CAB80-25 — Page 271

SUPREME WAR COUNCIL.

(i) D.P. (P64 and C.I.D.364th Meeting.

Documents.

(ii

Letter from Prime Minister to President du Conseil dated 26th July, 1939, and letter from President du Conseil to Prime Minister dated 3rd August, 1939 (D.C.O.S.161),

(iii) D.C.0.S. 48th Meeting, Minute (1)."

(iv) Letter from Prime Minister to President du Conseil dated 17th August, 1939 and letter from President du Conseil to Prime Minister dated 28th August, 1939.

Composition and Secretariat.

Notes.

Page 271

225

To Co-ordinate the Allied war effort on the highest plane, it being understood. that the Council has no executive authority, final decisions being a matter for the Allied Governments.

+3

The Prime Minister of Great Britain, The Prime Minister of France. One other French Minister (Note 2), One other British Minister (Note 2).

Military Advisers,

Le Chef d'Etat-Major Général de la Defence Nationale (Note 4). The British Chiefs of Staff (Note 5).

British Secretariat.

The Secretary to the War Cabinet. The Deputy Secretary (Military) to the War Cabinet.

F.K. Roberts, Esq., Foreign Office (for special duty.)

as necessary,

(1) Meetings of the Supreme War Council take place, in either France or England as may be most convenient at the time. (2) These Ministers are selected for each parti cular meeting as may be convenient to the business in hand. Both Prime Ministers, in addition, are in a position to take with thom to gulnod2 Mootings" Bugh other Nimisters or Adv.sers as they requiro, having rogard to the business on the Agenda.

'

(3) Arrangements for the representation of Allied Governments other than England and France is a matter for discussion with those Govern- ments as occasion arises.

(4) On the French side the Commanders-in-Chief of the Land, Sea and Air Forces and the Chof d'Etat-Major General dcs Colonics may be called in to assist when necessary.

(5) When present at a Meeting of the Supreme ar Council the British Chiers of Staff have not only the right but the responsibility for stating their opinions on military questions whether they are specifically invited to do so or not. (Document (iv) above).

it

11

(6) The Supreme War Council Jo-ordinates Allied Economic War Effort through the medium of the 'Anglo-French Co-ordinating Committec and when necessary by Inter-Alliou Ministerial Councils constituted for a particular purpose.

Functions.

Page 271

-9-

Page 271

Page 271