CAB80-8 — Page 206

ANNEX I.

173

IMMEDIATE.

A.300 27/2. MOST SECRET.

Following for Chiefs of Staff from G.0.C. in C. and A.0.C. in C. Will C. in C. Mediterranean please comment. Reference Trooper's telegram number 65764 23/2.*

1.

Scale of attack laid down in para. 6 of C.0.S.(39) 146 makes it obvious that Turkey is likely to require considerable allied support to hold Thrace. Consequently calculation of assistance to Turkey has hitherto been based by army mainly on administrative possibilities and by R.A.F. also on availability of forces vide C.0.S.(39) 173 paras. 12 and 18.

2.

Has scale of attack been reduced. If so please cable present estimate. Without it reply to para. 3

of your telegram is not possible.

3.

Now that report has been presented to Turks showing troops available in certain circumstances it is most unlikely that they will admit that any smaller

force is adequate for security of Thrace. Nevertheless in discussions with Turkish General Staff representatives will keep in mind considerations in para. 4 of your telegram which are fully realised.

4.

As to para. 8, may Staff Talks be conducted on the basis that our recommendations as to military forces (including adequate anti-aircraft defence) which we consider essential to accompany Leopard in Western Anatolia will in any case be available.

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Annex II.

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