CAB80-25 — Page 323

Page 323

5.

(b) Indications of H.M. Government's Policy.

267

A most secret cable to Dominion Prime Ministers is prepared periodically by the Military Liaison Officer of the Dominions Office. This cable gives a review of the situation and a brief outline of H.M.G.'s policy. The cable has to be approved by Service Departments, and sometimes by the Prime Minister, before despatch. When in the draft stage, and after being approved by Service Departments, a copy of the cable is sent to the Colonial office on the understanding that the Colonial office do not cable extracts to Colonial Governors without first informing the Dominions Office Liaison Officer.

The Colonial Office will in future cable suitable material in these telegrams to the Governors of Gibraltar and Malta. It will usually be necessary for the Dominions Office Military Liaison Officer to consult with the Senior Military Liaison Officer at the Colonial Office when preparing this type of cable. This should meet the requirements under

this heading.

(c) Summary of Recent Operational Events.

Under present arrangements the Admiralty, the War Office and the Air Ministry all despatch

periodical intelligence Summaries to local Commanders. It is proposed to ensure that this information is also received in a convenient form by the Governors and Commanders-in-Chief Gibraltar and Malta.

If the Chiefs of Staff approve of the above procedure it is proposed to invite the Departments concerned to take action accordingly.

(Signed) L.C. HOLLIS.

Great George Street, S.W.1.

24TH JANUARY, 1941.

-2-

Page 323

Page 323

Page 323

Page 323