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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
SECRET
TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.
C.O.S. (40) 843 (J.P.)
Also Paper No.
J.P. (40) 564
COPY NO.
29.
19th October. 1940.
AR CABINET
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE
CRETE
Note by the Joint Planning Staff
266
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We know that the Chiefs of Staff and the Commanders-in- Chief in the Mediterranean and Middle East are imbued with the importance of preventing our enemies occupying Crete. The Chiefs of Staff have already approved certain action directed to increasing the security of this Island.
2.
hilst the French were still fighting on our side, land forces were earmarked to proceed to Crete. These are not now available owing to the fact that all our forces in the Middle East are required to meet the Italian threat to Egypt.
3.
Nevertheless our military strength in the Middle East is growing. Soon, particularly if Graziani delays his attack, we may be strong enough again to earmark and prepare a small force and move it to reinforce Crete in the event of Greece being involved in war.
4.
We suggest that the Commanders-in-Chief in the Mediterranean and Middle East should be invited to consider the possibility of making a small force available for this purpose.
5.
We attach as an Annex a draft telegram from the Chiefs of Staff.
(signed) 0.S, DANIEL
I.S.O. PLAYFAIR
W.F. DICKSON
Cabinet War Room.
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