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The Government of India can provide approximately 350 Indian artillery gunners but no British officers, Viceroy's commissioned officers or N.C.Os.

6.

The Government of India are prepared to despatch force Capable as follows dependent on availability of shipping:-

(a) One infantry brigade in March.

(b) One infantry brigade and bulk of divisional

troops in April.

(c) Third infantry brigade as soon as possible

thereafter.

Owing to the non-receipt of equipment from home it will be necessary for these troops to proceed with existing scale of equipment and the Government of India propose to complete them later in Malaya.

This acceleration of the movement of Capable will involve considerable preparation and the Government of India request an immediate decision as to whether their proposals are accepted.

7. The Government of India also refer at part II(b) of their telegram 702 to Commander-in-Chief, Far East telegram GHQ. F.E./135 of the 6th January and state that two regular battalions which it was suggested might be required to replace battalions sent from Malaya to Hong Kong are not available at present and they assume that they are not required.

8.

Subject to the agreement of the Chiefs of Staff it is proposed to inform the Government of India:-

(a) That four Indian States Forces battalions

should be sent to Malaya.

(b) That sanction is accorded to the despatch of up to 350 Indian artillery gunners to Malaya as and when requested by Commander-in-Chief, Far East.

(c) That the arrangements proposed for the

accelerated despatch of force Capable to Malaya are approved.

(a) That two regular battalions referred to in

paragraph 7 above are not required.

It is further proposed to authorise the Government of India to arrange for these moves in direct communicat- ion between Commander-in-Chief, India, Commander-in-Chief, Far East and the War Office.

Great George Street, S.W.1.

5th February, 1941.

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