§ 76. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Defence what briefing, or other information, was given the British troops prior to the conflict in Egypt, as to the purpose and objectives of the operation; and what further information has been given them since the cease-fire and in what form.
§ Mr. HeadBoth before and during the operation commanders took steps to acquaint their forces with its purpose, which was to intervene in order to achieve compliance with the requirements stated by Her Majesty's Government to Egypt and Israel on 30th October. Particular emphasis was laid upon the need to minimise casualties and damage. On the cease-fire, the Allied Commander-in-Chief38W informed his subordinate commanders that our reason for intervention was to stop the war and that our purpose had now been achieved. On 20th November General Stockwell informed officers of field rank that the task of the forces under his command had been defined as the maintenance of law and order and the re-activation of the life and economy of Port Said. He emphasised the importance of exercising the highest degree of restraint under any provocation. The officers were instructed to pass these orders on to the men under their command.