Telegram sent by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, 5 November 1942

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(CYPHER) PRISEC. [Private Secretary] PRIME MINISTER’S
PERSONAL TELEGRAM
Serial Number T.1434/2

FROM FOREIGN OFFICE TO MOSCOW
Sir A. Clark Kerr
Moscow

No.334
5th November 1942 5th November 1942

MOST IMMEDIATE DEDIP BIGOT

Please deliver following message from Prime Minister to Premier Stalin.

Personal and Secret

I promised to tell you when our Army in Egypt had gained a decisive victory over Rommel. General Alexander now reports that the enemy’s front is broken and that he is retreating westwards in considerable disorder. Apart from the troops in the main battle, there are six Italian and two German divisions in the desert to the south of our advance along the coast. These have very little mechanical transport or supplies, and it is possible that a very heavy toll will be taken in the next few days. Besides this, Rommel’s only line of retreat is along the coastal road, which is now crammed with troops and transport and under the continuous attack of our greatly superior Air force.

1. Most Secret- for yourself alone. “TORCH” is imminent on a very large scale. I believe the political difficulties about which you expressed concern have been satisfactorily solved. The military movement is proceeding with precision.
2. I am most anxious to proceed with placing of the 20 British and American squadrons on your southern flank as early as possible. President Roosevelt is in full accord and there is no danger now of a disaster in Egypt. Before anything can be done however it is necessary that detailed arrangements should be made about landing grounds etc., between your officers and ours. Kindly let me know as soon as possible how you would like this consultation to be arranged. The squadrons it is proposed to send were stated in my telegram of 8th October (Foreign Office No.268) in accordance with which we have been making such preparations as were possible pending arrangements with you.
3. Let me further express to you, Premier Stalin, and to Mr. Molotov our congratulations on the ever-glorious defence of Stalingrad and on the decisive defeat of Hitler’s second campaign against Russia. I should be glad to know from how you stand in the Caucasus.
4. All good wishes for your anniversary.

O.T.P.