult with General Wavell, who enjoys the great confidence of His Majesty's Government.The candidate for the commander of the army stationed in Greece is of great importance, and it is hoped that the consent of all relevant parties will be obtained when the recommendation is made. (11) Air Admiral Longmore will act in accordance with the will and decisions of the Foreign Secretary in the general spirit of the policy set forth in this Directive.However, in case of disagreement, the Foreign Secretary should also convey the Air Force Admiral's opinion to the War Cabinet through the Prime Minister.The responsibility of the Middle East Air Force is to provide the largest air power to Greece and Turkey, which is not inconsistent with supporting the fighting in Sudan and Abyssinia and defending Benghazi. (12) The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will consult with Admiral Cunningham as to the sea operations which may be required to achieve the above objects, and may request further support from His Majesty's Government, either by transports or ships of the line, as required. Certainly. (13) He will propose to His Majesty's Government any policy relating to Iraq, Pakistan or Arabia that is compatible with the above items.He can contact these countries and the Indian government directly, although without coercion.The Ministry of Indian Affairs should be kept informed of the full situation. (14) He should make a report on the general situation in Gibraltar, Malta and, if he passes through Takoradi on his return journey. (15) In short, he should collect clues for our difficulties and keep proposing solutions. If the situation is too urgent and there is no time to ask the country for instructions, he can do it conveniently and don't have to worry about it. I thought that Smuts should be made aware of Aiden's mission and that he would go to Cairo himself. prime minister to general smuts February 15, 1941 We rejoiced at the early capture of Benghazi in Cyrenaica, which provided Egypt with a reliable flank.Kismayo's conquest is also impressive.Now, we should try to assist Greece and urge Turkey to resist the impending German offensive on the Aegean Sea.We cannot guarantee good results on the Continent, but if our best efforts are ineffective, we should try to save some of the islands from the endgame.We have therefore sent the Foreign Secretary and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff to Cairo, and from Cairo to Athens and Ankara, in order to consult with the parties concerned and build the strongest possible front.They may stay in the Middle East for three weeks.Please consider whether you can meet with them.Please have a copy of your letter to them sent to me by the United Kingdom High Commissioner. While Mr. Eden was abroad, I was in charge of the affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.This naturally