Dakar. Possibility of a German or Italian Occupation Of: Memo.

5. The chances of success of such an expedition would depend first on its ability successfully to evade the British Fleet whilst on its way to Dakar and secondly, on the attitude of the French Garrison in Dakar. At present the French in Dakar are pessimistic with regard to the outcome of the war and whilst in this frame of mind it is doubtful if they would fight. 6. Particulars of the French Forces in Dakar are set out in the Appendix to this Paper. 7. If the British Navy were no longer able to use Gibraltar as a base and had therefore no base between Plymouth and Freetown, we think that an enemy expedition against Dakar would have a very fair chance of evading interception.