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11.

These proposals involve a total garrison of nine battalions and attached troops which will entail a considerable hutting programme. The present brigade staff will clearly not be able to deal adequately with this force, and some sort of divisional H. G. will be necessary.

12.

The Canadian Government has offered to provide, in addition to the infantry battalion already in Iceland, one infantry battalion and one machine gun battalion; these will be ready to sail on the 25th June, All other reinforcements will have to be provided from resources in the United Kingdom. We consider that the Canadian Government should be asked to take over the whole commitment as soon as possible if necessary by using the 2nd Canadian Division.

Air Forces Required.

13.

Com

The Military Commander has requested the provision of two landplane General Reconnaissance Squadrons to furnish a striking force (specifying Hudsons, as these are fitted with de-iceing equipment) and six flying-boats to give warning of seaborne attack,

14.

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No flying-boats are available. Hudsons cannot be furnished by Canada, and Coastal Command is unable to provide a Hudson squadron at present. In view of the fact that a small air striking force is a necessary complement in the Military Commande.'s defence scheme, it is suggested that one medium bomber squadron should be despatched to Iceland as soon as an aerodrome can be prepared. (Present estimate is three weeks after work is started, but this is being investigated).

15.

It is impossible, for the above reasons, to provide for the Military Commander's requirements in air reconnaissance to give distant warning of an enemy attack. The Walrus aircraft about to be despatched in H.M.S. Argus should, however, be adequate to carry out coastal patrol to obtain warning of an enemy landing in a distant part of the island. It may be necessary for H.M.S. Argus to remain in Iceland pending the establishment of a base and refuelling arrangements at points round the island,

Local Naval Defence Vessels.

16,

the type

The Military Commander's request for 9 additional local naval defence vessels is regarded as reasonable in view of the increased garrison; of craft required and the practicability of meeting these requirements are now being investigated in the Admiralty.

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