J.C.S. Files
Note by the Secretaries of the Combined Chiefs of
Staff
1
secret
C.C.S. 331
[
Washington
,] 1 September
1943.
Netherlands Marine Landing Force
The enclosure received from the Netherlands Staff Mission is referred
to the Combined Chiefs of Staff for consideration.
It is suggested that the Secretaries be directed to draft a reply
along the following lines:
“The Combined Chiefs of Staff have noted with interest that
the Netherlands Military and Naval authorities are working
on plans for raising an Army to participate in the war
against Japan following the liberation of Holland. They will
be pleased to review these plans upon their completion and
give them such support as is justified in the prosecution of
the war.”
H. Redman
J. R. Deane
Combined Secretariat
Enclosure
secret
No. 917–5/8
[
Washington
,] 30 August
1943.
The Netherlands Representatives (Stoeve and Dijxhoorn) to the Combined Chiefs of Staff
- 1.
- Emanating from an earnest desire to contribute in the
largest possible degree to the war effort, the Netherlands
Government has [Page 1239]
instructed its Naval and Military authorities to work out a
plan for the speedy raising of an Army to participate in the
war against Japan immediately after the liberation of
Holland, as the first step in the re-mobilization of Dutch
manpower. As soon as this plan will have been completed and
approved by the Netherlands Government, it will be submitted
to the Combined Chiefs of Staff in Washington.
- 2.
- Since they will most likely fight under American
operational command, it is highly desirable that their
training, indoctrination and armament be similar to that of
the United States Forces. Consequently, the assistance of
the United States will be essential in the execution of this
plan with regard to the training and the supply of equipment
and weapons.
- 3.
- As a first step towards the execution of this plan, the
Netherlands Government has decided to form, soonest after
the liberation of Holland, a Marine Landing Force of 5,000
men.
- 4.
- On behalf of the Netherlands Government the cooperation of
the Combined Chiefs of Staff is requested in order to
secure, even now, the most necessary assistance from the
United States authorities for building up this Force.
G. W. Stoeve
Rear Admiral, R.N.N.
A. Q. H. Dijxhoorn
Major General, R.N.A.