made my work harder.However, since I became Prime Minister, I have been accustomed to reading the important telegrams and special reports received every day, and in the correspondence with President Roosevelt and the heads of government of other countries, I have personally drafted many of the most important foreign correspondence.Except in exceptional circumstances, I have delegated the reception of foreign ambassadors to Sir Alexander Cadogan, Permanent Secretary, and Mr Butler, Parliamentary Secretary.By this time the whole of foreign affairs and military strategy had merged into one, and I had to do whatever it took to inquire about it and plan it as best I could. Prime Minister to Mr. Eden (in Cairo) February 20, 1941 I am so relieved that you have arrived safely.I have gone to great lengths to get the 50th Division to you, and I have obtained some extra ships from the Shipping Department, and have received the generous assistance of the Admiralty.The call back puzzled me a bit.Apparently, Middle East Command did not figure out the composition of the convoy.Hope you can clarify these situations. It is extremely important that both the country and the Middle East should know the details of the transport fleet and the battlefield.My impression is that in the Middle East we supply large and disorganized armies, many of which are technically untrained.The British 6th Division and the 7th Australian Division do not appear to be complete for some time. Find out what equipment we should ship in order for them to be effective fighting forces.It is certainly achievable to take part from other untrained troops on the spot as a temporary supplement.Organization is not sacrosanct if it can achieve practical effects in another base unit.The most recent statistical report on the number of dependents in the Middle East shows an increase of about 50,000 from December 31 to January 31.Was there no combat-capable troops emerging from these reinforcements?If the number of actual combat troops compared with the number of rations is so small, and the transfer of such a small number of troops to another field is so delayed, and if the situation cannot be improved, then it must be admitted that we are on the African continent. The power to fight is at its peak, and the affairs of the whole Middle East must take a backseat. 2. I am very concerned about the setbacks encountered by our army at Keren [1].The Abyssinian problem can be left for later, but we hope to clear Eritrea of ​​the enemy.Be aware of this when deploying air and other armies. [1] In Eritrea.translator 3. If you feel in your heart that the adventure in Greece is nothing but a repetition of the mistakes in Norway, you need not think that you must undertake it.If you cannot come up with a proper plan, please explain.But, of course you know how valuable it would be if successful. This telegram coincided