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For reasons of home defence, the cogency of which we, who have been less immediately threatened here, (? omission) have been unable to meet us under any of these heads, and with whatever reluctance, we have had no option but to acquiesce. But I must now put formally on record for consideration of His Majesty's Government, that any extension or development of war in East would create a situation in which it will be not merely impossible for us to spare material, save for briefest period, but in which we must demand immediate and substantial reinforce- ment, both in aircraft and in anti-aircraft equipment if situation, which will confront us on bombing of, e.g. Calcutta or Jamshedpur, is to be faced. We have taken, and are taking, great risks in terms of local situation in order to give the maximum of help in air to His Majesty's Government, but we must, in the interest of His Majesty's Government as well as ourselves, ask now that that be recognised, and that (? we shall) not be left with a degree of protection against enemy attack which we regard as inadequate, and inadequacy of which might be of first-class political as well as military significance. We have, as you know, in addition, accepted a reduction in our normal garrison of British battalions of (? no) fewer that 13 (for we still await replacement of 8 promised) and that equally is of direct relevance both to dealing with internal troubles and to keeping of order should eag. Calcutta be bombed.

3.

We are also preparing despatch at earliest possible date, of troops for reinforcement of Burma, Malaya and Ceylon, should these be needed, We have in mind immediate reinforcement of Malaya by 1 Brigade Headquarters and 3 battalions, and of Burma by Brigade Group as arranged. Brigade for Malaya might sail by the 17th, and that for Burma in a fortnight or 3 weeks, provided orders are issued now.

Great George Street, S. V.1.,

10TH FEBRUARY, 1941.

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