Plans to assassinate key German figures, including Erwin Rommel, in the run-up to D-Day are revealed in newly-released British intelligence files.

It was discussed in communications between the British government, military and intelligence services with the aim of aiding the landings.

They planned to target those involved in the Gestapo and enemy logistics.

However it was dismissed as "the type of bright idea which... produces a good deal of trouble and does little good".

The letters and telegrams detailing the plans were revealed in a file, dated 1944 and obliquely entitled "War (General)", from the foreign office's permanent under-secretary of state Sir Alexander Cadogan....