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As a result, We recommend that two Infantry brigades should sail, one in March and one in April. Third Infantry brigade will follow as early as possible, but bulk of Divisional troops will sail in April. Above dates subject to availability of shipping. An immediate decision to despatch the force is essential in view of complicated moves involved and we are taking preparatory measures forthwith.
PART III.
3.
Reinforcements for Burma, vide India Office 377 of 12th January. In emergency, following could be provided by India.
(A) One Infantry Brigade with headquarters and signals. One Field Ambulance. Detachment Field Hygiene Section and necessary administrative units. All on mixed first line animal and mechanical transport basis.
(B) Two Mountain batteries R.A. (? one Infantry Brigade) may be an Indian State Force battery on full pack basis. Separate telegram will follow regarding replacemeet of 3.7 inch (sic? delayed) equipments from quota.
(0) One I.G.H. available, provided number 22 I.G. H. is not, repeat not, required for Malaya with Capable. Matter under discussion with Malaya.
Following cannot, repeat not, be provided.
Field Companies and any second line transport. Earmarking of Force offered above has no, repeat no, effect on Sybil and Sabine, units of which are not ready but will temporarily reduce forces available for Frontier or Defence of India in emergency. Eventually, it will delay completion of War Office un-allotted division starting formation July 1941. All units offered ready to embark one month after decision to despatch is received, provided all establishments are fixed in advanoc. If decision giten now, carliest probable date 15th March. If proposals are accepted, but brigade groups not, repcat not, required (?immediately) request acceptance as firm commitment involving replacement and information dates on which Force should be ready. Above proposals concurred in by representatives of Far East and Government of India. Early decisions on all points requested by telegram.
PART IV.
5.. Above commitments, together with those recently undertaken in Middle East and for guarding of prisoners, accentuate difficult equipment situation. Request shipments may be accelerated where possible and increase in quota as recommended in telegram 398, 18th January, from Governor-Gencral, (Defence Dept.) to Secretary of State for India, be accepted.
6.
Officer commitments are also heavy and request
? Malaya) may be asked release or conscript a larger (omission) of British subjects for training as officers of Indian Army as some contribution towards replacement of officers sent from India to Malaya.
Addressed Secretary of State for India, (pass copies to Admiralty, War Office, Air Ministry), Commander in Chief, Far East, (pass copies General and Air Officer Commanding, Singapore), General Officer Commanding, Army Headquarters,
Burma.
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