TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document. S DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT). SECRET C.O.S. (42) 241. COPY NO. 19 1st MAY, 1942. WAR CABINET CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE DEFENCE OF THE AIR REINFORCEMENT ROUTE ACROSS FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA Memorandum by the Chief of the Air Staff The security of our air reinforcement route across Africa is vital to our air position in the Middle East and India.