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Road communications will also be blocked by snow and it would be extremely difficult for the enemy to reach the West Coast even if he should succeed in landing a seaborne force in the eastern half of the Island. In general, except for a major assault on Reykjavik, the problem of defence of the Island is more complex in summer than in winter.

770

It is obvious that owing to its size (Iceland is larger than Ireland), climatic conditions, and lack of communications, the defence of the Island presents considerable difficulties. There appear to be wo methods of solving the problem:-

(a) to create self-contained garris ons

(b)

sufficient to withstand the estimated scale of attack at all points, or

to hold the Reykjavik area in strength, with

comparatively small detachments at other vulnerable points, relying largely upon.

the R.A.F. to prevent the enemy establishing himself in force on the Island.

Alternatively, method (a) would require a

prohibitive number of troops which cannot be provided in existing circumstances.

Land Forces Required.

8.

The existing garrison of Iceland four battalions is shown in Annex I.

9.

The Military Commander in Iceland increased likelihood of attack

G

J

amounting to

in view of the now recommends an increase in the garrison which he considers should be disposed as in Annex I. These proposals are concurred in by Brigadier Page, commanding the Canadian forces in Iceland, and are obviously based on method (b) in paragraph 7 above.

The proposals would involve increasing the existing garrison and the army reinforcements already authorised by -

2 machine gun battalions

2 3.7" Howitzers

12 heavy A.A. Cuns

8 light A.A. guns 4 D.E.Ls,

10. The Military Commander in Iceland attaches particular importance to the provision of at least one Machine Gun Battalion (see Annex III). He is also anxious that the full scale of Bren Carriers should be provided and intends to use these in the role of light tanks. We consider that Bren Carriers should be provided as soon as they can be made available, and that if this is done one Machine Gun Battalion will prove sufficient,

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