Page 509
Page 509
TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
G
424
It is req e tea that specigi care may be taken to
ensure the secrecy of tliis document.
(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT).
SECRET.
COPY NO.
33
This document was considered at (41) $6Meeting.
C.O.S.(41)91,
12TH FEBRUARY, 1941.
WAR CABINET,
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
POSSIBLE GERMAN ACTION IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS.
Note by Secretary.
At their Meeting on 5th February, 1941, the Chiefs of Staff had before them a notet by the Joint Planning Staff on the possibility of Germany taking early action to seize the Balearic Islands.
2.
The Committee was informed that the Joint Planning Staff had initiated this report in the light of the possibility that the reported concentrations of shipping at Genoa, Naples and elsewhere might portend early action to seize the Balearics, After a brief discussion, and before inviting the Foreign Office to warn the Spanish authorities, it was decided to instruct the Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee to report whether there was any evidence tending to show that Germany contemplated early action against the Balearic Islands.
The Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee now report that they are aware of no evidence whatever tending to show that Germany contemplates seizing the Balearics.
Ba
4.
It is suggested that the Chiefs of Staff may now wish to reconsider the note by the Joint Planning Staff and to decide whether or not to invite the Foreign Office to warn the Spanish authorities of the possibility of early enemy action against the Balearic Islands,
(Signed) L.C. HOLLIS.
Great George Street, S.W.1.
12TH FEBRUARY, 1941.
*c.0.S.(41) 42nd Meeting, Minute 4.
+J.P.(41) 85.
91
Page 509
Page 509
Page 509