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The Minister of Defence to General Freyberg

Your telegram of 8 August (No. 82) is being considered by War Cabinet. We have informed London of your proposal and have asked for a broad survey of the situation as it affects the problem and for information whether tanks would be available in Egypt. The Chief of the General Staff suggests that if the Brigade is to be sent it should be on the understanding that reinforcements for it will not be despatched subsequently, and that ultimately you could adopt the British organisation of one tank brigade and two infantry brigades to meet the position that would arise. He also suggests that all the tanks available at the date of despatch should accompany the brigade, less 40 to 60 to be retained here. We would like your comments and also any definite information as to whether tanks would be available in Egypt.