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forces in Central Finland were reinforced by some three to four divisions of volunteers infiltrated through Sweden (see Annex, Column 1, paragraph 12). We could get no clear idea from General Gamelin at the first meeting as to where these three or four divisions of volunteers were to come from. We therefore thought it right to press the point at the second meeting. General Gamelin could give us no definite reply. He said that there were a number of foreign residents in France, some of them stateless," who could not be used in the French Army, but might, if his Government permitted, be allowed to volunteer for Finland. He gave no idea of numbers or of where the equipment was to come from; and he concluded with the observation that the solution of the problem depended on whether the efforts of all countries wishing to help Finland could be made effective.

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Meeting of the Supreme War Council.

11. On the conclusion of the second meeting we told the French that we proposed to render an early report to the British War Cabinet on their project for assistance to Finland. We suggested, and they agreed, that the problem called for early examination by the Supreme War Council.

12. They also agreed that, if as a result of such examination, the French and British Governments were to decide that preparations for the Petsamo enterprise should be proceeded with, the following are some of the measures which should be undertaken as a matter of urgency :—

(a) A joint Franco-British study of administrative arrangements and

operational plans.

(b) The preparation and concentration of the Petsamo Expeditionary Force. Close consultation with the Finnish General Staff. This would necessitate the very early despatch of French and British Staff Officers to Finland.

(Signed)

DUDLEY POUND. EDMUND IRONSIDE. R. E. C. PEIRSE

(for C.A.S.).

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V:

Richmond Terrace, S.W. 1,

February 2, 1940.

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