TOP SECRET As regards the Gulf of Aqaba the Foreign Office would p###er that this reconnaissance should be postponed pending ###ettlement in Palestine in view of probable Israeli suspicions of our intentions. There was general agreement that diplomatic clearance should be obtained as soon as possible for the reconnaissance of the Libyan coast. In the case of Aqaba it was pointed out that British troops were already stationed in the area, thus providing opportunity as well as cover for beach reconnaissance and that, as previously stated, there was no intention of using craft for the reconnaissance.