CO537-5001 — Page 121

ANNEX KI.

A

DIRECTIVE TO COMLANDER-IN-CHIEF,

CEYLON.

(1943.)

It has been decided that the statutory India Command and the operational Command in South-East Asia shall be divided. A memorandum describing this reorganisation is attached.*

2. From this memorandum you will see that Ceylon falls within the area of responsibility of the Supreme Allied Commander, South-East Asia Command. From the date on which he assumes the function of his Command you will come under the command of the Supreme Allied Commander. You will be informed of this date when it has been decided.

3. Under this system you will be responsible to the Supreme Allied Commander:-

(a) For the defence, including the local naval defence of

coasts and harbours, and the internal security of Ceylon.

(b) Subject to the essential requirements of (a) above, for

such offensive preparations as he may require.

In this respect a revised plan for the defence of Ceylon is in preparation, and will shortly be communicated to you. This should enable you to advise the Supreme Allied Commander on how much of your resources must continue to be concentrated on the defensive and how much you can now make available for offensive reparations.

4. You will continue to convene and preside over any council or conference which you consider necessary for the effective co-operation of all Services in Ceylon.

5. In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 7 B(ii) of the memorandum attached, a principal administrative officer will be appointed to the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander. You will ensure that your administrative requirements to be placed on Commander-in-Chief, India, are co-ordinated by him.

6.

The Governor will continue to exercise his civil functions and to address the Secretary of State for the Colonies, subject to the following provisos:-

7.

(a) He will take no decisions on matters touching upon

military issues without prior consultation with you.

(b) He will consult you before raising with the Secretary

of State any matters touching upon military issues and, if you disagree with the views of the Governor, you will report your views to the Secretary of State along with those of the Governor.

(c) In the last resort, if you consider that any action by

the civil authorities may prejudice the security of the island or essential preparations for offensive In this event you action, you may override them.

will report ime diately to the Secretary of State For the Colonies.

The Governor is being instructed by the Colonial Office

in the sense of paragraph 6 above.

8. You will communicate with higher authority as follows:·

*.P. (43) 414

/ (a)