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F. 0. E. S. (40) 1.7
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ENCLOSURE.
WAR CABINET.
FUTURE OPERATIONS (ENEMY) PLANNING SECTION.
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The Chiefs of Staff at their meeting held on the 6th December, 1940, instructed the F.O. (E), Section: -
"To prepare a brief strategical appreciation from
the enemy's point of view".
Our Appreciation foll: WS. We have attached considerable importance to the need for brevity. We have based ourselves upon the view which we think would be taken by Germany, as the predominant partner in the Axis.
APPRECIATION FROM GERMAN POINT OF VIEW.
GENERAL SURVEY,
1.
Political. Germany's position in Europe depends upon maintaining the terror inspired by her armed might and the successes which she has hitherto achieved. Consequently it must be expected that Germany is anxious to give her enemy no opportunity of inflicting a serious and obvious check to her arms and that Hitler will dwboko no major operation until he has carefully prepared it and is satisfied that it will be successful,
2. Tne morale of the German people is not high, but they are apathetic. They are quietly confident of victory because they do not see how Germany can be defeated. For a considerable time to come there can be no expectation that privations or reverses will prov ke internal revolt.
る。
Certain of the Occupied Territories contain strong
elements of resistance which may present grave dangers in time.
For the present they can be kept in check with little trouble.
4.
Italy is already an economic strain upon Germany but so long as italy remains in strength in the Mediterranean
Italian Germany can't afford to see her overthrown. hatred for Germans may complicate intervention, but Italian fear of Germany makes it improbable that it will be opposed.
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C.0.5.(40)417th Meeting.
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