Minutes of the Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Force (SCAEF) 21st Meeting, June 2, 1944

BIGOTO CoL LEE tha FOP SECRET ner SECRET BIGOT SCAEF 21st MEETING 1 2nd June, 1944 19 SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Office of AC of S, G-3 Minutes of Meeting held in the ANXF Conference Room at SOUTHWICK HOUSE at 1000 hours, 2nd June, 1944 PRESENT General Dwight D. Eisenhower Air Chief Marshal Sir A. Tedder Admiral Sir B.H. Ramsay General Sir B.I. Montgomery Air Chief Marshal, Sir T.L. Leigh-Mallory Lieutenant General W.B. Smith Lieutenant General Sir H.M. Gale Rear Admiral J.E. Creasy Major General H.R. Bull Major General K.V. Strong Major General F.il. de Guingand Air Vice Marshal H.E.P. Wigglesworth 2 Air Vice Marshal J.M. Robb Brigadier General A.S. Nevins I. WEATHER FORECAST The agreed weather forecast was presented orally by Group Captain Stagg. Admiral Ramsay and Air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory stated the effect of the predicted weather conditions from the Naval and Air Force viewpoints, respectively. General discussion followed. The Supreme Commander directed that the sailing of Bombarding Squadrons and other proparations necessary at this time should proceed. The next SCAEF meeting for further critical examination of the weather forecast is to be held at 2130 hours, 2nd June, in the ANXF Conference Room at SOUTHWICK HOUSE. II. BOMBING ON D DAY AND SUBSEQUENT DAIS Air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory discussed the plan for bombing, on D day and subsequent days, designated to establish a belt of bombed routes through towns and villages thereby preventing or impeding the movement of enemy formations toward the areas seized by our troops. He inquired as to his freedom to proceed with the execution of this plan in view of the civilian casualties which would result. Air Chief Marshal Tedder stated the necessity of being certain of the efficacy of this line of action. The Supreme Commander announced his approval of the planned bombing as an operational necessity to assist the Army in landing and in securing a firm foothold. III. WARNING THE FRENCH Air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory inquired if any additional methods could be adopted to warn the FRENCH inhabitants of the bombing. Air Chief Marshal Tedder advocated the dropping of warning leaflets on D day and subsequent days to minimize civilian casualties. DECLASSIFIED Authority Suddines for Com Hager 7/5/72 Downgraded to SECRET per By ARK NLE DATE 11/5/73 DOD dir 5200.9 9-27-58. WGL 7-18-67 TOP SECRET BIGOT