CAB80-13 — Page 106

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Defence Forces.

13. The Portuguese defences are:

Porto Grande.

In October 1939 commission.

Sal

2 batteries of obsolete naval guns of small

calibre.

30 Native soldiers and one Portuguese

Officer.

one battery was reported to be out of

- No Portuguese garrison.

Although these defences are weak, we must anticipate the possibility of their having been reinforced by German or Italian elements.

Plan recommended.

In order to achieve surprise the two most important islands, e.g.,

Sal and St. Vincent, should be taken simultaneously. Maio and St. Jago should be dealt with subsequently.

Forces required.

14.

Army

Nav

Air

One Infantry Brigade, Field Company, Field

Ambulance.

At least one cruiser or destroyer to support

landing on each island. Escort and cover for the convoys dependent upon the naval situation.

Aircraft carrier Carrier borne fighter

protection is essential unless we can be sure that no enemy aircraft are based on Sal.

Reconnaissance aircraft (one flight of obsolete

type) to be added to the garrison after capture for watching the islands.

Shipping - Two liners and store and M.T.ships as required.

Permanent Garrison.

15.

The lack of water facilities apart from any other consideration will make it desirable to reduce the above force after capture of the islands.

AZORES.

Object.

16.

Our object would be to deny the islands to the enemy to use them as fuelling bases and to protect the cable station.

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