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J.
(41)96.
5TH
*
EBRUARY 1941.7
ANNEX
AR CABINET.
JOINT PLANNING START.
VULNERABILITY OF HIT HALL TO AIR ATTACK.
Memorandum by the Joint Planning Staff.
At the present time almost the entire Headquarters of the British Empire are concentrated in a few acres in the "hitehall area. Ministries and Departments have, to a limited extent, thinned out; certain branches have been evacuated to the country. At the same time it is no exaggeration to say that all the
xecutive branches of the Service Ministries and Civil Departments remain on their previous sites. The extent of their concentration is only equalled by the extent of their responsibilities.
2.
The lesson to be learnt from the heavy German air attack on Polish Headquarters was appreciated by the British Army in France. British G. H. Q. was widely dispersed at considerable inconvenience. German technique with regard to Headquarters was noticeable to any soldier taking part in the brief operations in France. Headquarters were studiously ignored until the need for them to function undisturbed was greatest. They were then attacked heavily from the air. Those who moved when an attack seemed imminent could enjoy from the distance the destruction of their late Headquarters.
The likelihood of a German attempt at invasion gives every reason to suppose that heavy air attack on "hitehall is likely to be the prelude of such an attempt.
3.
It does not appear that the vulnerability of Whitehall to a German air attack has been fully realised. The German air bombardments of Rotterdam, Coventry and the incendiary attack upon the City of Iondon are instances of the great effect which can be obtained in favourable circumstances.
It would be a true analogy if in the last war "hitehall had been erected within medium artillery range of the enemy.
4.
It will be argued that the nucleus of all essential Departments have underground accommodation and are able to function for several days. It is considered that this attitude is unduly optimistic.
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