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Accordingly we should afford her such military support as is necessary to sustain her in that role, even though she should decide to leave the Commonwealth.

20. Pakistan. In the case of Pakistan, which is more favourably disposed towards the Commonwealth, it is essential to use our military influence to settle her military and political differences with India in order that the two countries may combine to fight Communism. In particular, we should exert such military influence as is possible to bring present negotiations in Kashmir to a successful conclusion.

21.

Australia and New Zealand. It is expected that Australia and New Zealand will play an increasing part in defence planning in the South East Asia and Pacific theatres. Although they are not directly threatened,

they will be seriously affected by the spread of Communism; they must therefore be encouraged to take a more

active part in the maintenance of political, economic and military stability in the theatre.

Independent Countries

22.

Burma. The civil war in Burma shows no sign of abatement and the Government forces are stretched to the limit in dealing with the Communist insurgents. Although the activities of the British Services Mission have been somewhat restricted, valuable assistance has been given to the Burmese Government, particularly on the administrative side, and the Head of the Mission has stated that a seious breakdown has been avoided only by the efforts of British officers. Furthermore, the presence of our Mission successfully excludes foreign military influence.

It is therefore essential that we should maintain our British Services Mission in Burma and should continue to give the Government forces such military aid as is possible.

23. Siam. Our military requirement in Siam is that the local forces should be capable of rendering effective aid to the Civil Power in maintaining internal security and thus checking the spread of Communism. To this end the Chiefs of Staff have recently sanctionedi the supply of arms to equip five Siamese battalions operating in the border areas of Siam. We consider that such military aid should be continued and that there should be closer co-operation between our civil and military forces in Malaya and those of Siam in dealing with the Communists. In particular we consider that the establishment of a military mission in Siam should be re-considered

European Colonial Territories

24. French Indo-China and Indonesia. Any military support which we might give the French in Indo-China or the Dutch in Indonesia would not only tend to drive the Nationalists into the arms of the Communists but would also worsen the relationship in the Far East and Asiatic countries.

between Western Union, Commonwealth

+ B.S.M. (48) P/8 dated

#

C.0.S. 2010/30/11/8

13th September, 1948

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J.P.(46) 168 (Final)

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