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Paragraph 13 - Straits of Gibraltar.
The French Representatives suggest that if Gibraltar became untenable a withdrawal to Dakar (or Freetown) would make regular patrolling west of Gibraltar impracticable. It, therefore, seemed preferable to use, as far as possible, the ports and anchorages between Casablanca and Dakar. Alternatively, they suggest placing the British local defence craft at a port on the west coast of France, La Rochelle or Le Verdon. From here they would be better able to act either against traffic from Gibraltar or against Spanish shipping on the Atlantic coast,
Paragraph 15- Spanish Morocco.
The French Representatives here also feel that it is by no means certain that a Spanish attack against French Morocco could not be undertaken. A French offensive against Spanish Morocco would be an under- taking which would require a greater number than the French would have available. Moreover, the Spaniards have built fortifications in Spanish Morocco which could seriously delay progress of any offensive operation. Finally, the French would not have the necessary air forces to support a land offensive. Consequently, in their opinion, it was essential in the first instance to be strictly on the defensive in Morocco.
Paragraph 16- Spanish overseas possessions.
The French Representatives cannot state that the French would have the necessary means for occupying Rio de Oro, still less for occupying the Canaries.
THIS I
It is emphasised that the above views are evidently those of the French Representatives themselves, and that they are not necessarily the considered views of the French High Command.
Gwydyr House, SW1
(Signed) A. W. CLARKE.
-2--
Secretary.
Cabi
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