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Administrative Implications.
21,
If the forces operate from a port other than Belfast an administrative organisation will have to be established and a schedule of special store ships sailings will have to be organised.
On the other hand, Northern Ireland is already organised for the reception and the maintenance of British troops, including the R.A. F. This organisation with comparatively little addition could be developed for the supply and maintenance of all our forces operating in Eire. Staff Conversations.
22.
Unless staff conversations are held to ensure that berths are available, that the port facilities including labour will be at our disposal and that rolling stock, road transport, petrol and accommodation will be provided, it is not possible to say with any degree of accuracy what delays will occur in disembarkation and onward move.
Recommendations.
23.
Since no move is to be made until the enemy has violated the neutrality of Eire, our first troops (R.M. Brigade) would not arrive in Ireland until at least 48 hours after the Germans had landed, This force could not be reinforced until four to eight days later. Consequently, all possible steps should be taken to reduce these times so that the enemy can be attacked before he is firmly established ashore.
The following steps should be approved immediately:- (a) The division selected to move to the Clyde area
or Bristol Channel (preferably the former) and to be at 24 hours' notice.
(b) Complete shipping for the whole to be held in
readiness at the selected port of embarkation. (c) Suitable craft for the initial maintena ce of the force, to be held in readiness for immediate loading in the Bristol Channel,
(d) The heavy A.A., light A.A. regiments and one
cruiser tank company to be allotted forthwith and placed under the command of the divisional commander.
(e) Every effort to be made to hold staff
conversations with Eire,
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(Signed) E.G. JEFFREY.
11
R.N. GALE.
F.C. COLE.
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