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

Printed for the War Cabinet. October 1940.

189

MOST SECRET.

C.O.S. (40) 833.

(Also W.P. (40) 421.)

October 15, 1940.

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.

WAR CABINET.

Chiefs of Staff Committee.

THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Copy No. 29

Copy of a Minute from the Prime Minister to the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

1. FIRST in urgency is the reinforcement of Malta :

(a) by further Hurricane aircraft flown there as can best be managed. (b) by the convoy now being prepared, which should carry the largest anti- aircraft outfit possible, as well as the Battalion and the Battery. I understand another M.T. ship can be made available.

Every

(c) by one or better still two more Battalions released from police duty on the Canal or in Palestine, and carried to Malta when next the Fleet moves thither from Alexandria. General Dobbie's latest appreciation bears out the grievous need of strengthening the garrison. effort should be made to meet his needs, observing that once Malta becomes a thorn in the Italian side, the enemy's force may be turned upon it. The movement of these reinforcements should, therefore, precede any marked activity from Malta.

Î

(d) Even three I. Tanks at Malta would be important, not only in actual defence, but as a deterrent if it were known that they were there. Some mock-up Tanks also might be exhibited where they would be detected from the Air.

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