ABSTRACT
Reason for this is that the troops, ships, guns and certain equipment are urgently required for defence of United Kingdom.
We understand, from military point of view, operations evacuations will be facilitated if enemy forces are largely destroyed or captured. Moreover, destruction of railways and Narvik port facilities make its capture highly desirable. Neverthe less, speed of evacuation, once begun, should be of primary consideration in order to limit duration maximum naval efforts. Two officers will be sent at once from United Kingdom to concert evacuation plans with you and General Auchinleck. Evacuation of all equipment, vehicles and stores will clearly take too long : following are required to be evacuated in order of importance from point of view of defence of United Kingdom, (a) personnel, (b) light anti-aircraft guns and ammunition, (c) 25-pounders, (d) heavy anti-aircraft guns and ammunition. Tactical conditions must rule ; but, so far as they permit, plan should be framed accordingly.
