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ANNEX.
171
IMMEDIATE
0/13 Cipher 18/6.
For C.I.G-S. from General Wavell. Submit following for consideration of War Crbinet.
1. It is likely that theatre of operations which is now Middle East may extend to practically whole of Africa (including Belgian Congo and French Africa if French fight on outside France,) and large part of Asia
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(Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Arabia). Operations will be based mainly on resources of Africa, India, Australia and possibly America. Economic and transportation problems will be of very great importance.
2.
Suggest imperative to set up at once some body which will co-ordinate and direct the war effort and utilisation of resources of this great area. War Cabinet in United Kingdom seems likely to be preoccupied with defence of Great Britain and much time will be wasted in constant reference home.
Body suggested might be some form of War Council working under general directions of British War Cabinet and might comprise representatives of S. Africa, India, Australia, France (if French Africa still belligerent) and possibly of Egypt. Most suitable location might be Kenya. It should have service advisers on lines of Chiefs of Staff Committee at Home.
4.
Submit that such delegation from War Cabinet would save much time and result in better co-ordination. Will submit ideas in more detail if general principle approved.
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A.O.C. in C strongly supports above proposals. Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean will cable his views separately.
C. 4 (Telegrams).
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