North Africa (general region)
Subject
Subject Source: Local sources
Found in 296 Collections and/or Records:
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(Untitled), 03 Jul 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/40/103-104
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC approving removal of General Sir Archibald Wavell from office as Commander-in-Chief, Middle East and commenting on defects of the administrative machine in Cairo [Egypt]. He comments on the Middle East, his plans to visit Cairo, the improvement in the Allied cause brought about by the German attack on the Soviet Union, and suggests that the flight of Rudolph Hess might indicate "something rotten inside the German...
Dates:
03 Jul 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
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(Untitled), 08 Jul 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/40/123
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to Oliver Lyttelton [later Lord Chandos, Minister of State in the Middle East] on improvement of defences at Gibraltar, installation of a broadcasting transmitter, distribution of propaganda over North Africa by Special Operations Executive, and appointment of an American Liaison Officer.
Dates:
08 Jul 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
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(Untitled), 22 Jul 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/41/35-36
Scope and Contents
Telegram from Minister of State, Middle East [Oliver Lyttelton, later 1st Lord Chandos] to WSC on meetings with General Charles de Gaulle [Chief of Free French], General de Larminat [Governor-General of French Equatorial Africa (later Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, and Gabon)] and Major- General Edward Spears [Head of Spears Mission, Syria and the Lebanon]; Free French reject Syrian armistice terms and threaten to break alliance with Britain then renegotiations end in...
Dates:
22 Jul 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), [Apr 1941]
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/37/98-101
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to the United Kingdom High Commissioners [in Canada, ?Malcolm MacDonald, Australia, Sir Geoffrey Whiskard, New Zealand, William Jordan], and the UK representative [in South Africa, 4th Lord Harlech, earlier William Ormsby-Gore], requesting they give a message to their Prime Ministers [Mackenzie King, Arthur Fadden (acting), Peter Fraser, and General Jan Smuts] on the Middle East: stating that German success in Cyrenaica [Libya] may endanger Egypt; reaffirming the decision...
Dates:
[Apr 1941]
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 17 Apr 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/37/108
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to General [Sir Archibald] Wavell [Commander-in-Chief, Middle East] on the situation in North Africa and Tobruk [Libya], advising cutting off German-Italian supplies to "wear them down".
Dates:
17 Apr 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 23 Apr 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/38/12
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Archibald Wavell [Commander-in-Chief, Middle East] to WSC thanking him for tanks; commenting on South African aid; and referring to possible danger of air attack in evacuation of Tobruk [Libya].
Dates:
23 Apr 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 29 Apr 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/38/31-33
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to President Roosevelt on danger of Turkey co-operating with Germany; referring to Syria and therefore Egypt being in imminent danger; and commenting on German infiltration of northern Africa which relies on Vichy co-operation.
Dates:
29 Apr 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 01 May 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/38/45-52
Scope and Contents
Telegram from President Roosevelt to WSC on following subjects: 1) Portuguese Government's protest at proposed friendly visit to Azores and Cape Verde, and cancellation of similar visit to Spain or Canaries; 2) the importance of Britain refraining from any expedition against the Azores or Cape Verde unless Portugal is attacked, and the need for Britain to guarantee Portuguese sovereignty; 3) losses in eastern Mediterranean; 4) supplies for Turkey; 5) French problem in Syria and North Africa;...
Dates:
01 May 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 30 Oct 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/22C/222-225
Scope and Contents
Letter from WSC to Lieutenant-General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander-in-Chief, Middle East] discussing many topics: an unnamed campaign which is being kept secret from the Soviet Union, the United States and domestic enquirers but which it was hoped would bring military success [? "Crusader", operation in North Africa]; hoping to acquire Bizerta [Tunisia]; regretting having to give up operation "Whipcord" [codename for a British plan for the invasion of Sicily] as "a task beyond the...
Dates:
30 Oct 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 01 Aug 1940 - 01 Sep 1940
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/13/5
Scope and Contents
Prime Minister's printed personal minutes, August 1940. Includes texts of minutes from WSC (annotated with additional printed information) to: Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the War Cabinet]; members of the Cabinet and other government ministers; the Chiefs of Staff, General Sir Hastings Ismay [Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence], and other senior military figures; F A Lindemann [later 1st Lord Cherwell, Prime Minister's Personal Assistant]; a press statement by WSC; and a minute...
Dates:
01 Aug 1940 - 01 Sep 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
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(Untitled), 01 Nov 1940 - 30 Nov 1940
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/13/8
Scope and Contents
Prime Minister's printed personal minutes, November 1940.Includes texts of minutes from WSC (annotated with additional printed information) to: members of the Cabinet and other government ministers; the Chiefs of Staff; senior civil servants including Sir James Grigg [Permanent Under-Secretary of State for War] and Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the War Cabinet]; General Sir Hastings Ismay [Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence].Subjects covered by the minutes include: air force plans...
Dates:
01 Nov 1940 - 30 Nov 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
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(Untitled), 28 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69A/57
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest situation in North Africa, including details of troop movements and positions, and the enemy's apparent division of forces in an attempt to secure both Mechili [Al Makili, Libya] and Benghazi.
