1)
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ANNEX I.
(A) Copy of a telegram dated 19th December, 1941 from C.-in-C., East Indies to the Admiralty. Repeated C.-in-C, Eastern Fleet.
288
13562/17.
617. Admiralty message 1202/12 and A. M. 1330 August 23 paragraph (?F)
1 The work at Diego Garcia is not progressing The present position is that the NN500 have
(A) landed the guns, mountings, MT anl Stores (B) Towed the guns and mountings to Battery site Erected and fitted fresh water tanks and
(D) Supplied various stores and equipment for installing
defences which Indians (corrupt group) lacked (II) Despite this assistance it is becoming more and more evident these Indian troops have neither the makings nor the training required for a task of this nature.
(III) In view of increased urgency of matter I propose to
suggest to ARM India that force at short cut (The M.N.B.D.O. Contingent allocated to Nancowry operation) be sent to assist at Diego Garcia as soon as they have completed their recuperative leave i.e. early in January.
(B) Copy of a telegram dated 25th December, 1941 from Admiralty to C.-in-C. East Indies 504.
2248A/25.
Your 13182/23. Consideration is being given to reformation of complete L. & M. Unit M. N.B. D. O. I in Ceylon for employment by G. O. C.-in-C. India in connection with immediate requirements for improvement of Base Defences in India Ocean area. Further information on this matter will be signalled on decision by Chiefs of Staff.
2.
Meanwhile you should place at disposal of G. O. C.-in- C. India and arrange for shipment of such personnel and material of M. N.B.D.0. detachments employed in mounting defences at Addu Atoll as may be required to complete installation of defences at Diego Garcia as soon as possible. A proviso should be made that personnel and material are subject to recall if task is not completed before they are wanted in connection with requirement in para. 1 above.
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