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

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

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

SECRET.

C.O.S.(40) 241.

WAR

CABINET.

C.

133

COPY NO.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY FOR COLONIAL GOVERNORS.

Note by Secretary.

(Previous Paper No. C.0.S. (39) 47).

The Chiefs of Staff will recall that, at their (39) 29th Meeting (Minute 3) they approved a proposal, which had been put forward in Paper No. C.0.S.(39) 47," that

telegrams giving a summary of the latest information should be sent each week to Colonial Governors. At the time, the

was,

Colonial Office were warned that it would be almost

impossible to include much information which had not already appeared in the Press. The view of the Colonial Office

however, that these summaries would be of value as official confirmation of press reports, and that it was essential for Colonial Governors to feel that steps were being taken by the Home Government to keep them in touch with events.

2. Recently the Colonial Office have received complaints that, since most of the items in these telegrams have, in fact, already appeared in the Press, their value was not commensurate with the labour involved in de-ciphering them. In consequence, a number of Colonial Governors have asked that these telegrams should be discontinued, and it has been suggested that their place should be taken by a monthly appreciation of the progress of the War which could be sent out by post.

3. The production of a special document for this purpose would entail a number of, difficulties, but it is suggested that, if the Chiefs of Staff periodical resume of the Naval, Military and Air Situation could be sent out to Colonial Governors, this document, would serve the purpose admirably. It would, of course, have to be made a definite condition that it could only be sent to those Colonies where its delivery by absolutely secure means, in British ships could be guaranteed.

No suggestion that the Chiefs of Staff resume might be sent to Colonial Governors has yet been made to the Colonial Office, but I am sure that, if the Chiefs of Staff are prepared to approve this proposal, it will be welcomed by that office and will result in the saving of a considerable amount of work both here and in the Colonies.

Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.

23rd February, 1940.

(Signed)

H.L. ISMAY.

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