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

SECRET.

C.O.S.(40)

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY. It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.

COPY NO.

17TH JUNE, 1940.

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

MILITARY IMPLICATIONS OF THE WITHDRAWAL

OF THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN FLEET.

In our appreciation of British Strategy in the event of France collapsing (Paper No. C.0.S.(40)390), we gave as the main reasons for maintaining a fleet in the Eastern Mediterranean:-

2.

(a) To maintain economic pressure;

(b) To ensure the security of Egypt and as a

stabilising influence on Turkey and the Middle East.

Now that Italy has intervened against us and French resistance has collapsed, the retention of the fleet in the Eastern Mediterranean must be reconsidered in the light of the following factors:-

(a)

It is apparent that Turkey has little or no intention of honouring her obligations; (b) The attitude of Egypt is unsatisfactory;

(c)

The confidence of the Balkan countries in our ability to achieve victory has already been so badly shaken that it is unlikely that the presence of a British Fleet in the Eastern Mediterranean will materially influence their attitude.

Naval Considerations.

3.

From the point of view of purely naval strategy the position of the Mediterranean Fleet at Alexandria has the following disadvantages: -

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