No. 107 NAI DFA Secretary's Files P12/8
Personal code telegram from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin) (No. 169)
ROME, 5 July 1941
Russian resistance to German offensive is considered officially here to be much more effective and stubborn than was anticipated and is causing anxiety in Axis circles, as their plan to have destroyed Bolshevik armies by middle of August may be compromised. If there is a winter campaign, Russia will have formidable ally in sub-zero temperature.
The Italian forces which were last year organised for invasion of France have already left for Russian front in answer to an urgent appeal for reinforcements from German General Staff, it is stated.