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Expansion.

8. The second method for increasing rapidly the strength of the existing forces is to expand the first-line strength of the present squadrons, thus saving on the overhead establishments and reducing the delays inevitable in sending out complete new units. The present establishment of the bomber squadrons in the Middle East is 12 I.E. aircraft. The policy already is to increase the establishment of these squadrons to 16 I.E. aircraft, thus bringing them into line with home establishments. It is proposed that this change should now be under- taken as early as possible, and the following are the details proposed :---

(a) Middle East.

(i) Increase the existing bomber squadrons from 12 to 16 I.E. This will affect the two Wellington Heavy Bomber Squadrons and twelve medium bomber squadrons resulting in an addition to the front line of 56 I.E. aircraft.

(ii) Concurrently it is proposed to approach the South African authorities with a view to raising the strength of their three medium bomber squadrons also from 12 to 16 I.E.

NOTE. The foregoing amounts to an addition equivalent to more than four squadrons to the bomber strength now available in the Middle East area.

(iii) The strength of the British fighter squadrons in the Middle East is already established at 16 I.E. aircraft whereas the three South African squadrons are still established at 12 I.E. It is proposed to suggest to the South African authorities that they should raise the strength of their three fighter squadrons from 12 to 16 I.E.

(iv) In connexion with the strengthening of the Bomber and Fighter Units, it is proposed also to bring the two General Reconnaissance (Flying Boat) Squadrons up to their full establishment of 6 I.E. + 3 I.R. Sunderlands as soon as the P.B.Ys. are available from the American orders to re-equip Coastal Command squadrons.

(b) Malta.

$

(i) The existing flight of Hurricanes is to be increased to the strength of a full squadron of 16 I.E. with appropriate reserves. This will involve an additional 12 aircraft being sent out and arrangements for this are already in hand.

(ii) The existing Glenn Martin Unit is to be brought up to the strength of a full flight of 7 I.E. and 5 I.R., involving the addition of 6 aircraft, for which arrangements are also in hand.

Additional Squadrons.

9. Apart from these two immediate measures, there is the question of increasing the existing strength by adding complete new squadrons. Any such addition requires not only the full establishment of aircraft, crews, ground equipment and personnel being sent out, but also of the specialised and technical vehicles to enable the squadrons and the requisite ancillary units to be fully mobile for their operational duties. It has already been agreed between the Air and General Staffs that a force amounting to eleven squadrons should be organised on a mobile basis by the Spring of next year, to be ready to co-operate with the Army in an overseas expedition. The Air Ministry will do their utmost to fulfil that agreement. But there are certain serious deficiencies, notably in technical vehicles. And if additional squadrons are to be formed and despatched to the Middle East, it may well involve delay in bringing squadrons at home up to a mobile establishment, and the Air Staff wish it to be recognised that this conflict of requirements must be accepted. Indeed, it must be clear that any accretion of strength in the Middle East can only be at the expense of the Metropolitan Air Force.

10. In view of these competing requirements at home and in other theatres in certain essential classes of material and personnel at the present time, it is

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