The Armed Forces High Command
WFSt/L 1 Nr. 33255/40 g.Kdos.Chefs.
Führer Headquarters
3 Sep. 1940
Eight Copies
Top secret
Re: Operation "Seelöwe"
For the time being the following dates have been decided upon for the preparations for operation "Seelöwe":
- The earliest date for departure of the transport fleets is 20 Sep., and for S day (day of the landing) 21 Sep.
- The order for the start of the operation will be issued on S minus 10 day, in other words probably on 11 Sep. 1940.
- The final decision on S day and S time (the beginning of the first landing) will be made at the latest at noon on S minus 3 day.
- All preparations must be made in such a manner that the operation may be stopped as late as 24 hours before S time.
The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces High Command
signed: Keitel