CAB80-8 — Page 189

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(a)

4.5"

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101

6.

(b)

(c)

(a)

The Ministry of Supply forecasts indicate a shortage of about 300,000 rounds at Z + 24, but thereafter the rate of production exceeds the anticipated monthly wastage by 24,000 rounds per month. On the whole this shortage is considered acceptable, but any acceleration possible with existing plant to overcome this shortage at an earlier date is clearly desirable.

3.7"

The Ministry of Supply forecasts appear adequate throughout the period Z + 6 to Z + 24 and thereafter.

3"

Present stocks are ample for all requirements up to 2 + 24 when there should still be about 500,000 rounds to meet wastage.

Present production is about 50,000 per month. Apart from the presumed undesirability of closing down 3" ammunition manufacture entirely, there seems a strong case for diverting this capacity elsewhere.

40 mm.

The Ministry of Supply provision eventually becomes excessive. Demands should be cut down accordingly.

Approval is sought for -

(i)

Building up of ammunition reserves on the general basis indicated above, i.e.

(a)

Heavy A.A. guns 1200 R.P.G. plus wastage at a maximum of 350,000 rounds per month.

(b) Light A.A. guns - 1500 R.P.G. plus wastage at a maximum of

400,000 rounds per month.

(ii) (a) No increase on Ministry of Supply forecasts for 4.5" and 3.7′′

ammunition.

(b) The diversion of 3" ammunition capacity elsewhere.

(c) The reduction of 40 mm. output as indicated by the Ministry of Supply after Z + 24, with any convenient antecedent reduction, provided the total output by Z + 24 does not drop substantially below 11,000,000 rounds.

It is estimated that reductions on the lines indicated above will result not only in a saving of capacity but of some £60,000,000.

D.A.A. & C.D.

War Office.

10/2/40.

H.912.

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