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ANNEX IV.
DRAFT TELEGRAM.
TO -
C.-in-C. Mediterranean
132
1.
of Staff.
2.
C.-in-C., Middle East
A.0.C.-in-C., Middle East.
Following for three Commanders-in-Chief from Chiefs
Reference telegrams 7289 and 7290 of 18/2 from C.-in-C,
Middle East to War Office.
3.
First consideration is to ascertain whether provision
of TIGER AND LEOPARD and French forces as proposed by General Weygand is essential (repeat essential) to ensure security of
Turkish front in Thrace. If not what are minimum essential
forces for this purpose ?
4.
In view of administrative difficulties and generally
of need to retain available reserves for employment as situation
devolops it is clearly uneconomical to send to Turkey larger
forces than are absolutely essential.
5.
On answer to paragraph 3 above must depend willingness
of H.M. Government to finance in part or in full large programme
of administrative development foreshadowed by you.
6.
Secondly answer is required on the following
question. If administrative development is sanctioned but is
still incomplete when need for despatch of forces to Thrace
arises, would you be prepared to recommend sharing Turkish bases
and line of communication in Thrace ?
7.
Your replies to theso questions should represent
Anglo-Franco-Turkish opinion and should be cabled immediately
after forthcoming talks at Ankara.
Meanwhile principle of
financial aid to Turkey in carrying out the development required
is under urgent examination in London.
-Bi -y-
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