CAB80-20 — Page 63

Page 63

Page 63

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

TO BE KEPT UNDERLOOK AND KEY,

It is request that spottai care may be taken to

ensure the secrecy of this document.

49

Page 63

SECRE T.

C.O.S. (40) 804.

6TH OCTOBER, 1940.

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

COPY NO.

FAR EAST AND ANGLO-AMERICAN-DUTCH

CONVERSATIONS.

(Previous Reference:

10.0.5. (40

C.0.S. (40) 337th Conclusions, Linute 3.)

Note by Secretary.

Since the discussion this morning

the attached

telegram (Annex) has been received from Lord Lothian,

from whicn it will be seen that the Americans

2.

(i) Are unlikely to send a squadron to

Singapore in the near future, and

(ii) Are in favour of Staff Conversations

being commenced in Washington at an early date, following certain pre- liminary discussions in London.

In view of this telegram the Chief of the Air Staff has suggested that the arrangements, tentatively agreed upon at this morning's Meeting, should be reconsidered.

3.

In the first place it is clearly desirable that the Singapore conference between the British and Dominion representatives should proceed as rapidly as possible. There will be inevitable delay if a Chairman is to be sent from the United Kingdom, and the Chief of the Air Staff has suggested that, as the Commander-in-Chief, China, can be present at Singapore for the conference and will be the senior of the three British Commanders, he should be invited to act as Chairman in place of the General Officer Commanding, Milaya,. There is an added reason for this change of plan in that if, as is hoped, conversations will take place subsequently in the Far East between our representatives and the Americans, and possibly the Dutch, these will be predominatly of a naval character, and it would then be appropriate for the Commander-in-Chief, China, to preside.

+ C.0.S. (40) 337th Conclusions, Minute 3.

-1-

Page 63

804

Page 63