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SECRET.
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ANNEX III.
FRENCH OIL STOCKS AND SHIPPING.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.
French Oil Stocks.
1.
Bordeaux Area.
At Pauillac (150,000 tons),
Possible action,
Direct Naval bombardment.
This will lead to
civilian casualties.
2.
At Ambes.
(118,000 tons)
Possible action.
As for 1 above as this place is further up the river the approach would be more difficult.
3.
Tankers lying in or off Bordeaux,
291
Possible action.
Persuade or threaten crews to bring ships away, giving time limit for their movement. Put prize crews on board. If unsuccessful, sink ships by demolition or torpedo fire.
4.
The following war ships are in the vicinity of Bordeaux, Calcutta (possibly flying flag of C.S.2).
5.
Fraser Restigouche Harvester McKay Wren
In general there seems little chance of dealing with oil stocks by land action, A company is believed still to be ashore at Bordeaux and will presumably destroy oil stocks if possible. This work has become more and more difficult due to French opposition and it is probable that the oil stocks at Bordeaux will be protected by active military action. Little reliance can therefore be placed on their operations at Bordeaux meeting with success, but, if still there, they will doubtless try.
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