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(c) All their equipment and transport would be
already ashore and the troops could be at very short notice. In addition we should be making full use of the existing
facilities in Northern Ireland district.
(d) Command and training would be simplified.
(e) The sea passage in the face of submarine and possibly air attack would not be necessary at a moment of emergency. In this respect it is likely that German plans may be directed towards isolating Ireland as far as possible from the moment their forces first land.
We therefore consider that any Division earmarked for the support of Eire should be moved as soon as possible to Northern Ireland.
Whether or not the Division moves to Northern Ireland we consider that the Royal Marine Brigade should remain in readiness in this country at short notice in order to move quickly to secure any Irish port required.
Effect on other projects.
8.
The earmarking of a Division with the primary role of supporting Eire means that it is necessary to detail further troops for the seizure of the Azores and the Cape Verde Islands.
Recommendations.
9.
We therefore recommend:
(a) That any Division earmarked for the support
of Eire and at present in the United
Kingdom should be moved as soon as possible to Northern Ireland.
(b) With regard to the capture of the Azores and
the Cape Verde Islands: --
(i) The further troops required for these operations should be allotted immediately and withdrawn from any other roles. Shipping should be earmarked and held in readiness.
(ii) The Commanders for these forces should
be appointed forthwith and instructed to prepare plans, and to submit progress reports to the Chiefs of Staff as soon as possible.
(iii) As soon as the Commander's plans are ready the troops should be
(Signed)
concentrated close to the port of embarkation and stores ships should be loaded, so that the expeditions can sail at very short notice.
C.S. DANI EL.
I.S.0. PLAYFAIR. W.F. DICKSON,
Cabinet War Room.
Зах
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