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TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY,
It is requested that special core may be taken to ansure the secrecy of this document.
337
(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERMENT).
This document was considered at Ce..(41) 45 Meeting.
SECRET.
C.O.S.(41)73.
5TH FEBRUARY, 1941.
COPY NO. 33
WAR CABINST.
CHILFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
REINFORCEMENTS FROM INDIA FOR THE FAR EAST.
Memoranda by the Secretary of State for India.
¿io.s.
"A"
Reinforcement of Malaya.
The Chiefs of Staff in their telegram No. 33 0.S.(40) 435th meeting of the 21st December, 1940, authorised the Commander-in-Chief, Far East to approach the Government of India on the following points with regard to Malaya:-
(a) Provision from India of infantry battalions
for the defence of aerodromes and intemal security duties.
(b) Provision of artillery personnel to assist in
manning certain 18 pdr. guns.
(c) Preparation of plans for immediate reinforcement
by land forces from India in an emergency. This was to be confined to formations of troops already earmarked for service in Malaya.
2.
Discussions have now taken place between represent- atives of the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East and India and the Government of India have telegraphed stating the extent to which they are prepared to comply with the requirements of the Commander-in-Chief, Far East (Government of India telegram 702 of the 1st February, 1941, parts I and II refer).
3. It is apparent from part I of this telegram that the question of air reinforcement was discussed but no air reinforcements are available from India unless immediate replacement is possible.
4.
The Government of India will supply four Indian States Forces battalions suitably equipped for the defence of aerodromes. They will be ready to embark four to six weeks from the date from which they are accepted.
*
Annex.
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