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We agree that there will frequently be good reasons

for bringing the French into discussions locling up to Planning,

at an early stage. Firstly it will bo of advantage to ensure a

more free exchange of strategic ideas, Seconlly the Allied

Intelligence Services will be enabled to make a joint

study at an ealier stage of specific questions relevant to

the problem under review. Thirdly it will ensure, when

appropriate, that our appreciations are built up step by

step within a framework previously agreed with our Allies.

10. The exchange of views and information with the

French, on the above lines, would not commit the Chiefs of

Staff; and the British Military Representatives in

discussing such problems should ensure that this is clearly

understood by the French. We suggest therefore that it

should be left to the discretion of the Directors of Plans to

decide whether any particular subject is one in which French

collaboration is desirable before it receives Chiefs of

Staff approval, due regard being paid to the essential

requirements of security. If there was any doubt, the

question could always be referred to the Chiefs of Staff.

Machinery to promote liaison between the Joint Planning Committee and the Allied Military Committee.

11. We regard it as essential that the principle should

be maintained that the sole responsibility for planning,

under the direction of the Chiefs of Staff, must remain

with the Directors of Plans in the Service Departments.

Nevertheless it is clearly desirable that the British

Military Representatives should be kept in touch with any

problem which they may subsequently have to be discussed with

the French. This fact was appreciated by the Deputy

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