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4.
From the military point of view it is most desirable that Allied troops should enter Belgium by invitation before the actual invasion of Belgian territory by Germany. But if this cannot be arranged, it is at least essential that it should be clearly recognised between ourselves and the French that if Belgian territory is so invaded, the Allied troops will move into Belgium at once without waiting for an invitation from the Belgian Government. The delay occasioned by any other arrangement would mean the loss of priceless hours.
5.
So far as Air Forces are concerned, the position is perfectly clear, since the War Cabinet has already authorised the Chiefs of Staff (see W.. (39)46th Conclusions "to put into operation without further reference to the War Cabinet the plans for checking by air action any German advance into Holland, Belgium or Luxemburg, immediately certain information has received of the cnemy's advance into any of these countries."! In order to ensure that no time is lost, an additional Air Attache is stationed in Brussels, charged with the responsibility for informing the Air Ministry immediately that authentic information is received of a German violation of Belgium. He has a direct Green Line to the Air Ministry for this purpose.
6. It is suggested that analogous arrangements should be made as regards the Allied land forces, i.e. that the French High Command should have authority from the Allied Governments to move Allied forces into Belgium immediately authentic information is received of a German invasion of that country, and that special arrangements should be made (if these do not already exist) to ensure that the French High Command receive immediate information of any such invasion.
Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.
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(Signed) H.L. ISMAY.
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