CAB80-32 — Page 163

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ANNEX III.

132

ADMIRALTY INSTRUCTIONS TO COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, EASTERN

FLEET.

It has been decided to replace the appointment of C.-in-C. China by a new appointment styled C.-in-C. Eastern Fleet.

B.

While Japan remains neutral the duties of C.-in-C. Eastern Fleet will be:-

C.

(1) The Command and the administration of the Eastern

Fleet (see paragraph F below) and of naval forces and establishments on the China Station at present carried out by C.-in-C. China.

(2) The preparation of plans and war orders for the whole

Eastern Theatre in collaboration with C.-in-C. Far East, C.-in-C. East Indics, A.C.N.B., N.Z.N.B., and U.S. and Dutch authorities. The Eastern Theatre is defined in paragraph H below.

On the outbreak of war with Japan, or when directed by the Admiralty, C.-in-C. Eastern Fleet will, in addition to the above duties, assume the strategic control of all British and Dutch Naval Forces with the exception of Local Defence Forces in the Eastern Theatre subject to the following:-

D.

(1) While the distribution and general plan of employment

of naval forces throughout the Eastern Theatre is the responsibility of C.-in-C. Eastern Fleet, Cs.-in-C. of each Station will retain operational control of the Naval Forces other than the Eastern Fleet operating on their station.

(2) Dominions and Associated Powers have the right to

withdraw or withhold forces from the strategic control of C.-in-C. Eastern Floet provided prior information is given to the latter.

The degree of strategic control exercised by C.-in-C. Eastern Flect over the Naval Forces of the U.S... should the latter be a belligerent will be governed by such agreement as may be in force at the time between the U.S. and Great Britain.

E.

In order that C.-in-C. Eastern Fleet may fly his flag afloat he will be provided with a Chief of Staff and a Chief Staff Officer. The former will deputise for C.-in-C. Eastern Fleet at Singapore in his absence; the latter will remain afloat.

F.

It is possible that a part of the Eastern Fleet may be assembled in the Eastern Theatre before the outbreak of war with Japan. The disposition of any such units within the Eastern Theatre will be the responsibility of C.-in-C. Eastern Fleet who will delegate operational .control of them while employed on stations other than the China Station as he considers necessary. Units which are to be considered as forming the Eastern Fleet will be promulgated by the Admiralty in due course.

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