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

SECRET.

Printed for the War Cabinet.

November 1941.

Copy No.

33

C.O.S. (41) 688.

(Also W.P. (41) 277.)

November 20, 1941.

his document was considered at 393 Meeting

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.

UNITED STATES BASES: DEFENCE QUESTIONS.

MEMORANDUM.

THE Joint Staff Mission, on our behalf, have discussed with the United States Chiefs of Staff outstanding defence questions in respect of the United States Leased Bases in the Western Atlantic.

2. The objects of the discussion in Washington were:--

(a) To define the procedure for the preparation of local defence schemes and for the settlement of the defence questions which may arise from time to time.

(b) To define the procedure for maintaining internal security.

(c) To define the principles of command, including the nationality of the

senior officer who should assume command.

The essential British requirement was to retain unimpaired British sovereignty of the territories concerned.

3. As a result, a draft Agreement* has been drawn up which has been agreed by the United States Chiefs of Staff and by ourselves.

4. The Agreement covers all the territories in which the United States have leased bases from us, except Newfoundland. Newfoundland was excluded as being a special problem of its own, which it is recognised must be resolved by the United States-Ĉanada Joint Defence Board and the Newfoundland Government. This Agreement does not prejudice any arrangements which may be made between the Newfoundland, Canadian and American Authorities, though it may provide a useful basis for discussion.

5. We suggest that the Dominions Office should be invited to communicate the Agreement to the Canadian Government. At the same time the Canadian Government should be asked to clear up with the Americans the position with regard to Newfoundland.

6. We regard this Agreement with the Americans as a satisfactory solution to a difficult and controversial problem, and we recommend that His Majesty's Government should confirm the Agreement. If this is done, the United States. Chiefs of Staff propose to submit it to the President for his approval.

(Signed)

DUDLEY POUND. J. G. DILL.

Great George Street, S.W. 1, November 17, 1941.

C. PORTAL.

* Letter of Transmittal and Draft Agreement are attached as Annexes I and II. [23159]

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