Page 283
Page 283
259
Location of the Division earmarked for Eire.
The report brings out clearly the disadvantages of retaining in the United Kingdom any division which is earmarked for assistance to Eire. The main disadvantages
4.
are:-
(a) For political reasons we have got to wait until
the Germans land in Eire before we can move troops to their assistance. The despatch of a division by sea takes time.
(b) As the initiative lies with the enemy, we
cannot be certain at which port it will be tactically possible and desirable that this division should land. If it is to land in the South, the division would best be located now in the vicinity of the Bristol Channel. If it is to land in the North, it would be better assembled near the Clyde. Some time will be lost if the Division is in the wrong place.
(c) If a landing is to be carried out in Southern
Ireland where no administrative facilities exist, administrative units will have to be added to the force. This will increase the size of the force and add to the delay in getting ashore.
On the other hand the retention of the Division in the United Kingdom would be important if the blow falls on this country.
5.
6.
If the division is located in Northern Ireland alongside the troops already earmarked for the same purpose:-
(a) Contact and communication between Dublin and the Northern Ireland District will be more simple. The Government of Eire will be able to call for assistance more readily and they will receive that assistance more quickly.
(b) Troops could move south, even to the extreme South Coast, more quickly by road and rail, if unimpeded, than they could by sea. They would be more certain of carrying out their role effectively as they would be operating from an established base.
-2-
Page 283
Page 283
Page 283