Roosevelt Papers: Telegram
Prime Minister Churchill to President Roosevelt1
urgent
From Former Naval Person to Admiral Queen.
Immediately on receipt of your ultra 33121 had a conference here with General Eisenhower, First Sea Lord3 and Commander in Chief Mediterranean.4 We all agreed that it would be better to go through with the Cairo rendezvous. We had of course always thought that the news was bound to leak directly we got there, and the fact that it has leaked a few days earlier should not therefore very much affect our plans. We would be well dispersed at Cairo. Enemy aircraft have to fly 100 miles over land before reaching us and arrangements have already been made to strengthen the fighter and gun defences of the enclave in which we propose to live. In addition we could, if necessary, have alternative residences. If, however, you remain of the opinion that we should not go through with Cairo, your suggested alternative Khartoum would not I fear be feasible. Apart from the fact that accommodation there is inadequate it is 1000 miles from Cairo and off our route and it would be very difficult to move the necessary staffs.
Paragraph two. The best substitute for Cairo seems to be Malta where I am now and I am having the possibilities examined. C-in-C Mediterranean strongly advises that your ship should not come here since its presence would be sure to be detected by the enemy and this would give away our whereabouts. We are of course nearer the enemy here but the defences are good. Pray let me know your wishes as soon as possible as it will take some time to alter arrangements.
Paragraph three. Please reply saying Cairo or Malta.