CAB80-32 — Page 98

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TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

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

This document was considered at cos(+)299o Lesling, min 5

Cirailated in final forme

as D.0 (4.) 32.

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

SECRET.

C.0.S.(41)701 (draft)

·

.)

26TH NOVEMBER, 1941.

WAR CABINET.

COPY NO.

12

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

COMMAND OF BRITISH FORCES SENT TO ASSIST TURKEY.

Draft Report.

We have considered the views of the Commanders-in-Chief in the Middle East on the Command arrangements for British. forces which may be sent to Turkey, and agree with their recommendations which are summarized below.

Projected scale of British Assistance.

2.

Army

2 Armoured Divisions. 4 Infantry Divisions.

R. A. F. 24 Squadrons.

Planning.

3.

As the British air forces will outnumber the Turkish and as the Turks have practically no armoured forces and little experience in handling them, the strategic plan of operations should be decided by consultation between Marshal Cakmak and the British Commanders-in-Chief.

Command of British Naval Forces.

A.

All British naval forces employed in Turkish waters should remain under British command. A British Flag Officer (Liaison) will be required in Ankara.

Command of British Land Forces.

5.

It is certain that Marshal Cakmak will insist on retaining supreme command of all land forces operating in Turkey. It will therefore not be possible to set up a separate British command. Once the plan of operations has been decided the Turkish High Command will be responsible for implementing it and will issue such instructions as are required to the General Officer Commanding Sitish Forces in Turkey.

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