Cruisers for Egypt in 1939

American Naval Attaché at London, England reported on 1 February 1939 No. 120 that the British naval officer captain G.T. Philip was appointed as naval adviser to the British Military Mission in Egypt. It was not intended to let this information came out in the press (Sunday Times 29 January) at that time. The proposed program of naval units for Egypt was changed. “It is of interest to note that the light cruisers which are contemplated are to be somewhat different from the modern light cruiser, particularly in the radius of action. According to this article these will be a compromise betwen coast defence vessels and special anti aircraft cruisers of the British navy.”(1)

Note

1. Brassey’s Naval Annual 1940 edition mentioned that M.T.B.’s,escort vessels and minesweepers were projected.

Source

National Archives USA. Record Group 38: Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Series: Secret Naval Attaches Reports. Estimate of potential military strength (pt.). Summaries. Reports from London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and Berlin. Roll M975-001.