Page 232
Page 232
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.
C:
216
Page 232
SECRET.
C.0.S.(40) 480.
20TH JUNE, 1940.
WAR CABINET .
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
ATLANTIC ISLANDS,
Aido Memoire
COPY 10.
18
The following, Aide Memoire summaries the main points doh have been brought out in the Papers which have recently been under consideration by the Chiefs of Staff on the subject of seizing the Atlantic Islands.
2e
The full details of these projects are given in Papers Hos. C.0.5. (40) 465(J.P.), C.0.5.(40)478 and 0.0.5. (40) 184th Conclusions, Linute 1.
5
The groups of islands under consideration are:-
(a) Canaries (Spanish) with defended harbours in
Grand Canary (La Luz) and Teneriffe (Santa Cruz
(b) Azores (Portuguese) with a lightly defended harbo
and cable station in Fayal, and a lightly defended harbour in St. Miguel.
(c) Cape Verdes (Portuguese) with an aerodrome in
Sal and a harbour and cable stations at St. Vincent.
The following notes have been prepared without prejudice to the question Of
whether the Chiefs of Staff recommend that the Islands should be seized, or whether the necessary forces can be made available having regard to our commitments elsewhere, particularly in Ireland, which it was agreed, should have first priority.
4. CANARIES.
Strategic Points.
The strategic points to be seized and subsequently
maintained are
Grand Can ary
Teneriffe
the harbour at La Luz and the aerodrome at Gando,
the harbour at Santa Cruz, and landing ground at Los Rodeos
--1---
480
Page 232
Page 232