This document was considered at Co.5.(41) 7′′ Meeting.
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRIT.NNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT)
SECRET.
TO BE KET UNDER LOOK & KEY.
It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document,
•
C.O.S.(41) 7.
2ND JANUARY, 1941.
WAR CABINET.
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
COPY NO.
29
28
ICELAND:
AIR DEFENCE OF THE FUELLING BASE.
Note by Secretary.
The attached draft telegram to the F.0.1.C. and to the G.0.C. Iceland has been prepared and is circulated in accordance with 0.0.5.(41) 2nd Meeting, Conclusion 3(e).
It is suggested that the Vice Chiefs of Staff should consider it at their meeting on Friday afternoon, 3rd January 1941, when making the monthly allocation of anti-aircraft guns.
Great George Street, S. W. 1.
2nd JANUARY, 1941.
(Signed) L.C. HOLLIS.
ANNEX.
DRAFT #LEGRAM TO F.O.I.C. ICELAND AND G.O.C. ICELAND.
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MOST SECRET,
Following from Chiefs of Staff.
It is intended to use HVALFIORD near REYKJAVIK as a fuelling base for escorting craft on the Iceland route for North Atlantic Convoys, As soon as enemy discover that we are making use of this anchorage for escorts, we must expect them to employ long-distance aircraft to attack our oilers and the ships in the anchorage.
The anchorage will be brought into use early in February*but the additional anti-aircraft guns (· heavy and light) which we are allocating for its defence will not arrive until some weeks later. You should therefore give such emporary protection to the anchorage as you can afford by redisposing your present limited resources in A.A. guns.
One flight of fighter aircraft (probably Hurricanes) will be sent to Iceland later in the year if they can be made available. In anticipation of their arrival you should ensure that suitable aerodromes are ready for operation by the end of April 1941. The Air Ministry are arranging for the despatch and erection of the necessary R.D.F. equipment to give full effect to the fighter protection when available.
+ Date to be confirmed by Admiralty.
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