My telegram 62 Circular Z. [1] We appreciate that the withdrawal
of our forces from Central Norway may have adverse effect on world
opinion generally but position was that unless we were to
sacrifice our forces there was no alternative to withdrawal from
that area since landing of even bare essentials through ports
blotted out by bombing had become impossible. Even if we were
successful in driving the enemy out of Trondheim the consolidation
of the Position and maintenance of a force in Central Norway would
involve a measure of dispersion of our naval, military and air
effort which in the view of our military advisers would be
strategically unsound. We shall still of course make every effort
to capture Narvik as soon as possible and to carry out operations
in Northern Norway.

As regards Italy latest position is set out in my telegram
Circular D.159. [2] While we cannot foretell what effect the
withdrawal of our forces from Central Norway may have on Signor
Mussolini, it is clear that if we were to attempt to hold on and
then suffer major disaster the effect would be more serious still.

You should communicate the above to the Prime Minister [3] for his
secret information in supplement of Prime Minister's speech in the
House of Commons yesterday [4] and tell him that we shall of
course keep him very closely informed of developments.

Similar telegram sent to United Kingdom High Commissioner in the
Union of South Africa [5] in reply to message received from
General Smuts. [6]