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10.
Far East,
105
It is recommended that 12 heavy anti-aircraft (including 4 from Australian production) and 24 light anti- aircraft guns be provided in December for distribution between Malaya, Hong Kong and Burma. The situation in respect of these areas is shown in Appendix 'D' attached. In view of the recent reinforcement of Hong Kong with Canadian units, it is suggested that part of this allocation, viz, 4 heavy anti- aircraft and 8 light anti-aircraft guns, should be earmarked for Hong Kong. At present the anti-aircraft defences consist of 16 heavy anti-aircraft and 2 light anti-aircraft guns with a further 8 light anti-aircraft guns en route from Malaya.
11.
In accordance with the conclusions of the 309th Meeting of the Chiefs of Staff, the Australian production of heavy anti-aircraft guns has, during recent months, been despatched to the Far East. After December, however, there is no further allocation of Australian production. It is recommended that the 4 guns per month for January March inclusive should be sent to Far East.
12. West Africa.
As pointed out in paragraph 2 above, the 8 mobile guns for West Africa could not be met from November production, It is recommended that these should be provided from December output together with a further 6 static guns. An additional 4 light anti-aircraft guns are required to bring West Africa up to the approved scale. These are in replacement of 4 guns sunk en route. The allocation recommended from December production is thus 14 heavy anti-aircraft and 4 light anti- aircraft guns.
13. India.
The normal 12 heavy anti-aircraft and 12 light anti- aircraft guns have been included for allocation. In addition, Commander-in-Chief, India, has put forward a proposal for converting two infantry battalions to light anti-aircraft regiments to be used in Iraq as soon as these regiments are trained. In order to implement the proposal he has stressed the necessity for some additional equipment for these regiments. All normal issues up to date are carmarked for other purposes. It is most desirable that as many light anti- aircraft units as possible should be found from India, and it is therefore recommended that a further 25 Light anti-aircraft guns should be despatched on W.S.15, and the balance, viz. 48, at a later date. The total allocation is thus 12 heavy anti- aircraft and 36 Light anti-aircraft guns.
14. Faroes.
At the 380th Meeting of the Chiefs of Staff on 7th November, 1941, it was agreed to consider an allocation of 4 Bofors, light anti-aircraft guns for the Faroes to replace the existing 4 Naval Mk. VIII guns. It is recommended that these should be provided.
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