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(f) For the 11 R. M. Battalion to remain in Middle

East as proposed by C.-in-C., Mediterranean (Annex II)e

(g) For the Signal Company less detachments required

for the above Units to remain in the Middle East at disposal of G. O. Ca-in-C., Middle East,

Approval is therefore sought for the following

6. policy:-

(a) The R. M. Group, M. N. B. D. O. I will not for the

present reform in the Middle East, This is a reversal of a previous decision, but it has been accepted in principle by the decision to despatch the A.A. Brigade to Ceylon,

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(b) The re-organised L Brigade should proceed to Ceylon as already decided, (C.O. S. Meeting.)

(c) The Landing and Maintenance Unit should assemble

and re-equip in Ceylon and be placed at the disposal of G. O. Co-inf,; India, for improvement of base defence measures in the Indian Ocean area and that as much replacement equipment and material as possible should be shipped in W.S.15.

(d) The Coast Artillery Brig le should reform and be

deployed in Middle East at the disposal of the G2O.C2-in-C. for provision of defences for captured Libyan, or other ports in the command.

(e) The 11th R. M. Brigade should remain in the

Middle East and be employed as agreed between Ca-in-C., Mediterranean, and Coin-C., Middle East.

(f) The 11th R.M. Searchlight Regiment, and that part of the Signal Company, Survey and Met. sections, not required for service with the above formations and units, should remain in the Middle East at the disposal of G.0.C.-in-C.

(g) The personnel to be sent in W. S. 15 should be

limited to replacements to make good the above formations and units to their new establishment and function, plus 10% first reinforcements. There remains for consideration the disposal of the H.Q. Group of the organisation and it is proposed that this be decided between C.-in-C., Mediterranean, and C.-in-C., Middle East.

7.

A draft signal from Chiefs of Staff to Commanders- in-Chief concerned is attached. (Annex IV).

Admiralty, S.W.1.

29th December, 1941,

(Signed) H. R. MOORE,

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