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ANNEX II.

From: Chiefs of Staff.

Boxes No.

To

Joint Staff Mission, Washington.

Repeated to:- S.O. Force G.

A.C.N.B. (for Australian Defence

Authorities).

N.Z.N.B. (" New Zealand

C-in-C., Far East.

Spenavo.

Reference Boxes No.131. Amend particulars of British forces in ABC 1, Annex III, Section II as follows. Figures refer to estimated strengths in early 1942.

20

Paragraph 35, page 8, line 9 onwards.

Far East Area, Bast Indies Area, Australian and New Zealand Areas.

priti... lorces available for operation in these areas and reinforcements which may be sent, Read in S columns (1) type of ship (2) British and Dominion strength in early 1942 (3) reinforcements.

(1)

Battleships

Battlecruisers

Aircraft Carriers

8-inch Cruisers

6-inch Cruisers (modern)

6-inch Cruisers (old)

A.M.Cs.

Destroyers

Submarines

(2)

(3)

5

1

1

1

4

2

5

3

10

13

13

8

10

៨៨៩.

Notes: (a) The British and Dominion forces shown above are intended to provide for the needs of the Far East area, the East Indies area and the Australian and New Zealand areas. They are grouped together because they are under the strategic control of the C-in-C., Eastern Fleet, who is responsible for the allocation of forces to the various areas in accordance with agreed plans and the needs of the situation.

(b) The forces shown in column (2) are those likely to be available in the Eastern Theatre early in 1942. Rigid adherence to types and numbers is not possible owing to the needs of the war in Europe.

(c) The forces shown in column (3) are those which it is hoped to despatch to the Eastern theatre after the outbreak of war with Japan. Rigid adherence to these figures will not be possible and a considerable period may elapse before these reinforcements reach the Eastern theatre.

(a) The 3 6" Cruisers (modern) shown in column (3) are dependent on relief of British South American Division and Force "H" by the United States.

(e) The 13 Destroyers shown in column (2) include 5 old destroyers suitable only for local defence and minelaying.

(f) The 8 Destroyers shown in column (3) are from Force "H" when relieved by the United States.

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