4/10/43 - No* 36

NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST OR USE ON CLUB TAPES BEFORE 00.30 B.S.T. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1943 Not to "be transmitted before that time, except to the countries and in accordance with the conditions set out hereunder. May be transmitted forthwith to the Dominions, India, the U,S,A. and Egypt by cable only and endorsed: "UNPUBLISHABLE, UNBROADCASTABLE AND UNTRANSMISSIBLE (EX COUNTRY ADDRESSED) BEFORE 2330 G.M.T. OCTOBER 4th

PRESS NOTICE

Admiral of the Fleet Sir G.C.V.O. has asked Dudley pound, G.C.B. , 0.M., , to be relieved of the appointment of First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff on grounds of ill health. The King has approved the appointment of of the Fleet Sir Andrew G. C.B. D. S. 0. to succeed him. Cunningham, Bart., ~ ,

ADMIRALTY

The following letters have been exchanged between the Prime Minister, the First Lord and Sir Dudley pound.

Ist October, 1943*

My dear First Lord,

As you are aware, the Medical Director General has decided that it is to of necessary for me go to hospital for a period, the duration which is uncertain. that time active not be During work on my part will possible.

This being so I have reviewed the situation as a 'whole. Most regretfully I have come to the conclusion that it would not be fair or

correct either to yourself or the other Members of the Board of Admiralty to. in continue my appointment. I must therefore ask you to accept my resignation as First Sea Lord.

You will, I know, realise with what feelings of sorrow and regret I tender for the my resignation, I would like to express to you my appreciation which for the unfailing support you have always extended to me, and confidence which you have placed in me. I shall always look back on our work together to during these momentous years with feelings of happiness, and I like think is that our efforts have not been unfruitful so far as the Navy concerned.

the of This painful decision coming so soon after the award of Order of satisfaction to me Merit by the King, which was naturally a source pride and that causes me some concern. You will, however, I am, sure, appreciate nothing but after the ill health would have caused me to offer my resignation so soon bestowal of this high award. Had it not been for- this sudden and unexpected, that not to illness I had hoped to continue our work together; however, is be.

Yours very sincerely,

DUDLEY POUND

/10, Downing Street 10 Downing Street, 'Whitehall* October 4, 1943.

My Dear Pound,

I am sorry indeed that you have felt it necessary to lay*' down your charge on account of your health, and that our four years* work together in this was must come to an end. Ho one knows better than I the quality of your the contribution-, at Admiralty and on the Chiefs of Staff Committee, to the safety of the country and the success of our arms. Your vast and precise knowledge of the sea war in all its aspects, your fortitude in times of the risks anxiety and misfortune, your resourcefulness and readiness to run without which victory can never be won, have combined to make your tenure as First Sea Lord memorable in the records of the *.

You leave us at a moment when the control of the Mediterranean is

virtually within our grasp, when the Italian Fleet has made its surrender in Malta Harbour, and when, above all, the U-boat peril has been broken in a degree never before seen in this war. These results have been of measureless sheds value to 3/our country, and your notable share in them lustre on your

name. >

I remain,

To our sincere friend,

WINSTON S. CHURCHILL.

Admiralty, S.W. 1.

4th October, 1943*

My Dear pound,

I have received your letter of October 1st to the effect that the First Lord* state of your health compels you to resign your appointment as Sea hut to the Whilst in the circumstances there is no option accept resignation,

due no doubt to the enormous may I say how very much I regret your illness, in the Royal Navy burden you have heme for more than four years piloting the no that will through the greatest crisis in its history, and express pe you will enab1e to enjoy a well speedily regain that measure of health which you earned and happy retirement*.

the since 1940 is a The dissolution of our partnership at Admiralty May to how much I an indebted you severe wrench, X cannot express adequately wise counsel and advice and personally for all your unflinching support, your Through all the long and your unfailing friendship. difficult period you have a constant indeed keen a tower of strength and inspiration. You have certainly the now so clearly, the foundations 01 Victory played a great part in laying drawing nearer.

is of served so long proud The- Royal Navy you have to have worked with you. of arc- proud colleagues on the Board Admiralty

yours ever,

A.V.