Dates:
28 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 29 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69A/58
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the deterioration of the situation in North Africa, including: his fear that it will be necessary to temporarily evacuate Benghazi [Libya]; 7th Indian Infantry Brigade threatened with envelopment and withdrawn; demolitions ordered to be carried out in Benghazi; a report of action in progress about 20 miles north of Masus; admitting that the enemy has succeeded beyond his expectations and...
Dates:
29 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 29 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69A/64
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest situation in North Africa, including: the confusion of the situation around Benghazi [Libya] and details of recent fighting not yet received; 1st Armoured division attempted to move on Elabiar but the going was bad and the division is now back at Charubba; Lieutenant- General Neil Ritchie [Commander, 8th Army] aims to stabilise the position and collect forces for a counter-offensive.
Dates:
29 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 30 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69B/76-78
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander in Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding latest situation in North Africa: states that the loss of Benghazi [Libya] is "only temporary"; suggests reasons for defeat of armoured force; concludes "that to meet German armoured forces with any reasonable hope of decisive success our armoured forces as at present equipped organised and led must have at least two to one superiority"; believes General Erwin Rommel [Commander, Afrika Corps] will...
Dates:
30 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
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(Untitled), 31 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69B/84
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest situation in North Africa: "Yesterday was uneventful"; gives latest troop positions; is examining future prospect and hopes to send recommendations in 2 or 3 days.
Dates:
31 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
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(Untitled), 03 Feb 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69B/108
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in- Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest position in North Africa: estimates no more than 1000 prisoners captured by enemy in Benghazi [Libya]; positions at Mechili [? Al Makili, Libya] and Tengeder [? Bir Tanjadar, Libya] being consolidated; our mobile columns and fighting patrols operating actively in the vicinity of Msus [? Masus, Libya] and Charruba; suggests enemy may continue eastward movement and identifies possible...
Dates:
03 Feb 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
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(Untitled), 03 Feb 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69B/114-115
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest position in North Africa: describes troop positions; states that the immediate intention is to stabilise on a general line of present positions while retaining control of No Man's Land; believes that the tank situation is favourable and that the enemy is at the end of a long line of communications; is preparing a defensive position on a general line Sollum-Giarabub [Libya].
Dates:
03 Feb 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
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(Untitled), 12 Feb 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/70/22-23
Scope and Contents
Letter from H Freeman Matthews [Counsellor, United States Embassy, London] to WSC reciting texts of two telegrams from the President of the United States [Franklin Roosevelt] to WSC, on the actions of the French Vichy Government in supplying the axis powers in North Africa, enclosing the text of a telegram sent to Marshal Philippe Petain [Prime Minister of France] and also concerning changes at ABDA [Australian, British, Dutch and Australasian] Command, requesting a delay in the announcement...
Dates:
12 Feb 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 15 May 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/39-40
Scope and Contents
Telegram from the Minister of State in the Middle East [Richard Casey] to WSC reporting on his first ten days in Egypt and the impressions he has gained: includes comments on the harmonious working of the army and air force; the administrative work of Lieutenant-General Thomas Riddell- Webster [Lieutenant General in charge of Administration Middle East]; organisation of supplies in the Middle East; the situation in Syria and Egypt; relations with United States forces; the use of Spitfires...
Dates:
15 May 1942
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From the File:
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(Untitled), 20 May 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/62-63
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander-in-Chief Middle East] marked "most secret" regarding impending battle in North Africa: states that "We feel that the time has come for a trial of strength in Cyrenaica [Libya] and that the survival of Malta is involved"; comments on the need to prevent newspaper speculation; expresses his confidence in Auchinleck and the army but urges him to assume direct command; asks whether the New Zealand Division ought to be nearer the...
Dates:
20 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 22 May 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/71-72
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander- in-Chief, Middle East] to WSC marked "most secret" regarding the impending battle in North Africa: states that "I am now absolutely clear as to my task and I will do my utmost to accomplish it to your satisfaction"; thanks WSC for arrangements regarding publicity and for his expression of confidence; comments on his own decision not to take command personally in Libya; comments on his own decision not to move the New Zealand Division...
Dates:
22 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 26 May 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/79-81
Scope and Contents
Telegram from Field Marshal Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC marked "most secret and personal" reporting his conclusions on general strategy based upon his visit to the Middle East: comments on the situation in Libya and states that he considers "conclusive operations in Libyan bulge essential for our real victory"; comments on the importance of holding a Middle East block, including Iran, Iraq, India, Ceylon [later Sri Lanka] and the Indian Ocean, from both German and...
Dates:
26 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 28 May 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/97-98
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to the President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt: informs Roosevelt that he is sending a report of his conversations with Vyacheslav Molotov [Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs] covering "Bolero" [codename for build-up of United States forces in Britain for invasion of Europe], "Sledgehammer" [codename for plan to attack coast of France in 1942] and "Super Round- up" [codename for the liberation of France in 1943, later Overlord]; comments on talks with United...
Dates:
28 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 15 Mar 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/71B/164
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief, Middle East: comments on the implications of delaying an attack, particularly for Malta and North Africa and on comparative allied and enemy tank numbers; states that he is sending Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] to India via Cairo [Egypt] to put across the views of the War Cabinet, accompanied by Lieutenant-General Archibald Nye [Vice-Chief of the Imperial General Staff].
Dates:
15 Mar 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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