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(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT),
TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY..
1. is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.
This document was considered at Co(4) 18-2h
SECRE T.
C.0.S.(41) 26.
10TH JANUARY, 1941.
Meeting 9
COPY NO.
141
WAR CABINET.
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
ASSISTANCE TO GREECE.
Note by the Secretary.
-
At last night's meeting of the Defence Committee (Operations) (D.0.(41) 2nd Meeting), it was decided, on the assumption that General Wavell will agree to such a course, that the 34 "I" Tanks, which were in a ship which lagged from Convoy W.S.5, should be passed through the Mediterranean to Greece direct during February. In consequence of this decision, the loading of the "I" Tanks, which had just begun into a slow ship to join Convoy W.S.6, has been stopped.
2.
In the second Report by the Committee on the Co-ordination of Allied Supplies (C.O.S.(41) 15) which is now before the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the latter are asked whether a fast convoy of three ships can be provided as a matter of urgency for Greece in February. This request, taken in conjunction with the probability that the "I" Tanks will have to go, indicates that four ships suitable for going on the direct route will be required to start loading on or about 1st February. Preliminary enquiry has shown that two ships will become available on that date, and two are available now, and could be held empty till then if necessary. A very early decision is necessary as to whether these latter two ships are to be retained, as otherwise they would begin loading cargo.
3.
The Executive Planning Staff have been asked to work out the details of the move of the "I" Tanks and the three shiploads of material which Lord Hankey's Committee wish to send to Greece, and will report in due course to the Chiefs of Staff. An immediate decision, however, is required as to whether the two fast ships which are available now can be retained for use if no other solution presents itself.
(Signed) A.D. NICHOLL.
Acting Secretary.
Great George Street, S.W.1.,
10TH JANUARY, 1941.
26
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