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(vi) It is essential that we should be in a position to attack the oilfields at the earliest possible moment after the outbreak of hostilities. If we cannot do so, or if our attacks are not successful, the threats to our interests may continue indefinitely. If we are to have a reasonable chance of attacking the oilfields effectively with British forces, it will be necessary to transfer three long-range Blenheim squadrons from Home to the Middle East. The full implications of this move are set out in paragraph 45 above.
(vii) Without Turkish or Iranian co-operation, we cannot attack the
Caucasian oilfields at all except by infringing territorial rights.
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CR
0.3.(
Cabin
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