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.0.S.(40) 260
Also Paper No.
W.P.(40) 102.
18TH MARCH, 1940.
WAR CABINET.
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
COPY NO.
WITHDRAWAL OF TWO R.A.F. BOMBER SQUADRONS
FROM SINGAPORE TO INDIA.
Memorandum.
272
The War Cabinet will recall that on the outbreak of war that part of the air plan for the reinforcement of Singapore which related to the dispatch from India of two medium bomber squadrons was put into operation. This was intended as an insurance against the possibility of Japanese hostility.
Since then the situation has changed materially in that the risk of war with Japan has considerably receded, while that of war with Russia has increased, with the resulting implications on the situation in India and the Middle East.
20
We consider, therefore, that the time has come when the two Blenheim squadrons sent from India last September should be recalled to India, where they would be more suitably placed either to reinforce Iraq or Egypt or to act as a counter to Russian air action against Northern India. They could of course, if the situation at Singapore suddenly deterioriated, rapidly be sent back there if the balance of risk so required.
4.
In recommending the above measure, we do not wish to give the impression that there can be a general relaxation of our precautionary measures in the Far East. The withdrawal of these Squadrons throws an additional responsibility on the remainder of the garrison of Singapore, and makes it all the more important that all units should be alert and efficient, This aspect of
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