P. R. from H. E Copy for Sec Knox and Sumner Welles Dear Mr. President, After our conversation on August 6th I t>ld my Government at once that you now hoped to be able to transfer the destfcoyers almost immediately^and that the motor torpedo "boats, rifles, five big flying boats and fi flying fortresses belonged to a different legal category and may take rather longer. In reply to this I have now had a further message from my Government. They very much hope that the U. S. Navy will navigate the destroyers-to Halifax in groups on a prearranged programme. They would be taken over at Halifax and prepared for their passage to the U. K. The Canadian Government are being asked to agree to our setting up an organization at Halifax for this purpose. The personnel to man them will be sent over in instalments, a first instalment of about 1000 officers and ratings sailing on August 26th from the U. K. subject to the Canadian Government's concurrence. The Admiralty are in addition most anxious that the U. S. Navy should if possible provide an instructional staff of officers and men to assist in making the British crews conversant with the ships and that they should supply also the necessary technical instructional books for weapons. It would be essential also that a reserve of one outfit of low angle ammunition for each ship should be supplied for shipment to the U. K. Anti-aircraft guns are an ultimate necessity and if necessary these must be found in the U. K# But if the ships can be equipped with anti-aircraft weapons . before leaving the U. S. it would be of the utmost value. If anti-aircraft guns can be supplied, two outfits of reserve anti-aircraft ammunition for each ship will be required. The Admiralty hope that the usual machinery spares ( including propellors and grade shafts) will be provided. CB:CL