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ANNEX III.
Copy of a telegram dated 12th October, 1940 from
Commander in Chief Middle East
to the Mur Office.
214
IMMEDIATE.
I/22389 cipher 12/10.
Addressed War Office repeated Governor Aden Commander in Chief East Indies reference Aden to Secretary of State for the Colonies 512 of 10th October.
1. Our action in delaying Esperance has probably given French clear warning that their very existence depends upon our goodwill. It may now be politic to allow Esperance to proceed to Jibuti to evacuate to Madegascar sick and demobilised personnel up to definite limit 300 also to remove coal and oil stocks. Latter most important. These stocks together with stock of aviation
Air Officer spirit represent one month's active operations. Commanding-in-Chief R. A. F. Middle East and I agree that any concessions should be contingent upon undertaking that these stocks are removed or destroyed. Still consider that reduction of garrison by four battalions would be playing the Italians' game. If proper publicity given to our intention to assist French if they play square with us believe morale of garrison could be maintained in which case see no reason to doubt Le Gentilhomme's original (?appreciation) that with available garrison he could resist any likely scale Italian attack. reason to believe, although Antoilenz evidently unaware we have this information, that substantial stocks of ammunition secretly stored in Jibuti.
Have
2. If Commander in Chief Last Indies considers it can be done without undue risk agree to re-establishment of cable communication contingent upon French agreement to retain Consul.
3. Subject to verified figures of present stocks being obtained and after current stocks are reduced to two or three months reserve agree to replenish by month's reserve at a time in exchange for an undertaking, which can be verified by our Consul, that oil coal sugar and edible oil are not bartered to Italians.
Copies to C.4. (Telegrams)
Copies to:- S. of S.
C.I.G.S.
V.C.I.G. S.
D. M. O. & P. D.D.M.0.(0).
To M.0.5. (for action)
M.0.1.5. (6 copies). D. M. I.
D.D.M.I. (I).
M. 1.2.3.
D. of Plan. Air Ministry. D. of Plans. Admiralty,
Col. Hollis, War Cabinet. Foreign Office (Mr. Cavendish-
Bentinck).
Maj. Morton, 10 Downing Street. Comdr. Coleridge (Gwydyr House). Spears Mission Gwydyr House. Maj. Gen. Ismay, Offices of
the Cabinet.
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