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ANNEX I.
SECRET.
123
From:- G.O.C.-in-C., Middle East.
Desp. 2050 Reca. 2107
11/2/40. 11/2/40.
To:-
The War Office.
repeated British Military Attache Ankara.
C-in-C., Mediterranean
7162 Cipher 11/2.
A.0.C.-in-C., Middle East.
1.
Following for C.I.G.S. from General Wavell.
Anglo-French conversations concluded this morning with approval of joint report on assistance to Turkey. This report will be sent to Marshal Cakmak by hand of British and French Staff Officers who will be available to give any explanations required by Turkish Staff but not (repeat not) to carry out staff talks. Report should reach Ankara on 15th February.
2.
Main points of report as follows:-
(a) Forces available for support of Turkey are British
Tiger and Leopard, French 3 divisions and Air Force of 100 bombers 52 fighters 32 reconnaissance machines.
(b) Bases and (?lines of communication) in Thrace proposed
(see my telegram 7115 8th February) by Turks are unusable without considerable improvements. required to port is detailed in appendix to report. Road Kilia-Edirne will require minimum of 5 to 6 months to construct.
Work
(c) Until work required in (b) above is completed, ground
support to Turkey can be given only through Istanbul and Tekirdag. Support French prepared to offer in such conditions is led to 2 battalions tanks, cavalry regiment, regiment artillery. Time required dependent on collection of shipping, arrival of base units, facilities available at Istanbul and Tekirdag.
But
(a) In view of above difficulties, air support is quickest
reinforcement which can be offered to Turkey. this is dependent on aerodromes available, anti- aircraft defence, railways facilities, road construction etc.
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