CANARIES AND PORTUGUESE ATLANTIC ISIANDS.
 
7. A German invasion of Spain will lead to the immediate denial of Gibraltar as a Naval Base and
in all probability the invoIvement of Portugal as well as Spain in the war. In those circumstances,
it w. ill be essential to secure the Canaries as a Naval Base. It is possible that the Spaniards would
themselves offer us facilities in these islands. On the other hand, the Spaniards may oppose our
occupation of the Canaries. While a Spanish offer of facilities would eliminate the need for a large
occupying force ,it would be necessary to provide sufficient additional air and anti-aircraft
defenses to meet the threat of Germanair forces based on the mainland of Africa, as well as harbor
protectionfor the Naval Base, and for an air patrol of the sea.
 
         8. If we have gainedan entry into French North Africa and the Spaniards subsequently
acquiesce in a German move into Spain, we could not at, the same time undertake an operation to
capture the Canaries.
 
         9.    If the opportunity to carry out North Africa operations does not occur, and the
Germans move into Spain with Spanish acquiescence, the capture of the Canaries, even against
opposition, ond the occupation of the Azores and Cape Verdes will become essential.
 
10.    It has been agreed that the responsibility for the occupation of the Canaries is a British one,
but it would probably be necessary to obtain Naval assistance from the United States. A British
assaulting force is already earmarked for this operation and should, we consider, be kept in being.
 
       11.    Occupation of the Cape Verdes has been accepted as a United States responsibility. A
portion of the United States Army forces set up for North Africa would be used for this
operation. The necessary .naval support would have to be provided by United States Naval
Forces.
 
       12.    In the event of a German move into the Iberian Peninsula, it is almost certain that
Portugal will admit British forces into the Azores and probably Madeira. For the securityof these
islands the chief requirement will be air and anti-aircraft defenses and harbor protection. The
provision of these forces is a British responsibility and the necessary forces should be earmarked.
Considerable difficulty, however, will be found in providing the shipping for this operation
simultaneously with that for North Africa or the Canaries.
 
13.    If the move of British forces to the Azores becomes possible  we are of the opinion that the
United States should occupy the Cape Verdes in order to make certain that these islands are
denied to theenemy andsecured for future use. The occupation of the Cape Verdes will be of
considerable
 
 
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