Page 291
а
(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT).
OK.
requested the special care may be taken -
SECRETare the secrecy of this document.
C.0.S.(40) 841.
(Also A.D.A.(40) 11.).
18TH OCTOBER
1940.
WAR CABINET.
COPY NO.
29
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
BRITISH-U.S.-NETHERLANDS TECHNICAL CONVERSATIONS.
Note by the Chairman of the United Kingdom Delegation.
251
Paragraph 11 of our instructions for aiscussions in London and Washington with the Americans and the Dutch (Annex to C.0.S.(40) 836) reads as follows:-
20
We suggest that any army and air units operating from Allied territory other than their own hould come under the operational control of the army and
air Commander from whose area they are operating."
We understand that it is proposed to appoint a Commander-in-Chief, Far East, who will be in supreme command of all British land and air forces from Burma to Hong Kong. It would appear, therefore, that we shall require further guidance as to the relationship between this Commander-in-Chief and the Commanders of Allied land and air forces operating in their own territories in the Far East. It is clear to us that under the existing proposal, if the Americans station any land forces at Singapore, these would come under the immediate corrnand of G.0.C. Malaya. The point at issue, however, is whether the Commander of American land and air forces in the Philippines, and the Commander of the Dutch land and air forces in their Far Eastern possessions, should be placed under the control of the British Commander-in-Chief, Far East, on the analogy of the arrangement proposed for the unified Naval Command.
3
May we be given the instructions of the Chiefs of Staff on this point so that we can discuss the matter with the Americans and the Dutch.
(Signed) R.M. BELLAIRS.
Chairman,
United Kingdom Delegation,
Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.,
18TH OCTOBER, 1940.
*Also A.D.A.(40) 6.
Page 291
841
Page 291
Page 291