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that in addition to a static defence force at each aerodrome, mobile forces were also required to move to their relief if attacked. It is hardly possible to carry out these arrangements efficiently while the forces on the mainland are controlled by Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces, and those in the Orkneys and Shetlands are controlled by the War Office through the Admiralty. I propose, therefore, that the operational control of the Orkneys and Shetlands should revert to the Commander-in- Chief, Home Forces, forthwith.

5.

If the Committee agree with this proposal, consideration will require to be given to the division of responsibility between Admiral Commanding Orkneys and Shetlands and the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces,

With reference to Annex I, 3t is clear that

(a) and (b) are best left to the Admiral Commanding Orkneys and Shetlands. The remainder are military responsibilities and I suggest they should be carried out by Commander Orkneys and Shetlands Defences under the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces, after consultation with Admiral Comman ding Orkneys and Shetlands,

6.

A memorandum containing certain recommendations for an increase in the garrison of the Orkneys and Shetlands has recently been received from the Military Commander, Orkneys and Shetlands Defences." These recommendations have received the concurrence of the Admiral Commanding Orkneys and Shetlands and the Air Vice Marshal Commanding No. 14 Group. As the size of the garrison of the Orkneys and Shetlands can only be decided in relation to the defence of the United Kingdon as a whole, I suggest that this memorandum from the Commander, Orkneys and Shetlands Defences, should be transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces, event of the Committee deciding that operations in the Orkneys and Shetlands should be placed under his control.

(Signed) J.G. DILL.

in the

The War Office,

14TH JANUARY, 1941.

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