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

Printed for the War Cabinet. February 1941.

369

Copy No. 33

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SECRET.

C.O.S. (41) 80.

(Also W.P. (41) 30.)

February 12, 1941.

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.

WAR CABINET.

Chiefs of Staff Committee.

ORGANISATION OF ALLIED NAVAL, ARMY AND AIR CONTINGENTS.

Fourteenth Report.

IN accordance with the Prime Minister's instructions, we submit the following report for the month of January 1941 on the Organisation of Allied Naval, Army and Air Contingents.

(Signed)

DUDLEY POUND. C. PORTAL.

R. H. HAINING (V.C.I.G.S.).

Great George Street, S.W. 1, February 12, 1941.

A.-FRENCH.

(i) Navy.

Free French Naval Forces.

General Situation.-The de Gaulle movement seems to be at a critical stage of its existence, and this applies very much to the Free French Navy. There have been many desertions and Free French sailors continually apply to join the Royal Navy, but are not allowed to do so. The fact is that part of the Free French Navy is quite good and part quite bad. In order to save the whole it will be most desirable for the Admiralty to concert with the French whatever special measures are suitable to the occasion. The matter is under discussion in the Committee on Foreign (Allied) Resistance, which will shortly communicate with the Admiralty.

In the meanwhile, adverse reports on ships and men of the Free French Navy are frankly discussed with Admiral Muselier, who shows every desire to put things right.

2. Plymouth.-Morale and discipline are still not up to standard, but improving. The Commanding Officers of the Bouclier and La Melpomène have expressed the hope that the foundering of the Branlebas will not affect the employment of their ships as fighting units.

Refit of Submarine Surcouf is now completed and she will be ready to sail early in February.

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