CAB80-13 — Page 243

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(i) The despatch of German or Italian officers

to secure the allegiance of French Colonial forces, which already exist fully trained and equipped in large numbers in French West and equitorial Africa. The African soldier is characteristically prepared to accept the authority of whatever white man is paramount at any given time.

(ii)

Combined with (i) above a considerable scale of

air bombardment could be developed against our Colonies from French aerodromes and landing grounds in French West Africa.

Measures to be taken against these threats.

5.

(a)

6.

(b)

(c)

It is essential to forestall the enemy in obtaining For the allegiance of the French Colonial troops. this purpose a suitable officer should be sent to West Africa at once and supplied with the necessary means to carry out his task,

Plans should be made for the rapid destruction

of French air facilitics in North Africa, particularly those within easy range of objectives in our Colonies.

It may be necessary, as long term policy, to raise and equip further Colonial forces from the man-power

This available in 3ritish West African Colonies. measure will take time to implement, since the African soldier requires at least nine months' training before he is efficient, and it will be a considerable time before equipment can be made available.

(d) Though it is clearly at present impossible to

provide any appreciable air forces for West Africa, we shall be at a considerable disadvantage until we can do so. This will depend on the results of the main battle in the United Kingdom, but the necessary provision should be made as soon as the balance of air forces in Europe allows.

Conclusions.

(a) An officer of suitable standing, with experience

of West African Colonial forces should be sent out at once in order to forestall the Germans and Italians in obtaining control of the French Colonial forces in West Africa should French resistance to Germany collapse. This officer will have to be provided with an adequate staff, with large amounts of money, and with aircraft for his own use so that he may visit without delay the various areas for which he will be responsible.

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