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

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND

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

SECRET.

C.O.S.(40)834.

15TH OCTOBER, 1940.

194

COPY NO..

29

دم

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMITTRE.

WEST AFRICA

OPERATIONS BY GENERAL DE GAULLE.

Copy of a Telegram dated 12th October, 1940, from Spears Mission, Duala, to

the War Office.

X

X X

Following for P.li, from General de GAULLE.

(1) After thorough survey of local situation I. have decided to settle LIBREVILLE question as soon as possible. From information received I am informed situation at Libreville is precarious as regards

It is vitally important food and other supplies.

no supplies or reinforcements of any kind should On other hand reach Libreville or PORT GENTIL. owing to delay in assembling of planes and because of time necessary distribution of forces I intend start operations in a week's time.

(2) For present, and in view of future develop- ments, I consider it essential that any action by sea by VICHY on EQUATORIAL Africa or even DAHOMEY IVORY Coast and Guinea should be strictly prevented. avoid any misunderstanding with Vichy I suggest Ha. Majesty's Government should notify immediately Vic Government that for imperative reasons of security Great Britain cannot allow without due notice any

If any movement Vichy warships south of Dakar. such movement were to take place despite this warning ships concerned would be considered hostile, Time of origin 1900/11,

X

Richmond Terrace, S. W.1.,

15TH OCTOBER, 1940.

X

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