CAB80-25 — Page 96

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11.

In view of the difficulties and delays in supplying Greece with weapons and ammunition from the United Kingdom or the United States of America, the maintenance of such small manufacturing resources as Greece possesses becomes a matter of the first importance, The Poudreries et Cartoucheries Helleniques in Greece, which produces ammunition of the type required, is in urgent need of shell steel. The greater part of this requirement could not be sent in the December convoy owing to delay in the arrival of specifications. steel, however, is now available for shipment.

12.

The

The above review of the Greek supply situation emphasises the importance of pacing as much captured Italian war material as possible at the disposal of the Greek forces. At best this source can only prove a temporary stop-gap and provide but a small fraction of Greek requirements. Nevertheless we recommend that as much material as can be spared may be released from Egypt and Libya for transport as soon as possible to Greece.

13.

Including the steel for the Greek Arsenal referred to above, we estimate that three ship-loads of war material of different kinds will be ready for transport to Greece by the end of January If the three months' delay entailed by the use of the Cape route is to be avoided, an immediate decision is required as to whether the necessary fast vessels can be made available for a convoy to be passed through the Mediterranean in February. We commend this question to the Chiefs of Staff Committee as one of urgency.

SUMMARY.

14.

We submit to the Chiefs of Staff Committee the following points, all of which bear on the priority of supply and transport to Greece -

(a)

Whether, in view of the strategical situation in the Mediterranean, they consider that any further release of British war material (including A.A. and A.T. weapons) can be spared for Greece.

Whether a fast convoy of three ships can be provided as a matter of urgency for Greece February.

in

(b)

(c)

Whether they can do anything towards securing for immediate transport to Greece as large a share as can be spared of Italian war material captured in Egypt and Libya.

(a)

Whether, in view of developments in the strategical situation in Roumania and the Balkans, any change should be made in priority as between Greece and Turkey. In any event the Committee rely on the Chiefs of Staff Committee to notify them of any such change.

55, Whitehall, S.W. 1.,

6th January, 1941.

(Sgd.) HANKEY.

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