TELEGRAM 219
Ottawa, October 28, 1941
IMPORTANT. SECRET. Your telegram No.183 dated October 23rd. Situation is that our ice-breaking fleet is barely adequate to handle gulf and river St. Lawrence plus naval and other shipping requirements for ports Maritime Provinces and St. John’s, Newfoundland. We had planned handle Atlantic coast with ice-breakers Montcalm and Saurel but after discussion with Canadian Naval authorities and British Ministry representative we are prepared if you so decide to detail Montcalm to Archangel and will do best we can handle Atlantic coast with Saurel. Montcalm is a powerful ice-breaker and coal burner. Question of reconditioning for voyage is being studied. Drydocking will be necessary. Montcalm must be replaced by construction of new vessel; arrangements in this regard can be considered later. Information will be forwarded possibly in two weeks probable date vessel can sail. She is at present north on lighthouse supply trip. Please advise what crew arrangements would be proposed.
