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ANNEX II.
COPY OF A MINUTE DATED 6TH FEBRUARY. 1941, FROM SECRETARY, CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE TO THE
PRIME MINISTER.
PRIME MINISTER.
The Chiefs of Staff have considered the attached Telegram from the Governor of Malta.
2.
There are at present five British battalions and three Maltese battalions in the Island. The estimated requirement for the garrison of the Island is seven British battalions.
3.
You may remember that a battalion which had been earmarked for Malta was diverted to Crete. In view of the arguments set out in General Dobbie's Telegram, the Chiefs of Staff consider that one extra battalion should now be sent to Malta and propose, subject to your approval, to send the attached Telegram to General Wavell.
Annex I.
+ not attached.
6TH FEBRUARY, 1941.
ANNEX III.
COPY OF A MINUTE DATED 6TH FEBRUARY. 1941. FROM PRIME MINISTER TO GENERAL ISMAY FOR CHIEFS OF
STAFF COMMITTEE.
354
ACTION THIS DAY.
PRIME MINISTER'S PERSONAL MINUTE.
SERIAL NO. D. 34/1.
GENERAL ISMAY FOR CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
I cordially approve the attached draft which seems of
the highest urgency.
2.
Although of course the difficulties of assaulting Malta are enormously increased by the British fuelling base in Suda Bay, nevertheless, I shall be glad to see a second Battalion sent there, at the earliest opportunity, making seven British Battalions in all. Considering that in view of the Italian rout there should be no great difficulty in sparing this seventh Battalion from Egypt, and that the trouble is carrying them there by the Fleet, one must ask whether it is not as easy to carry two as it is to carry 'one. It seems a pity
to let the baker's cart go with only one loaf, when the journey is so expensive and the loaf available, and that it might as easily carry two. Pray consider this.
But no delay.
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