CAB80-20 — Page 255

Page 255

Page 255

224

Air.

12.

The following are the possible general points for discussion on air-co-operation (excluding General Reconnaissance):

13.

(a) Plans for effective co-operation between the

United States, British and Dutch air forces in the Far East, including dispositions, communications, the provision of facilities, and plans for operations.

(76) The provision of U.S. shore-based bombers and

fighters for the defence of Malaya and the Dutch East Indies.

(c)

The possible reinforcement of our own units in the Far East with American material and the release of such material for the Netherlands East Indies Air Forces.

In addition to the above, our representative should be prepared to discuss the following measures. It would be preferable, however, that the first approach should be made by the U.S.A. representatives on these points unless the conversations progress so favourably that an approach from our side is propitious.

(a)

(D)

The provision of a limited contingent of heavy bomber squadrons which could be flown across the Atlantic for operations from bases in Great Britain.

The possible employment of U.S. medium bombers which, though not of very high performance or armament, have a long range, as a reinforcement to our Air Forces in the Middle East area (where the U.S. has important oil interests),

or to co-operate in the defence of Iceland.

(c) The immediate employment of U.S. fighter squadrons

in the Middle East or in Iceland, where German high-performance fighters are unlikely to be en- countered, and the possibilities of eventually employing U.S. fighters in Eire or in the United Kingdom. U.S. might work on the principle of producing fighter co-operation for their own bomber and G.R. squadrons.

(á) Establishment of Flying Training Schools in the

U.S.A. and the advanced training of American personnel in Operational Training Units in England. (e) Undertaking of technical training in the United

States and the supply of certain American technical (chiefly Signals) personnel.

(1) The movement to England at the earliest possible date of American staff and executive officers to study war conditions,

LA

Bars

Page 255

Page 255

Page 255Page 256