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18

VIII-ATTACK ON THE BRITISH ISLES FROM OVERSEA.

THE PRIME MINISTER said that it would be convenient if the Admiralty and the War Office would prepare for the use of the Standing Sub-Committee memoranda reviewing the changes in the conditions which had taken place since the enquiry

which was held in 1908.

MR. CHURCHILL said that he understood that it was not intended to challenge the general conclusions arrived at in 1908. The general basis had not altered from the point of view of the Admiralty. The new facts were only comparatively minor modifications. He would have the old memoranda brought up to date as regards facts and details.

COLONEL SEELY said that it was more difficult for the War Office. They knew generally that many of the naval factors had been modified since 1908, but they did not know what the Admiralty considered their cumulative effect to be. Without such knowledge it was difficult for them to say anything new on the subject.

THE PRIME MINISTER said that the Sub-Committee would wish to know the changes as regards the organisation and efficiency of the Home defence forces and the arrangements for land defence.

(Conclusion.)

The Admiralty and the War Office to prepare memoranda for the information of the Standing Sub-Committee on the present aspects of the question of attack on the British Isles from oversea.

PRINTED AT THE FORITON OFFICE NY C. B. HARRISON ––27/3/1913,

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