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Proposals in Paper No. C.O.S. (40), 18 (0) (J.P.).

ROYAL AIR FORCE

REQUIREMENTS.

5. We estimated that a minimum of 6 fighter squadrons and 4 medium bomber squadrons would be required to accom- pany a force of the size of 2 divisions during the initial stages of the opera- tions, and we recom- mended that mobilisation schemes should be pre- pared for the formation in the Middle East and in the United Kingdom, when required, of two forces each of this size, together with the neces- sary maintenance and other units.

6. We recommended that the experiments at present in progress in regard to parachutists and to the possibility of carrying troops, light fighting vehicles and equipment in gliders should be continued.

Comments by the Chiefs of Staff.

The C.A.S.'s comments on these proposals may be summarised as follows:- (i) Apart from Army Co-operation squadrons, which are permanently allotted to the Army, the air contingent to accom- pany an expeditionary force cannot be made available in advance, because in the conditions at present obtaining it is impossible to take squadrons from the line for training in the specialised rôle required. (ii) In addition, it is con- sidered undesirable to attempt to settle in advance the size and composition of the air contingent accompanying an expeditionary force, as this will vary widely with the scale of opposi- tion likely to be encoun- tered, and the general air situation then prevailing. (iii) It follows that the size and composition of any air contingent can only be determined some short time before the expedition is due to be launched. If, at this stage, the forces con- sidered necessary are not available, the expedition must be altered in character, postponed, or abandoned.

(iv) The Air Ministry is, however, now carrying out an investigation to ascertain the exact needs

of an air force to meet demands such as those envisaged in the Basic Requirements paper, and the Commander-in-Chief, Army Co-operation Com- mand, is being charged with the responsibility of drawing up plans to meet a contingency of the type envisaged. (v) The question of train- ing crews and providing equipment for an air- borne force is being raised as a separate issue, since the conditions are such that they must be carefully studied and related to other air train- ing programmes. Any new training commit- ments can only be met at the expense of the expansion of the future Bomber Force.

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Further considerations.

The investigation referred to in Col. 2 (iv) already shows that, if and when a decision is taken in accordance with Col. 2

(iii) that an air con- tingent of the appropriate size and composition can be released for a parti cular operation, any deficiencies in personnel or equipment would not be such as to preclude the despatch overseas of the contingent at short notice.

Decisions invited.

We recommend that the Chiefs of Staff should accept the position as described by the C.A.S. while emphasising the need to press on with the investigation referred to in Column 2, Item (Iv).

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