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ANNEX I.

COPY OF TELEGRAM DATED 5TH FEBRUARY, 1941. FROM GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER-in CHIEF MALTA TO THE

WAR OFFICE.

A NEW Phan Talvi, jer

MOST IMMEDIATE.

353

GM.14638 Cipher 5/2,

My GM.14471 23/1.

Personal to C.I.G.S. I have no further information which enables me to assess likelihood of attempt by enemy to capture Malta. by sea or air, or both, But presumably it is a contingency which must be faced, and I cannot ignore the fact that my one battalion in Fortrees reserve is very inadequate to cope with all the tasks which might be required of it.

I am anxious about the reactions of the civil population in face of a determined attack. They have undoubtedly been strained by the recent heavy air attacks, and may become difficult to control, and thus hamper military movements. The police could not be relied on to control them, and the army might have to accept this further commitment, which would be a most unwelcome additional strain on our resources. Since Malta is of such vital importance to the Navy I feel we cannot afford to chance our arm, and I therefore think that at least (repeat at least) one additional battalion should be sent here, In asking for this I realise that not only may it be inconvenient to spare one, but what is more important it places an additional burden and hazard on the Mediterranean Fleet to bring it here. But I hope that the extra strength it will give to this garrison will in the long run lessen the commitment of the Fleet towards Malta, since the stronger the garrison the greater the deterrent to attack and the less likelihood of Fleet being called upon to help, I am most reluctant to make this request, but the issues are too great to justify taking a chance if it can be avoided, The battalion or battalions, if they come, must be British, not Indian. The personnel could be brought here by the methods most convenient to the Navy, if need be in driblets. Transport can be extemporised here pending arrival of own vehicles. But they should bring bicycles with them if possible, The above all depends on the supposition that a determined attack is not an unlikely eventuality.

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