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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.

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SECRET.

C.0.S. (40) 451.

12TH JUNE, 1940.

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

COPY NO. 37

SPHERES OF OPERATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

Note by the Secretary.

The attached telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East to the War Office is for consideration at the meeting arranged for 13th June, 1940.

Richmond Terrace, S.C.1.

From:

C.-in-C. Middle ast.

To:- The War Office.

0/11949 cipher 10/6.

(Signed) A.D. NICHOLL.

Acting Secretary.

Recd. 0115 12.6.40.

8

451

Following for C.-in-C and A.0.C.-in-C.

of Staff.

For Chiefs

(1) As a result of joint planning experiences here have found very considerable difficulties owing to fact that naval operations in Red Sea are under East Indies command instead of C.-in-C. Mediterranean. This has been great inconvenience

up to now but with imminent entry of Italy into war may become serious danger.

(2) We strongly urge that if possible naval responsibility for Red Sea and Aden be placed immediately under C.-in-C. Mediterranean so that spheres of operations of three Cs.-in-C. here may coincide.

(3)

C.-in-C. Mediterranean knows we are making this recommendation.

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