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ANNEX II,
Copy of letter from General Co Gaulle
to General Ismay
dated
27th November, 1941
A party consisting of 80 Officers, N.C.0s. and specialists, urgently required by our Air Forces in the Middle East and in Africa, was to have left England these days. General Valin was, however, informed last week by the Air Ministry through the Spears Mission that embarkation had been postponed indefinitely. General Valin's efforts have failed to elicit any promise of an early departure. These officers and men are needed by the following units:-
(1)
A Fighter Group in Syria which requires
this additional strength to complete and to be in a position to take part in current operations forthwith;
Our forces in Chad territory, which may
be called upon at any moment; and
(2)
(3)
Of even greater importance, a Bomber
Group now engaged in the Western Desert.
The embarkation of these men is, therefore, as you will doubtless appreciate, of the greatest importance and urgency.
I would be most grateful if you would press the competent authorities to arrange for the embarkation of this party to whose early departure I attach great importance.
Yours very sincerely,
(Signed) C. de Gaulle.
-2-
93
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