Post by Diarist on Feb 8, 2016 7:27:58 GMT 1
In a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street Secretary Churchill gave a resumé of his meetings with President Roosevelt and staff. He also praised the successes of the allied forces against Italy. Prime Minister Baldwin thanked Churchill for his report and the cabinet shared his approval of British forces and its allies. There would be a meeting of the Defence Council after lunch at the Ministry of Defence. General Gort would also be there.
At the Council meeting the latest news from Africa was very encouraging, especially in Egypt where the advance was gaining momentum. The main question is whether to commit the 3rd Infantry Division, the floating reserve, or not. All the senior military personnel were against it. In there opinion the Italians in north Africa were so demoralized that they are likely to surrender en masse at any moment. That would create an enormous logistical problem if plentiful Italian supplies were not also captured. However, after an Italian surrender it would be worth considering sending a brigade of the 3rd Infantry to Benghazi because the 5th Infantry Division would be fully occupied in Bardia and Tobruk.
Secretary Churchill would be flying to Paris this evening with the CIGS and General Gort to meet their French counterparts. It was agreed to drop leaflets over Italy as soon as possible, several drafts will be presented to the French. Tomorrow they will be travelling to Toulon then Italy. Winston Churchill also wants to go to Africa to visit British troops. Naval transportation will be provided for the latter.