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4.

If the above proposal is agreed, the conference at Singapore can proceed as soon as the representatives from the Dominions, India and Burma can reach Malaya, and the Terms of Reference in Paper No. C.0.S. (40) 802 (J.P.) will stand subject to certain minor amend- ments.

5. As regards the U.S.A.-Dutch Conversations, it is equally essential that no delay should occur, and it is proposed that we should fall in with the American proposal that, after preliminary discussions in London, the venue of the talks should be moved to Washington. It would clearly be desirable on the termination of these talks that representatives of the U.S.A. should proceed to Singapore to discuss joint action in greater detail with our own Commanders. It would be also desirable that representatives of the Netherlands East Indies should attend the discussions at this stage.

6.

If the above proposals are agreed the necessary action

In the

to obtain agroval and to inform all oncerned can be taken. meanwhile, the Joint Planning Stafi have prepared a Memorandum, which will be of value to our representatives, who will require to be appointed for the preliminary talks in London and the subsequent conversations in Washington and the Far East.

Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.

6TH OCTOBER, 1940.

-2-

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(Signed)

LC. HOLLIS.

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