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TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
it is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secreay of this document.
сё
IS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
This document was considered at cos(4) 438 Meeting..
SECRET.
C.0.S.(41)756.
also P.D.C.(41) 113).
COPY NO.
33
24TH DECEMBER, 1941
276
WAR CABINET,
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE,
COAST DEFENCE EQUIPMENTS FOR EIRE
Report by Port Defence Committee
2
At the request of the Dominions Office,
the
Port Defence Committee have considered the following telegram from the High Commissioner in Dublin:
2.
"No. 276 SECRET.
Following for Machtig from Maffey,
Begins.
Could you get me an early reply on the
Mr. de Valera asked following question? to see me to-day to enquire whether we regarded it as a matter of possible conse- quence whether the six inch guns protecting the Bere Island anchorage remained in their present position. As they serve no purpose of local defence, authorities here are most anxious to move them to Shannon Estuary where they would serve defence
Mr. de interests at a vital point. Valera is prepared to act in accordance with our advice but if guns are retained at Bere Island on our suggestion he will no doubt consider himself entitled to press for guns to defend the Shannon Estuary. He is under pressure of his military authorities and asks for early reply.
Ends.
!!
The Port Defence Committee advise that the two six inch guns protecting the Bere Island anchorage should be retained in their present position as they protect a potential naval base. They are the only heavy guns installed there.
3.
There are no Coast defonoe equipments in the Shannon Estuáry area. The Port Defence Committee suggest that two six inch naval guns should be given to Fire for the defence of that area.
These guns can be made available from Waz Office resources and might be added to the "hamper" of equipment that
is already authorised for Eire(signed) W.G. STIRLING.
Secretary
Port Defence Committee.
Great George Street, SoWale
24TH DECEMBER, 1941.
This document was considered at Co.(4)438 Meeting.
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