Cipher message

Scope and Content

Cipher message no. OZ 261 from Winston Churchill to Auchinleck, in reply to AUC/857 above, stating that Auchinleck's interpretation of his instructions is correct; promising that the greatest care will be taken to prevent newspaper speculation in London about attacks either way in Cyrenaica; agreeing that there are no safe battles and that success cannot be guaranteed; but expressing full confidence in Auchinleck and the 8th Army, and suggesting that he personally should feel even greater confidence if Auchinleck would take direct command himself, as he did at Sidi Rezegh. Typescript.