After forty-eight hours, when no reply had reached us, I felt I should send the President a further cable: "Increased landing craft program submitted Wednesday possible only if we immediately issue directive giving priority over all programs any kind. Wire whether I shall have nelson issue directive."

Before the day was out I was forced to take preliminary steps without awaiting instructions and cabled him: "Horne says unelss priorities for landing craft over all other programs authorized today deliveries referred to Wednesday's message would be delayed. I have advised nelson to grant such priorities. Please wire if this is you wish. My opinion is that figures of agencies overcautious and you could cont on 15 per cent above those figures." I added the enouraging note at the end because I knew from experience how cautious these particular officials were in their estimats. The next day I was able to send further information:

William Francis Gibbs advises me that if immediately authorized, forty to fifty additional ships nearly ideantical with LCIL but having speed of twelve knots probably can be delivered within speicified time by convertin Army p204 cargo vessels under contract in Gulf intended for duty in MacArthur theater. Could probably start deliveries withinsixtydays. If these ships are held not suitable for all functions of LCIL they can at least be substituted for noncombat duty of LCIL and LST, releasing the latter. If you approve wire me authority to proceed.

On November 28, by which time the President and his partyw were already in Teheran, messages began tor each Washington in reply to mine.