CAB80-25 — Page 180

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ANNEX

Draft Minute from Chiefs of Staff to Prime Minister.

1.

151

You will remember that when the Chiefs of Staff discussed paper C.0.S.(40)758, "Provision of further forces by India", you stipulated that the destinations of the divisions India was being asked to raise should not preclude their being sent to the Middle East; this understanding it was agreed that the first division available should be tentatively earmarked for Malaya.

2.

on

The Government of Australia have now agreed to send one brigade group to Malaya early in February on the understanding that it will be relieved by forces from India. The Australian Minister for Defence has even cabled to his Government recommending that in view of the importance of the retention of Malaya, the whole of the 8th Australian Division should move to Malaya. If the Australian Government agree to this course, the despatch of this division will similarly be contingent on relief by the Indian Division,

3.

You will recollect that in your telegram to the Prime Minister of Australia on 23rd December when accepting the offer of an Australian brigade group for Malaya you said "I am most grateful for your promised help at Singapore in respect both of troops and of equipment and ammunition, and hope that you will make these available as promised. If so we will arrange to relieve your troops in May by equivalent of a division from India".

4.

The Commander-in-Chief, India is now in touch with the Commander-in-Chief, Middle Zast and the General Officer Commanding, Malaya with a view to preparing Orders of Battle for this division to operate in either theatre.

5.

In the light of paragraphs 2 and 3 above we regard this Indian Division as now committed to Malaya. To enable the order of battle and other arrangements to be settled as soon as possible we shall be glad of your confirmation.

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