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This document was considered at CoS. (4) 4* Meeting.

CLAR

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

SECRET.

C.O.S.(41) 2.

1ST JANUARY, 1941.

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY,

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

COPY NO.

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITUTE.

AIR REINFORCEMENTS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST.

Copy of telegram dated 30th December, 1940, from Commanders-in-Chief, Middle East, to the

Chiefs of Staff,

A.232.

1. We are greatly concerned over present weakness in air resources required in connection with the control of sea communi- cations in the Central Mediterranean. This matter of vital interest to all 3 services particularly now when it is essential to harrass enemy reinforcements reaching Libya.

2.

Air attack by R.A.F. and F.A.A. on merchant shipping and warships in Italian and Libyan ports is produced good results but it should be augmented by sinking ships on passage and at assembly ports. Reliable reconnaissance reports of movements of enemy warships would provide greater security for passage of own warships and convoys through Mediterranean and at same time provide the opportunity for attacking them by sea and air.

3. In signal A.453 of 11/12 to Air Ministry, A.0.0.in C. submitted specific recommendations. These were that one full GR/L Glenn Martin Squadron and one full TB/GRF Squadron of Beaufort type should be located Malta. On several previous Occasions the matter has been reproscated to the respective ministries.

4. Through lack of adequate air reconnaissance and suitable long distance bomber-torpedo aircraft favourable opportunities for naval or air action in Mediterranean may be lost and reinforcements and supplies may reach Libya without observation and immune from attack on passage, Please pass to War Office and Admiralty as from C.in C. M.E. and C. in C. Mediterranean.

Great George Street, S.W.1.

1st January, 1941.

2

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