CAB80-25 — Page 141

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4.

Pay. As a result of negotiations between War Office representatives and the Polish authorities, an agreement has been reached by which the Polish authorities receive from British funds a credit of £3,500,000 a year based on their existing strength, both in this country and the Middle East, to meet all cash disbursements on their land forces. In addition the War Office have paid the Polish authorities £220,000 to settle all arrears and outstanding claims in respect of the Polish Army up to the 31st December, 1940. In consequence of this agreement which came into force on the 1st January, 1941, the Poles will be responsible for the pay and allowances of their troops. A further sum is to be added to cover increases in the Polish strength approved by the General Staff. Similarly, the amount of the credit will be reducible by a figure to be negotiated in respect of each officer and soldier by which the average strength of the Polish land forces is less than the number originally agreed.

The credit agreement does not affect the arrangements for the provision of stores, supplies, equipment and services in kind. These will continue to be supplied, so far as they are available, to Polish forces on the same basis as for comparable British units, except where special scales for Polish troops have been authorised.

(iii) Air Force.

16. Operations.-There have been no operations by Polish bomber squadrons during the month. All five Polish fighter squadrons were engaged between the 21st November and the 20th December and made 343 sorties, probably destroying one enemy aircraft.

Service in the R.A.F.-Between 70 and 80 Polish pilots are serving in R.A.F. fighter squadrons.

Re-equipment.--All four Polish bomber squadrons previously equipped with Battles have now received the full establishment of 16 Wellingtons, but as their personnel is not yet at full strength. they are for operational purposes at half- strength.

Training-Progress has been made in the formation of the R.A.F. (No. 1 Polish) Flying Training School and of the Bomber Operational Training Unit at Bramcote, which is being reserved for the Poles, but active training has not yet begun.

A number of Poles have been sent to Flying Instructor, Link Trainer Instructor and Astronomical Air Navigation courses.

Three hundred and forty-six air personnel and 166 ground personnel were receiving elementary ground training at Blackpool during the month.

Inspection.-The President of the Polish Republic visited the R.A.F. Polish Depot at Blackpool on the 22nd December.

C. DUTCH.

(i) Navy.

17.

Western Approaches report that morale, discipline and keenness of officers and men remain at a high standard and that the Royal Netherlands naval units are most dependable.

18. Portsmouth.-The refit of the Heemskerck is progressing and the men are reported to be contented.

19. The Nore.-Reports of high morale are still received, but it was reported from an unorthodox source that discontent exists over the retention of a part of the men's pay; and that they feel they may not receive it as promised after the war.

A series of football matches were arranged by the Royal Air Force and although the Dutch were beaten the contact has been very beneficial.

(ii) Army.

20. Strength.-St. Athans: 6 Officers, 142 Other Ranks.

Congleton: 66 Officers, 1,345 Other Ranks. Accommodation.-Billets at Congleton are being improved.

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