Telegram from Sir Arthur Salter [Head of British Merchant Shipping Mission, Washington, United States] to WSC on difficulties in realising the United States promises of 2 million tons of merchant marine aid.

Telegram from WSC to General Sir Archibald Wavell [Commander-in-Chief, Middle East] advising increased action around Tobruk [Libya]; referring to implications of operation "Tiger" [codename for operation to pass merchant ships through the Mediterranean]; and commenting on situation in Middle East. With amendments in secretary's hand, including additional message of support for General Leslie Morshead at Tobruk [Libya].

Two copies of telegram from WSC to Harry Hopkins [Special Adviser and Assistant to President of the United States](Washington) on shipping losses in April.

Telegram from WSC to Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean [Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham], thanking him for the naval contribution to success of operation "Tiger" [codename for operation to pass merchant ships through Mediterranean], and stating that it may prove decisive in Libyan campaign. [see CHAR 20/38/125 .].

Telegram from General Sir Archibald Wavell [Commander- in-Chief, Middle East] to WSC: Reports that tanks have been sent to join General William Gott's forces in attacking Sollum area [Egypt] without waiting for "Tiger" [codename for operation to pass merchant ships through Mediterranean]; states that securing Baghdad [Iraq] will be difficult as Iraqis have flooded roads and German airforce is in vicinity.

Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander-in-Chief, Middle East] to WSC stating that he does not "wish any alteration in composition of convoy W.S.10".

Telegram from WSC to President Roosevelt commenting on the severity of the battle of Crete [Greece] and asking for sightings of German convoy including Bismarck and Prince Eugen recently departed from Bergen [Norway]. With memorandum on US naval patrols and U-Boat action in the Atlantic, with list of ships sunk west of 26 degrees west between 31 March and 20 May 1941.

Telegram from WSC to Wendell Wilkie asking him to be cautious "lest in trying to galvanize American opinion" he discloses information which may dishearten British merchant seamen.

Telegram from President Roosevelt to WSC "am asking Congress... to substantially increase our building of merchant ships so that we should build a minimum of five to five and a half million tons in 1942 and seven million in 1943".

Telegram from WSC to President Roosevelt on the expansion of the American merchant shipbuilding programme and commenting on the destruction of enemy submarines and merchant vessels.

Telegram from WSC to President Roosevelt on plan for the defence of the Atlantic: He comments on implications of U-boat attacks for convoys and escorts, and regrets Senator Wheeler's indiscretion revealing the destination of United States expedition recently departed from Newfoundland [later part of Canada] for Iceland. [Telegram has been bound incorrectly, with first page at back].

Telegram from WSC to the Viceroy of India [2nd Lord Linlithgow, earlier Lord Hopetoun] asking him to intervene and speed up shipping from Indian ports.

Telegram from WSC to the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand [Arthur Fadden and Peter Fraser] on offer by the United States of ships and naval crew to transport extra divisions to Eastern Theatre.

Telegram from WSC to Prime Minister of Canada [Mackenzie King] on offer by the United States of extra shipping across the Atlantic.

Letter from WSC to John Maclay [later 1st Lord Muirshiel] assuring him that the Defence Committee has already considered the competition for shipping tonnage between the import programme and military operations, particularly in the Middle East.

Letter from [1st] Lord Cadman to WSC suggesting that coal and oil should be dealt with by different departments as coal relates to labour matters while petroleum deals with supply, shipping and world-wide distribution.

Letter from WSC to the First Lord of the Admiralty [A V Alexander] advising that, at the suggestion of Lord Halifax [British Ambassador to the United States, earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin], Sir Arthur Salter [Parliamentary Secretary to Ministry of Shipping] should be sent to explain British import and shipping needs to the United States Government.

Letter from WSC to Sir Andrew Duncan [Minister of Supply] ascertaining whether there would be any objection to Sir Arthur Salter [Parliamentary Secretary to Ministry of Shipping] becoming a member of the British Supply Council in the United States.

Letter from WSC to the Minister of Shipping, Ronald Cross, advising him of the suggestion by Lord Halifax [British Ambassador to the United States, earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin] that Sir Arthur Salter [Parliamentary Secretary to Ministry of Shipping] should be sent to explain British import and shipping needs to the United States Government and asking for his agreement.

Letter from WSC to Sir Arthur Salter [Head of British Merchant Shipping Mission to the United States] informing him of his mission to convince the United States Government of the assistance required with merchant shipping and increase of tonnage, inform them of the measures already taken and supervise the handling of technical questions arising from the shipbuilding programme.

Letter from WSC to 1st Lord Maclay [former Minister of Shipping] on his memorandum about the Ministry of Shipping, reassuring him that the Ministry and Admiralty are on far better terms than during the last war.

Letter from WSC to Lawrence Holt on shipping problems; does not think laying up ships in Canada or the United States would be advisable.