CAB80-13 — Page 163

Page 163

Page 163

ANNEX

Extract From W. P. (40) 168.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

147

23.

The following recommendations were drafted before the Bill conferring on the Government complete power of control over persons and property for the prosecution of the war was passed. We have not had the opportunity of studying the details of this Bill, so some of our recommendations are no doubt covered by its provisions.

We recommend that the foolowing measures should be carried out NOW, irrespective of events in France. The se measures are confined to those which we consider necessary for the security of this country against attack during the critical period that may arise in the next few months:-

(1) We should do our utmost to persuade the

United States of America to provide aircraft, particularly fighters, as soon as possible and in large numbers, including those from stocks now held by the United States Army and Navy.

(ii) Measures should be taken to ensure the strictest economy in A. A. ammunition expenditure.

(iii) The most ruthless action should be taken

to eliminate any chances of "Fifth Column" activities. Internment of all enemy aliens and all members of subversive organisations, which latter should be prescribed.

(iv) Alien refugees are a most dangerous source

of subversive activity. We recommend that the number of refugees admitted to this country should be cut to the minimum and that those admitted should be kept under the closest surveillance.

(v)

In order to ensure the necessary co-operation

between tho Civil and Military Authorities, operational control of all Civil Defence Forces, including county and borough police, etc., should be vested in the Ministry of Home Security and exercised through Regional Commissioners.

(vi) Any evacuation which the Government intends

to carry out in emergency should be carried out now. We recommend that a

modification of the scheme for reception areas, in view of the dangers of invasion, should be carried out.

-4-

Page 163

Page 163

Page 163