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ANNEX II.
DESPATCH OF AIRCRAFT TO THE MIDDLE EAST.
Previous Paper W.P. (40) 387).
Draft Memorandum by the Chairman, Ministerial Committee on Military Policy in the Middle East.
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The Ministerial Committee on Military Policy in the Middle East again reviewed the air situation and wish to represent to the War Cabinet in the strongest possible terms:-
(a) That our air forces in the Middle East are
already inferior to the Italian forces opposed to them. That in the event of strong German air reinforcements reaching that area the whole of our position in the Middle East would be imperilled.
(b) That in the event of enemy attacks upon
Greece or Turkey it is of vital importance that we should be able to afford some assistance to these countries in the air as well as at sea. Meanwhile our strength in the Middle East may very well determine the attitude of both countries.
(c) For these reasons the Committee do not
consider that the present policy of replacement is sufficient. They are informed that on technical grounds new squadrons cannot operate in the Middle East unless the necessary ground staff are sent out beforehand. The Committee urge that this should be done at once.
Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.,
October, 1940.
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X
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