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253

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

SECRET

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to

C.0.S. (40) 842 (J.P. ensure the secresy of this document. COPY NO.

(Also Paper No.

J.P. (40) 563)

29

C.L.

18th October, 1940.

WAR CABINET

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE

Page 293

ACCOMMODATION IN THE COUNTRY FOR THE

OPERATIONAL PLANNING SECTION.

Report by the Joint Planning Section

The Operational Planning Section which is engaged upon the preparation of plans for future operations is installed in Richmond Terrace.

The accommodation which has been allotted to this Section would, under normal conditions, be entirely satisfactory. In the present circumstances, however, we consider it to be unsuitable, Considerable interruption has been experienced on account of air raids and the alternative arrangements in the basement of Richmond Terrace are unsatisfactory, The work on which this Section is engaged demands the constant reference to maps and charts which cannot possibly be carried up and down stairs several times a day. Moreover, we consider it most undesirable that the important work on which this Section is engaged should be subject to constant interruption, As the evenings close in and air raids commence much earlier these difficulties will be accentuated.

There is no possibility of obtaining satisfactory protected accommodation in Richmond Terrace. Indeed we understand that arrangements are now in hand to accommodate the whole of the Cabinet Offices elsewhere.

3.

We suggest that the Operational Planning Section should be moved out of London and that suitable accommodation should be taken up in an area where work can proceed with comparative immunity from interruption. We consider that the Section should live and work in one building, and so avoid the delay at present involved in coming and going each day.

4.

We are satisfied that the work of the Operational Planning Section will not be prejudiced by their absence from the Headquarters of the Service Departments in London. Their duties do not demand an hourly or daily contact with

842

(J.P.)

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