CO537-4999 — Page 177

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(b)

(c)

to take note of the implications of sending these

reinforcements as indicated in paragraph 9 above; in particular

(i) the possible effect on Western Union of

the despatch of relatively large forces to the Far East;

(ii) the need to call' up Section "A" of the

Army Reserve; and

(iii) the absence Tor a period of three

months of any effective strategic reserve in the United Kingdom.

to ensure that immediate steps are taken to

gain the moral support of the other countries of the Commonwealth so that at the appropriate moment we can ask them to give us such material aid as they, on the one hand, may be able to provide, and we, on the other hand, require.

Ministry of Defence, S.W.l.,

24th May, 1949.

5

A.V.A.