Yes, their reply calls it the extra cable. They haven't disputed that part. It's the supply arrangement that never gets beyond another unspecified shipment.

Then ask for an item-specific supply proposal with availability, cable identity and dispatch responsibility; you do not need another explanation of what extra means.

That is the distinction I needed, Beth, thanks. I was about to resend the whole order history when the unresolved question is how they intend to supply the acknowledged shortage.

And leave the spare unavailable in the handover until someone actually receives it.

They now say the cable is being allocated but give no collection date. I've recorded that as their latest promise, not as stock here. The shortage remains open.

Did allocation turn into a dispatch plan, or are you still waiting at that stage?