CAB80-13 — Page 324

Page 324

1.

Page 324

THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.

301

SECRET.

C.O.S.(40)493.

(1)s) W.P.(40)222).

25th June, 1940.

WAR CABINET,

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

COPY NO.

IMMEDIATE MEASURES REQUIRED IN THE FAR EAST.

Report.

In the light of recent developments in Tokyo,

and

pending the completion of a full appreciation, we submit the following conclusions and recommendations which are based on preliminary work we have already carried out in an examination of our strategy in the Far East in the new situation.

(a) The strategic importance of our position in the

Far East remains as great as ever, particularly in view of our dependence upon the economic weapon to defeat Germany.

(b) The principal counters to Japanese aggression are

the U.S.A. and Russia, and Japan's large military commitment in China. Our policy should be to induce U.S.A. to declare her vital interest in the status quo in the Far East. We should also encourage Russia and the U.S.A. to lend all the assistance in their power to Chiang Kai Shek.

(c) We cannot spare a fleet for the Far East at

present. It is all the more important, therefore, that we should do what we can to improve our land and air defences in Malaya so that at the worst we retain a foothold in the area. The provision of equipped troops from the United Kingdom would take time and would prejudice Home Defence. Provision from the Middle East is, in our view, impossible if we are to maintain our position in that theatre. The only other sources are India and Australia,

(a) India could make one brigade available now and

increase this force to one division in September. These troops are at present earmarked for service in Iraq or Iran. The situation in the Middle East may develop rapidly and Indian troops are not only closer to that scene of action, but better adapted than Australians for service in most patus of Africa.

493

-1-

Page 324

Page 324

Page 324