with Mr. Eden's telegram, which clearly stated the beliefs of those concerned in the field and reported the conclusions he and Dill had reached during their meeting in Cairo with the three commanders-in-chief. in conclusion. We agree that we should give Greece as much assistance as we can as soon as possible.If Greece accepts our offer, we believe it has an excellent chance of stopping the advance of the Germans and saving Greece from being ravaged.However, our manpower and material resources are limited, and the air force is especially insufficient. Therefore, if we effectively support Greece, we cannot simultaneously assist Turkey. He explained that due to the insufficient strength of our air force, it was not certain whether we could hold an advancing front sufficient to cover Thessaloniki.Then he added: General Wavell proposed the following military disposition: Cyrenaica would be garrisoned by a poorly trained and equipped Australian division, the Indian motorcycle brigade under training, and the remaining armored brigade of the 7th Armored Division.You may recall that the Armored Division was never fully staffed and equipped.The Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean theater had reported new difficulties: due to the destruction of the port of Benghazi, it was not yet possible to deliver supplies to the garrison there by sea, so supplies had to be delivered by land from Tobruk.The Sixth Division is now being formed and will be used in Rhode Island.The troops fighting there cannot be reduced until the fighting in Eritrea is victorious.Keren is indeed difficult to attack.On the other hand, it had been agreed that the troops in Kenya could be reduced, and a preparation order had been issued for the withdrawal of the South African division, to be transferred to Egypt when the ships were ready.I hope I will discuss this and other matters with Smuts before returning home. 因此，韋維爾將軍在最近和不久以後可將以下的部隊用於希臘：首先是一個裝甲旅和現在已擴充到三個步兵旅的新西蘭師，這些部隊已整裝待發；接著是波蘭旅、一個澳大利亞師，如果需要的話，再調去一個裝甲旅和一個澳大利亞師以供使用。運送這些部隊將不可避免地使後方勤務極度緊張，並需要作出許多臨時性的安排。 時間現在還不能排定，因為這要根據同希臘磋商的結果以及船舶的情形而定。據估計，調運上述部隊至少需用艦隻五十三艘。當然，這些艦隻只有不顧一切地扣留抵達中東的運輸船隊才能獲得。除此之外，蘇伊士運河的水雷威脅又使我們增添了一重顧慮。現正採取有效措施來解決這個問題，但是，在這些措施充分生效並從國內運到物資以前，這條運河將經常有被封閉五天到七天的危險。 據我個人得出的結論這也是迪爾將軍和各位總司令所一致同意的在最近的將來，我們的人力、物力應儘先用於援助希臘，它現在正進行戰鬥，並且受到了威脅。在這以後能夠給土耳其多大援助，那就要看能夠到達中東的空軍增援部隊的多少以及非洲戰場的人力、物力的消耗情況而定了。 我現在的打算是：通知希臘方面，我們現在準備援助他們，並‧催‧促他們，援助一到便立即接受。如果他們肯接受這項援助並且甘冒因此可能提前捲入對德敵對行動的任何危險，那麼我們便有了可能在希臘據守一條戰線的大好機會。如果我們現在分散我們有限的力量，尤其是空軍，那麼我們就無法有效地援助希臘，也無法有效地援助土耳其。 這封電報中催促一詞的重點是我加的，不可對這一詞的詞義有所誤解。艾登先生的意思並不是把這一詞用於希臘接受英國援助的原則上，而是用於如果他們決意接受的話他們接受的時間上。 我發出了以下的覆電： 首相致艾登先生（在開羅） 一九四一年二月二十一日 我始終覺得，你應當在訪問安卡拉之前先行訪問希臘，此點極關重要，否則，你可能在安卡拉先作出承諾，從而使你不能放手援助正在戰鬥中的希臘。因此，我完全同意你建議的日程。 我又致電史末資將軍： 一九四一年二月二十一日 你擔心俄國的態度已經使土耳其受到不良影響，它可能至多不過是保持真正的中立；我對這一點也有同感。現在，我們派往開羅的使節應考慮希臘的整個局勢。我當隨時將情況奉告。 同日，艾登先生從開羅發來另一封電報。 談到對希臘戰局的一般展望，在目前的時刻，派遣軍隊前往歐洲大陸同德軍作戰當然是賭博。誰也不能保證成功。