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THE USE OF ATR POWER.

(Previous

Reference:

Cabinet 30

(28). Con- clusion 4.)

THE PERSIAN GULF SUB- COMMITTEE.

Extension of

Reference

(Previous

Reference: Cabinet 34 (28), Con- clusion 2.)

2. The Oabinet had before them a Memorandum by

the Secretary of State for Air (Paper C.P.-160 (28))

covering an Air Staff Memorandum on the use of

air power as illustrated by the recent operations

in Arabia.

The Conclusions and Recommendations

in the Air Staff Paper, which was signed by

Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Hugh Trenchard,

are as follows:

(a) In view of the fact that air power

achieves success by its effect on the moral of an enemy it is essential that the local political authority and the Air Officer Com- manding should act together in the closest co-operation. Although it is the duty of the political authority to determine when air action is necessary, it should be the duty of the Air Officer to say when air operations should be suspended and when peace negotiations should be commenc ed.

(b) Accurate and timely information

is essential to the success of air power. Reorganisation of the intelligence services in Trans jordan, Iraq and Aden appears necessary and additional European personnel capable of speaking the local languages are required in those countries both in the Air Force and in the Political Departments.

(c) Local political authorities should

be given wider discretionary powers so that they can make decisions without constant reference to the Departments of State at home.

(d) The responsibilities of the Colonial Office should be extended to include Koweit, the Trucial Chiefs and all political questions concerning the countries contiguous with Arabia.

(e) Would it not be possible to make one.

department of the Government, with the Air Ministry as advisers on air matters, responsible for political and administrative action in Arabia, or at any rate in Iraq, Aden and Frans jordan? Even if this solution is impracticable, has not the time come when the India Office and Government of India might well consider relieving themselves of their direct political and administrative

responsibilities connected with Arabia?

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