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7 Jul 1940

ww2dbaseFührer's HQ. July 7 1940

Top Secret. 5 Copies (2nd Copy)

WAR AGAINST ENGLAND

The Führer and Supreme Command has decided:

1. That a landing in England is possible, providing that air superiority can be attained and certain other necessary conditions fulfilled. The date of commencement is still undecided. Al other preparations are to begin immediately.
2. The Commands of the three Services are to supply the following information:
   1. ARMY
      1. Estimates of the strength of the British Forces, of losses, and of the extent to which the British Army will have been re-equipped a month or so hence.
      2. An appreciation of the operational strength of our coastal batteries and their capacity to provide additional protection for our shipping against British naval forces.
   2. NAVY
      1. Survey of possible landing points for strong Army forces (25-40 divisions) and estimates of strength of English coastal defences.
      2. Indication of sea routes which our forces can be transported with the maximum safety. In selecting landing areas, it must be remembered that landings on a broad front will facilitate subsequent deep penetration.
      Data of shipping available with probable date on which this could be ready.
   3. AIR FORCE
      1. An estimate of the chances of attaining air supremacy, and figures showing the relative strengths of the Luftwaffe and the RAF.
      3. To what extent can the landing be supported by a parachute attack? (Highest priority to be given to the production of transport aircraft).

The Commands of all the three Services should co-operate in evolving a plan for the transport of the maximum number of troops with the minimum of shipping and aircraft space. The invading forces must be highly trained mechanised and numerically superior to the opposing forces.

All preparations must be undertaken on the basis that the invasion is still only a plan, and has not yet been decided upon. Knowledge of preparations must be restricted to those immediately concerned.

Signed
Keitel.
ww2dbase

Added By:
Hugh Martyr

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