但是當我們在倫敦討論這件事的時候，我們是準備冒失敗的危險的，認為與希臘人共患難總比袖手旁觀要好。這是這裡人們的共同信念。再者，出征希臘雖然是一個大膽的嘗試，但是，我們有可能取得這樣的成就：在希臘全境遍遭蹂躪以前阻止德軍的前進。 我們必須想到，賭注是很大的。如果不援助希臘，就難以希望南斯拉夫採取任何行動，而土耳其的前途也容易受到影響。因此，雖然我們大家都不能夠擔保我們不會被迫進行孤注一擲，我們還是認為援助希臘是勢在必行的。當然也完全可能出現這種情況，我們明天看到希臘人時，他們竟不願意我們訪問。 我們曾討論過關於司令官人選的問題。迪爾、韋維爾和我一致認為，必須選拔一位得到希臘人尊敬而又能控制那些同他共事的希臘軍官的人物。我們挑選的也必須是一位極擅長於戰術的軍人。因此，我們決定將司令官一職授與威爾遜，由現任巴勒斯坦司令官的尼姆接替他擔任昔蘭尼加軍事長官一職。威爾遜在此間一般公眾和士兵中威望極高，任命他去指揮派往希臘的軍隊，將是向希臘人保證，我們正傾全力援助他們。 二月二十二日，艾登先生同韋維爾將軍、約翰‧迪爾爵士和其他官員飛往雅典，準備同希臘國王和政府商談。當艾登先生於晚間抵達與希臘人初次接觸時，他應邀訪問在泰托伊的王宮。見面後，國王立即問他是否願意單獨會見首相。他向國王說，不必單獨會見，因為他想在純軍事的基礎上進行討論。如果我們給予希臘以援助，這應當基於軍事的理由，因此他不願意讓政治的因素起不適當的作用。但是國王堅持邀請，他便同意了。在會晤時，首相科里西斯向他宣讀了一篇聲明，這篇聲明列舉了希臘內閣在前一兩天舉行討論的結果。 由於這篇聲明構成了我們行動的基礎，我把全文刊載於下。 Mr Eden to Prime Minister 一九四一年二月二十二日 下列文件是我們今天開始會談時由希臘首相交給我的一篇聲明的摘要。 一‧我願最堅定地重申，希臘作為一個忠實的盟國，決心用它全部力量繼續作戰，直到最後勝利。我們的決心不限於對意大利作戰，也將適用於德國的任何侵略。 二‧希臘在馬其頓只有三個師，駐在保加利亞邊境。因此，就產生一個純軍事性的問題：應當派遣多少增援部隊才能使希臘軍隊抗擊得了德國軍隊。希臘政府對於羅馬尼亞境內的德國軍隊和保加利亞軍隊動員情況已獲得大致可靠的情報，但是，希臘政府到現在為止，卻只知道在一個月的期間內他們可能從英國獲得哪些援助。而且，他們也不了解土耳其和南斯拉夫的意圖。在這種情形下，閣下來到中東有極大的幫助，不僅能澄清局面，而且能扭轉局面，使之適合於大不列顛和希臘的共同利益。 三‧我願再次重申，不管結果如何，不管希臘在馬其頓擊退敵人有無任何希望，它都將保衛它的國土，哪怕只是孤軍奮戰，也要戰鬥下去。 希臘政府希望我們了解，他們的決定是在還不知道我們能否給他們任何援助之前作出的。國王希望艾登先生在軍事會談開始‧以‧前了解這一點，因此這個文件就構成了他們會談的基礎。 軍事會議和參謀會議徹夜進行，第二天又繼續開會一整天。艾登先生於會後發來以下這封最重要的電報，日期為二十四日。 Foreign Secretary to Prime Minister 一九四一年二月二十四日 今日（二十三日）已同希臘政府就各項問題達成協議。 在討論結束時，我問希臘政府是否歡迎英國軍隊按照我們建議的人數和條件進駐希臘，這時，希臘首相正式宣稱，希臘政府以感激的心情接受我們的建議，並已批准雙方參謀人員所商定的一切詳細安排。 二‧我們在今日下午抵達此間後，便同希臘國王一起會見了首相和帕普哥斯將軍。我按照我們的看法說明了國際形勢，並且詳細地談到德國對巴爾幹國家的圖謀。然後，我解釋了倫敦各部大臣和三軍參謀長得出的、並經中東戰區各總司令完全同意的結論，這個結論認為，我們應當盡早給予希臘以最大限度的援助。隨後，我們一一列舉我們能夠向希臘提供的部隊的詳細情況，說明這是我們在目前的時刻力所能及的最大援助。至於將來能做到什麼程度，將依據整個戰局的發展和我們的人力、物力的情形而定。我只能說，我們所提供的軍隊都是裝備完善、訓練有素的，所以我們確信他們將盡到他們的責任。 三‧希臘首相在重申希臘決心抵抗德國保衛自己後，又提及希臘政府的顧慮，他們惟恐英國的援助微小適足以引起德國的進攻。他聲稱，考慮到土耳其和南斯拉夫的舉棋不定的態度，我們有必要判斷希臘現有的軍隊和英國能夠提供的軍隊是否足以有效地抵禦德軍。因此，首相希望在希臘政府承擔義務之前，由軍事專家根據英國提供援助的情況考慮一下當前的局勢。我坦白地指出首相所持的態度必然會產生什麼樣的結果。如果我們由於害怕激怒德國人而推遲行動，這樣的行動必然是為時過晚的。 四‧隨後，迪爾將軍、中東戰區總司令和空軍司令官同帕普哥斯將軍舉行會談。他們認為，由於南斯拉夫的態度不明，唯一可守的一條戰線而且也是來得及從阿爾巴尼亞撤出軍隊來防守的一條戰線，便是瓦爾達爾河以西的奧林匹斯｜佛里亞｜埃德薩｜凱馬克查蘭一線。如果我們確知南斯拉夫的意圖，便可在更北面的地方據守一條戰線從內斯多斯河口到貝里斯，以掩護薩洛尼卡。除非得到南斯拉夫的默契，要據守一條掩護薩洛尼卡的戰線，恐怕是難以辦到的，因為希臘的左翼有遭受德軍攻擊的危險。 他隨後敘述了經過雙方同意的詳細安排。 會談歷時約十小時，討論了政治、軍事合作的主要問題。 希臘代表在討論各項問題時態度坦率、公正，使我們非常感動。我確信，他們是決心用全副力量進行抵抗的，因此英皇陛下政府唯有支持他們，別無選擇餘地，不論最後會得到怎樣的結果。我們看到了危險，但我們必須接受危險。 他在另一封電報中說道： 我們都確信，我們採取的是正確的方針，因為事情緊迫，料想你是不願我們為了一一向國內請示以致誤失時機的。 危險是巨大的，但有成功的希望。我們正在接受困難的任務，這對我們人力、物力的需要頗大，特別是在戰鬥機方面。 根據這些得到迪爾與韋維爾同意的電報，內閣決定全部批准這些建議。 首相致艾登先生（在開羅） 一九四一年二月二十四日 三軍參謀長已對你從開羅和雅典發來的電報中所建議的正確行動表示贊成，我已於今晚將所有問題提交戰時內閣，孟席斯先生也在場。全體一致依照你的希望通過了決議，不過，當然，孟席斯先生必須電告本國。我們設想，你也已經同新西蘭政府解決了關於他們軍隊的問題。無需顧慮這兩方面有什麼困難。因此，既然一切都已明朗，我們一致給你下令： 開足馬力前進。 直到現在，我們已經做到的只不過是下列幾個步驟：盡可能在埃及三角洲集結最大的戰略後備軍，制定了一些計劃，準備了向希臘運送軍隊的船舶。如果局勢由於希臘採取相反的政策或其他任何事件而有所改變，我們必須站在最有利的地位上來應付這種局勢。令人高興的是，在經過了一段艱苦的歷程後，我們終於能夠圓滿地結束阿比西尼亞、索馬里和厄立特里亞的戰事，而把實力雄厚的軍隊並入我們在埃及的機動部隊。既然我們無從預測敵人的意向以及友邦和中立國家的反應，那麼在我們面前似乎就有著各種重要選擇的可能。前途仍然未可逆料。我們雖然還沒有投入一個師，但我們在進行準備工作時也未嘗虛擲一日。