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сг

174

(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT).

SE CRE T.

C.O.S.(40)827(J.P.)

(Also Paper No. J.P.(40)542).

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to

ensure the secrecy of this document.

29

COPY NO.

th October, 1940.

WAR

CABINET,

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

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DEFENCE OF CRETE.

Note by Joint Planning Staff.

The Chiefs of Staff will recall that they recently invited the Foreign Office to inform H. M. Minister in Athens that the Service Attaches were authorised to discuss the defence of Crete with the Greeks on the lines proposed by the Commanders-in-Chief, Middle East, The Chiefs of Staff also informed the Commanders-in-Chief in the Middle East in the same sense and instructed them to issue instructions direct to their Service Attaches in Athens.

2.

We have been considering whether any further steps could be taken to increase the security of Crete against Italian attack.

30

We think it may be possible to introduce into the Island a few British Officers, in plain clothes and unobtrusively, to advise the Greek commanders in Crête on security measures, stimulate resistance in the event of attack. and ensure early and efficient reporting of an Italian attack.

4.

We have consulted the Foreign Office who agree that this could only be done with the approval of the Greek Government, who, they point out, may be reluctant to agree for fear of Italian reactions, since it is unlikely that the presence of these officers in Crete could be kept secret. will therefore be necessary to consult Sir M. Palairet.

5.

We suggest that the Commanders-in-Chief in the Mediterranean and Middle East should be informed of this project and told that, if they agree, they should instruct their Service Attathes in Athens to consult Sir M. Palairet on the subject.

It

6.

We attach overleaf a draft telegram to the Commanders- in-Chief in the Mediterranean and Middle East and suggest that the Foreign Office should be invited to send a copy to Sir Michael Palairet at Athens,

(Signed) C.S. DANIEL.

* C.0.S.(40)336th Meeting,

I.S.O, PLAYFAIR. J. C. SLESSOR.

827

(J.P.)

Cabinet War Room.

Minute 2.

1.ca

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