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TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

192

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

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

SECRET.

This docement was considered at

c.o.S (4) 417 Meeting.

C.O.S. (41)729.

COPY NO.

33

9TH DECEMBER, 1941.

WAR CABINET,

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

PORTUGUESE GUINEA.

Memorandum by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

At Annex I is a telegram for consideration by the Chiefs of Staff.

At C.0.S.(41)387th Meeting (Conclusion 4(b)) held on 14th November, 1941, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, West Africa was invited to prepare plans for the peaceful occupation of the Cape Verde Islands.

He now suggests that, in the event of being invited by the Portuguese to occupy these Islands, the same action should be taken in respect of Portuguese Guinea.

The

The peaceful occupation of Portuguese Guinea would materially strengthen our strategic position in West Africa. aerodromes would provide bases from which, in the event of operations against DAKAR, bomber support could be given to the forces engaged, in addition to support by carrier-borne aircraft. Whereas it would be impossible for any length of time to operate fighter aircraft from aerodromes in the Gambia if reprisal air attacks were made on the port and aerodromes at BATHURST, long- range fighter aircraft could be operated and maintained from BISSAU and BOLAMA.

Furthermore, the establishment of British forces in Portuguese Guinea would vitally assist in the defence of FREETOWN and the protection of our Trans-Atlantic West African shipping routes.

I suggest that General Giffard's decision to draw up plans for the peaceful occupation of Portuguese Guinea on the invitation of the portuguese Government be approved, and that the Foreign Office be asked to prepare the way for this invitation in emergency.

My suggested reply to the General Officer Commanding-in- West Africa, is at Annex II.

Chief,

War office,

8th December, 1941.

(Intld.) A. F.B.

C.I.G.S. (Acting).

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