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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.

162

SECRET.

C.0.S.(40)473.

19TH JUNE 1940.

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

EIRE.

Revised Draft Report.

20.

COPY NO.

1.

Now that French resistance has definitely collapsed we must expect with absolute certainty a ruthless assault on this country; and in our view it is almost a foregone conclusion that, simultaneously with air attack, and perhaps also seaborne invasion on our East and South coasts, we shall

We know there are be faced with a Nazi descent upon Eire. very large numbers of Germans in Spain, and accumulations of

There are indications shipping in Vigo and other ports.

There of an expedition being assembled in Norwegian ports. is good reason to think that German aircraft have been to Eire within the last few days. It would clearly be folly to ignore the very real possibility of a simultaneous descent from the North and South simultaneously, combined with the landing of airborne troops and a rebellion by the I.R.A.

2.

It is unnecessary to elaborate the dangers of such a development, which if successful, would be a grave threat to our Western ports. Moreover, if in addition to the occupation of the ports of Western France, now a foregone conclusion, the enemy also controls the Irish southern ports and consequently denies them to us, the security of our vital life-line to the Americas will be most seriously threatened.

3.

Meanwhile our existing garrison in Northern Ireland consists of one division (53rd) of 14,000 men, whose training and equipment is not yet complete, and a further 8,000

A second troops the majority of which are training units. partially trained and equipped division (61st) (less R.A. and R.E. is in process of transit and should be concentrated in Northern Ireland by 20th June,

ally

In addition to these there are a few Air Force Training establishments and a certain number of training aircraft.

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