Cable, Bernard Montgomery to Dwight D. Eisenhower

FOP SECRET TOP SECRET SHAEF s/c STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL Dr INCOMING MESSAGE WBS UAGP SHAEF x/11/21 TOO: 202245A December TOR: 210200A December TOP URGENT O'Connor of 7 FROM : EXFOR TAC, FROM FIELD MARSHAL MONTGOMERY This TO : SHAEF MAIN, FOR GENERAL EISENHOWER FOR HIS EYES ONLY REF NO : M-384, 20 December 1944 On receiving your instructions to take over command of the Northern Front I held a conference at 1400 hours today with HODGES and SIMPSON at Headquarters First Army and examined the battle situation. The front was in need of reorganization and I issued orders on this subject. I have ordered Ninth Army to take over the present VII Corps sector with the divisions now in it and to use XIX Corps Headquarters for the purpose. I have ordered that Headquarters VII Corps shall take command of a reserve corps consisting of 75th Division, 84th Division, 3rd Armored Division and this corps is to assemble in the general area about DURBUY and MARCHE and is not to be used offensively until it is all assembled and ready for battle. Elements of 7th Armored Division with some other troops are still holding out in the general area about ST VITH and there is no doubt that the brave work of these troops is slowing up enemy movement into the penetration area and westwards. I have arranged with BRADLEY that the boundary between us shall be the line GIVET - PRUM both places inclusive to me and I would be glad if you would confirm this with him as the line was not very good when I spoke. I have every hope that we shall be able to restore the situation and I see no need at present to give up any of the ground that has been gained in the last few weeks by such hard fighting. DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9, SEPT. 27, 1958 NE BY RJS DATE 2/24/67 - 1 - - COPY NO 1 TOP SECRET SUPREME COMMANDER