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CYPHER TELEGRAM
(1)
(2)
To the Governments of Canada, Commonwealth of Australia,
(3)
(4)
New Zealand, the United Kingdom High Commissioner in the
(5)
Union of South Africa and the Governor of Southern
Rhodesia.
Sent 4. a. m.
4th June, 1940.
MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL.
No. 72
2
No. 181
3
No. 165
MOST SECRET
4
No. 199
5)
No. 126
69
(To 1-3) Addressed to Canada No. 72, Commonwealth of Australia No. 181, New Zealand No. 165.
(To 4)
Please give following message to Prime Minister of Union of South Africa for his most secret and personal information.
(To all) 1. We have had to consider the possibility of Portugal being forced by Spanish and Italian intervention to join the hostile camp, and action which would be necessary in such an eventuality. Policy of Portuguese Government is pro-Ally, but extension of war to Mediterranean might lead to replacement of present Spanish Government by a Government hostile to Allies, and in these circumstances, pressure of events in Spain might force Portugal to enter war against
us.
2. In above circumstances, we do not consider that it would be desirable to take any action against main- land of Portugal, where acquisition of bases by our enemies would not greatly affect situation, if Spain also hostile. Portuguese islands and Colonial possessions would, however, affect our strategy in various ways,
3. Azores and Cape Verde Islands of great strategic importance as potential Naval and Air bases on our trade routes from South Atlantic. These islands and Madeira also contain British cable stations. Italians have civil air base in Cape Verde Islands. Most important to seize strategic points in Cape Verde Islands and Azores if Portugal hostile. We are working out plans for this, and for observation, in event of war, of other harbours in Portuguese island and Colonial possessions which might be used by enemy surface raiders and submarines.
(To 1-3 only) 4. Railways through Mozambique and Angola are of considerable economic importance to Northern and Southern Rhodesia, particularly Mozambique railway. With
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