CAB80-25 — Page 404

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"B"

Re-inforcement of Burma.

339

1. The Chiefs of Staff at their 13th Meeting (C.0.5.(41)13th Meeting paragraph 6(b)) invited the India Office to approach the Government of India regarding the preparation of a brigade group including two batteries and two field companies on a pack basis for despatch to Burma in an emergency. The Government of India have now stated the extent to which they can comply with this request (Government of India Telegram 702* of the 1st February part III refers). Their proposals have the concurrence of the representatives of the Commander-in-Chief, Far East.

2.

The Government of India could supply in an emergency one infantry brigade with necessary administrative units with first line transport on a mixed animal and mechanised basis. They are also prepared to provide two mountain batteries, one of which is likely to be a States Forces unit.

They cannot, however, provide two field companies nor any second line transport for the force.

3.

The earmarking of these forces will not affect the availability of Sybil or Sabine. It will, however, temporarily reduce the forces available for service on the frontier and for the defence of India in an emergency. Eventually it will delay completion of the unallotted division to be ready for service overseas in 1942, the formation of which starts in July 1941. The force for Burma would be ready to embark one month after the decision to despatch it is received, provided all the

If the force is necessary establishments are fixed in advance. accepted now the earliest date by which it could be despatched would be the 15th March.

4.

The Government of India would expect to replace this force at once in the event of it, being sent to Burma. They suggest, however, that, if the force is accepted and is to remain in India ready for despatch to Burma at a month's notice, it should be regarded as a firm commitment and that they should be authorised to replace it now. This would avoid any doubts as to its availability in the event of an emergency in Burma coinciding with trouble on the North West frontier and would be more satisfactory both for the Comnander-in-Chief Far East and for the Government of India.

It is requested that the Chiefs of Staff will decide

whether the infantry brigade and 2 batteries with first line transport should be earmarked for Burma.

5.

(a)

(b)

6.

(c)

whether the force is to be sent to Burma by any definite date or remain in Indią ready to move at a month's notice from 15th March, 1941.0

whether it can be accepted as a definite commitment and the Government of India can be authorised to replace it now. If the force is accepted, and according to decisions at paragraph 5(b) and (c) above, it is proposed to authorise the Government of India to make all further arr ngements between Commander-in-Chief India, Commander-in-Chief Far East and the Mar Office direct.

Great George Street, S.W.1.

5TH FEBRUARY, 1941.

Á NOTE.

Mr, Amery thinks Brigade should be held in India for

* Annex.

that It appears very desirable that the

sent as soon as possible rather than be despatch at a months notice in on emergency.

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