Committee of Imperial Defence: Colonial Defence Committee, later Oversea Defence...

This series consists of an incomplete set of minutes of meetings of the Committee of Imperial Defence, Colonial Defence Committee, and Committee of Imperial Defence, Oversea Defence Committee (ODC).

Topics included all those concerned with defence of the colonies and matters of seaborne trade, and the provision of coaling stations, the composition and organisation of local forces and the provision for overseas commands.

By subject order

File series only numbered from 22 October 1920

Records of the War Cabinet, Oversea Defence Committee, after August 1939 continue in CAB 94

• Committee of Imperial Defence, Colonial Defence Committee, 1904-1911
• Committee of Imperial Defence, Oversea Defence Committee, 1911-1939

Topics

Trade and commerce

These minutes were circulated to all ministers present at the meetings of the Colonial Defence Committee and Oversea Defence Committee, to the First Sea Lord, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the Chief of Naval War Staff and the Director of Military Operations, and to any other naval and military officers and other officials who attended the meetings. Copies were also sent to permanent secretaries of the Treasury, Foreign Office, Colonial and India Office who needed to be kept informed of decisions taken by the Committee.