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not prejudice our position over other forms of equi ment which we are withholding (ostensibly, nd in most casos, truthfully) because they are in short supply.

The Chiefs of Staff submit that their training aircraft, which have little potential offensive value, should be supplied to Biro.

AMMEZ

PRIME MINISTER.

SUPPLY OF SQUIRTENT TO FIRE.

The Vice Chiefs of Staff submit that, except for the few minor items of cqui ɔment already promised to irc, other itens which the rc authorities have asked for should be withheld. This can easily be done on the pretext that we are fighting for our lives and cannot spare the equi mont. They think: that this would be an additional means of influencing the Government of Hire should it be decided to employ economic pressure.

2.

You may wish this point considered when the matter is again brought before the War Cabinet in accordance with .. (40) 304th Mooting, Conclusion 5.

(Signed) E.I. ISMAY.

18th December, 1940.

Withhold for the resont,

(Intld).

W.S.C.

23/XII.

Secretary of State for Dominions to see.

= C.0.S. (40) 1048.

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