CAB80-8 — Page 160

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ANNEX IV.

DRAFT TELEGRAM.

TO -

C.-in-C. Mediterranean

132

1.

of Staff.

2.

C.-in-C., Middle East

A.0.C.-in-C., Middle East.

Following for three Commanders-in-Chief from Chiefs

Reference telegrams 7289 and 7290 of 18/2 from C.-in-C,

Middle East to War Office.

3.

First consideration is to ascertain whether provision

of TIGER AND LEOPARD and French forces as proposed by General Weygand is essential (repeat essential) to ensure security of

Turkish front in Thrace. If not what are minimum essential

forces for this purpose ?

4.

In view of administrative difficulties and generally

of need to retain available reserves for employment as situation

devolops it is clearly uneconomical to send to Turkey larger

forces than are absolutely essential.

5.

On answer to paragraph 3 above must depend willingness

of H.M. Government to finance in part or in full large programme

of administrative development foreshadowed by you.

6.

Secondly answer is required on the following

question. If administrative development is sanctioned but is

still incomplete when need for despatch of forces to Thrace

arises, would you be prepared to recommend sharing Turkish bases

and line of communication in Thrace ?

7.

Your replies to theso questions should represent

Anglo-Franco-Turkish opinion and should be cabled immediately

after forthcoming talks at Ankara.

Meanwhile principle of

financial aid to Turkey in carrying out the development required

is under urgent examination in London.

-Bi -y-

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