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ANNEX.

COPY OF A TELEGRAM DATED 1ST FEBRUARY, 1941, FROM THE GOVERNOR OF INDAI TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR INDIA.

340

702. 1/2/41.

Addressed Secretary of State for India,

repeated Far East and G. O. C. Army in Burma.

Part I.

In accordance with instructions in your telegram No. 175 of 5th January to India only consultations now concluded with representatives General Headquarters, Far East. Following is summary of conclusions and recommendations.

Air reinforcements from India to Malaya in emergencies vide General Headquarter F. E./40, para. No. 15(d).

1.

(A) Can see no, repeat (?no), possibility at present of being able to spare aircraft from India for Malaya/Burma unless (?replaced) immediately, in which case administratively possible to move one Blenheim bomber squadron Burma/Malaya at short notice provided plans prepared.

(B) A few Valentias available for transport of ground personnel but General Headquarters, Far East, will examine use of Empire Flying Boats for these in emergency.

(C) Air crews and bombs in present circumstances not, repeat not, available.

PART II.

Land reinforcements for Malaya.

(A) 4 Indian State Forces Battalions suitably equipped for duties envisaged in General Headquarters F. E./86 of 18th December available. Ready to embark 4 to 6 weeks from receipt of approval. Units should be given sufficient mechanical transport by Malaya for limited roles. Provision of pack transport from India deprecated as likely cause administrative complications.

(B) Understood Chiefs of Staff not, repeat not, agreeable to recommendations in General Headquarters F.E./135 of 6th January. 2 Regular Battalions from India not, repeat not, at present available and presumed not, repeat not, required.

(C) Approximately 350, repeat 350, Indian Artillery gunners available, but no, repeat no, British officers V. C.0's or N.C.0's. General Headquarters F.3./40, paragraph No. 15(C) refers. Malaya will examine whether reduction in figure of 350, repeat 350, possible.

(D) Capable now allotted Malaya, vide War Office (796995) of 14th January. In view of need for early reinforcements and long delays consequent on (?shipping) from Karachi as originally proposed, also strain caused thereby on shipping resources, we now propose to ship Capable from Madras and Karachi. In view information that first quota of equipment allotted is only now leaving United Kingdom, we cannot complete units before departure without delaying this after 1st May, and have no alternative but to complete equipment in Malaya.

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