Cypher Telegram
TO: FROM:
TO CEYLON
Governor (Sir A. Caldecott)
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Bent 5th March, 1942. 02.15 hrs.
LOST IMMEDIATE
No. 238 Decret.
1. In present emergency situation His Majesty's Government have decided that Ceylon must be specially treated as a military area under supreme control of high Service officer with title of"Commander-in-Chief, Ceylon".
2.
Vice-Admiral Layton has been selected for this appointment, and following is text of directive issued to him by telegraph
today. Begins.
You are appointed Commander-in-Chief, Ceylon.
All naval, military, air and civil authorities in the area, including the Governor and the Civil Administration, will be subject to your directions.
2.
Your immediate task is to ensure that all measures necessary for the defence of Ceylon are taken forthwith and that the military and civil measures are properly coordinated. The Governor has emergency powers under the Constitution, and the power of issuing Defence Regulations, which he can use to the extent you may require for any such measures.
3. You will convene and preside over any council or conference from time to time which you consider necessary for the effective cooperation of all services in Ceylon.
4. You will report as soon as possible whether, in order to carry out the tasks specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, it is necessary for you to assume supreme command of all the fighting services allotted to the defence of Ceylon, and what staff and other arrangements this would entail.
5.
Un all military matters your immediate superior will be the Commander-in-Chief, India. As to civil matters, the Governor of Ceylon will remain at his post and will exercise the civil functions of Governor subject to your overriding authority and direction.
6. You will communicate with higher authority as follows:
(a) On military matters you will address C.-in-C., India, and repeat to the Admiralty for communication to the Chiefs of Staff.
(b) un civil matters you will address the Secretary of State for the Colonies and will ensure that the Governor is consulted and informed to the necessary extent. You will consult with the Governor as to the desirability of his continuing to communicate direct with the Secretary of State for the Colonies on civil affairs not touching upon defence issues.
7. In the exercise of your authority in civil affairs you will have regard to the importance and value of the maintenance of the services of the civil government as long as they can operate effectively in the prevailing conditions. Ends.
13.