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This document was considered at Co.(+1) 8 Meeting.

(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT )

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to

ensure the secrecy of this document.

•

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SECRET.

C.0.S.(41)6.

2ND JANUARY, 1941.

COPY NO.

29

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH SERVICES TO THE MIDDLE EAST.

Copy of telegram dated 29th December, 1940, from Commander-in-Chief, Middle East to Chiefs of Staff.

To Chiefs of Staff from Commander-in-Chief.

First. One source of constant complaint in the Middle East from the highest rank down to the lowest is the slowness and apparent inefficiency of the Postal services from England.

Second.

Examples.

Convoy W.S.3(A) and W. S. 3(B) left United Kingdom 2nd and 7th October, arrived Egypt 16th November carried no mail. Convoy B.2. left United Kingdom 14th November arrived 1st December, carried 700 bags civil mail but no troop mail. Air Mail in August under thirty days in transit now 6 to 7 weeks in transit. Special concession telegrams from United Kingdom exceed 3 weeks in transit. Mails frequently stowed in lower holds and inaccessible on arrival. Urge Fleet and Army mails be specially stowed to facilitate unloading and permit later postings in United Kingdom and earlier delivery in M.E. F.

Third. E.F.M. service from Egypt to United Kingdom still not adopte by Cable and Wireless Ltd. Scheme for cables on urgent family affairs by R.A.F. W/T too restricted to provide relief.

Fourth. We must impress on you that this is causing grave dissatisfaction amongst men and we are continually warned by Commanders of ill effect this may have on morale. Request energetic action to improve postal and telegraphic services.

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Great George Street, S.W.1.,

2ND JANUARY, 1941.

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