Post by Diarist on Feb 13, 2015 6:39:54 GMT 1
Yesterday's Abyssinia meeting dealt primarily with the air operations. AVM Freeman's arrival enabled us to move forward in this vital area. We also looked at the defence of Egypt and we consider that the ridges around and west of Mersa Matruh are adequate to defend the Canal Zone. The French forces in Tunisia also have good defensive positions. We intend suggesting that extra forces be sent to North Africa as part of our strategy.
Today's meeting was about the disposition of the British and French fleets. We want the bulk of the Italian fleet to remain in the Western Mediterranean. An important issue is Greece. The nation would be invaluable as an active ally and access to their airfields on Crete would greatly bolster our defences against Italian activities in Libya. The Hellenic Air Force needs to be modernized and we are sure the Greeks can be recruited. Not too sure about Yugoslavia though.
Monday we will be discussing logistics as well as operations behind enemy lines and intelligence gathering. Admiral Keyes will be arriving over the weekend so we hope to be briefed about Major Wingate's activities in Eritrea. We also need to be informed about the situation in Kenya. The remaining days, Tuesday through Thursday, will used be used to put all the pieces together so that we are ready for the big day on Friday. The meeting will be at Chequers at 1000 hours and senior members of the French cabinet and armed forces will be there.
The weekend also means flying lessons on Saturday for some of us. I'm looking forward to that. Darts Tournament again this evening.
Today's meeting was about the disposition of the British and French fleets. We want the bulk of the Italian fleet to remain in the Western Mediterranean. An important issue is Greece. The nation would be invaluable as an active ally and access to their airfields on Crete would greatly bolster our defences against Italian activities in Libya. The Hellenic Air Force needs to be modernized and we are sure the Greeks can be recruited. Not too sure about Yugoslavia though.
Monday we will be discussing logistics as well as operations behind enemy lines and intelligence gathering. Admiral Keyes will be arriving over the weekend so we hope to be briefed about Major Wingate's activities in Eritrea. We also need to be informed about the situation in Kenya. The remaining days, Tuesday through Thursday, will used be used to put all the pieces together so that we are ready for the big day on Friday. The meeting will be at Chequers at 1000 hours and senior members of the French cabinet and armed forces will be there.
The weekend also means flying lessons on Saturday for some of us. I'm looking forward to that. Darts Tournament again this evening.