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TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
It is requested that special care may be taken to
ensure the secrecy of this document.
2068
(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT).
SECRET
This document was considered at 40(41) 31
C.O.S.(41) 60.
28TH JANUARY, 1941.
WAR
CABINET
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE
COPY NO 33
CO.S.(41) 334
Meet.ng.
THE GREEK ISLANDS.
Note by the Secretary.
The attached telegram from the Commander-in-
Chief, Middle East, is circulated for consideration by the Chiefs of Staff. At the meeting held this morning, 28th January, it was agreed that the principle was clear namely that we should hold on to those Greek Islands which we may require for the conduct of the war. The question to be settled is what islands we require in addition to Crete.
(Signed) L. C. HOLLIS.
Great George Street, S.W.l.
28th January, 1941
Annex
C.0.5. (41)32nd Mtg. Minute 1.
Immediate
ANNEX
Copy of a telegram dated 27th January, 1941 from the Commander-in-Chief. Middle East to the War Office.
0/37842 cipher 27/1
Following for Chiefs of Staff from Commanders-in-Chief. In spite of statements to contrary by Greeks the possibility of early cessation of hostilities between Greece and Italy under threat from Germany cannot be ignored. In these circumstances it would be essential to take immediate action to safeguard our interests in the Aegean. The policy of H.K.G. when the Italo-Greek war broke out was that it was imperative in all circumstances that we should hold Crete. We feel that this policy should still hold good and be extended to apply to any other Greek Islands the use of which we may require for the conduct of the war. Request early intimation on this point.
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