Shipping towards Malta impossible lacking air support according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 17 March 1942

An item reported that the situation at Malta was critical while there was no supplying via shipping possible lacking the needed air support. Recently a convoy had to return after losing a cruiser and a destroyer. Unless the British managed in regaining the control over the Green Mountain area of northern Cyrenaica [north eastern Libya] the needed air support would not become available.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 97 dated 17 March 1942.