CAB80-20 — Page 35

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MOST SECRET

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DRAFT REVISED DIRECTIVE TO GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF, BRITISH TROOPS IN

IRELAND.

1.

You are appointed General Officer Commanding-in- Chief of all British Troops operating in Ireland.

2.

3.

The War Cabinet have decided:-

(a) That no steps should be taken to

occupy ports in Eire in advance of an aggression by Germany.

(b)

That, in the event of aggression

on Eire by Germany, we should go to the assistance of the Government. of Eire with all forces which could be spared.

The security of the Belfast areas must always be Not maintained as the basis of our strategy in Ireland. only is it essential to deny to the enemy the port and aerodrome facilities which exist in this area, but the industries located there are of great importance to the war effort of the Empire, and the port of Belfast affords base facilities for landing forces far superior to those available in any other port in Ireland.

In addition, owing to the recently increased naval importance of Lough Foyle and Londonderry, the security of that area must also receive special consideration in the defence plan for Ulster.

4.

If required to operate in Eire your primary object in conjunction with Eire forces, will be the rapid destruction of such enemy forces as may establish them- selves in that country.

5.

It is important that British Garrisons should be established, as soon as circumstances permit without prejudice to achieving the primary object, at the follow- ing places (which are listed in their order of importance for subsequent operations) so that these can be used by British forces:-

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