CAB80-13 — Page 285

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ENDIX.

.S.P.S.56th Meeting.

INTER-SERVICES PLANNING STAFF.

IRISH PORTS.

261

1.

The Inter-Services Ilanning Staff have in accordance with J.P. (40) (1.S.P.S.) dated 21st June, 1940, carried out an examination of the problems of landing a division suitably equipped in Ireland.

The Tactical Object.

2.

the

Instructions to the General Officer Commanding, British Forces in Eire (designate) have not yet been formulated but from the operational point of view it appears that the following will probably be the most important objects to be attained in the event of a German landing in Eire:-

(a) To cover the seat of the Eire Government and

therefore the Dublin area, at the same time preventing, if possible, the capture of any of the aerodromes or ports near the Ea

coast,

(b) To strike at the enemy wherever he may land and

to throw him back into the sea.

(c) To take special steps to deny the Shannon are...

to the enemy, as being the anchorage for capital ships in Western Eire.

(d) To secure as a base for British operations in

Eire the area near Belfast.

Force required.

3.

Royal Marine Brigade.

This brigade of 4 battalions, with certain transport but with no artillery, is at immediate readiness to embark in shipping which is already available at Milford Haven.

Army.

4.

One division with heavy and light A.A. artillery and if possible one company cruiser tanks, but we do not recommend that the normal scale of equipment of the division, which is the outcome of considerable experience, should be modified unless we are compelled to use ports with inadequate facilities. In these circumstances reduction should be made in the following order of priority.

Load carrying M.T.

Field Ambulance

cars

Divisional artillery

Depending on the certainty with which Eire can provide this.

do

*

No reduction in anti-tank guns.

In the event of landings in Southern Ireland certai.n administrative elements will have to be added.

The

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