CAB80-32 — Page 26

Page 26

sufficient M.T. ships and naval escorts, but also is largely controlled by our ability to unload ships in the Grand Harbour, particularly those carrying large consignments of aviation spirit. We cannot efficiently unload more than 5 ships at one time if they carry considerable quantities of white oils. We can repeat can handle up to 8 simultaneously but the period of discharge is so long as to make the fire risk in Grand Harbour a very grave one. A further major factor is our inability to store larger quantities of aviation spirit except in open dumps where they are, generally speaking, a danger both to the civil population and to military defences.

5.

It is appreciated this problem is bound up in possible future developments in the Mediterranean. I am providing these figures now simply to show that the ever increasing activity of the R.A.F. is demanding and will continue to demand such large quantities of aviation spirit, bombs and benzine, that it can only be maintained over a considerable period by either (a) reducing the period for which it is desired to hold stat of strategic supplies within the fortress, or (b) sending a very considerable number of M.T. ships and tankers here in such a way that we are able to unload them with a reasonable chance of success.

6.

Any information which can be given to me of the policy decided upon to deal with this problem will naturally be of the greatest value.

7.

V.A.0. and A.0.C. concur.

-2-

19353/7.

23

Page 26

Page 26

Page 26