Chapter 111 Volume 4, Chapter 1, Oceania Concerns

The new situation in the war, the guarantee of final victory, the isolation of Britain and the United States in the Pacific, and the possible conflict between Japan and Australia and New Zealand. My correspondence with Mr. Curtin and his appeal to President Roosevelt. Article in the "Melbourne Herald" I took full responsibility for the distribution of our supplies. My reply to Mr. Curtin on January 3rd. Mr. Curtin's telegram of January 18th and my reply. General observations of the situation in Australia. The Pacific War Commission began its mission in London and Washington. This new year of the Second World War, 1942, unfolded before Britain in a very different light. We were no longer alone; at our side stood two mighty allies.Although for different reasons, both Russia and the United States have worked closely with the British Empire and fought steadfastly to the end.This union made final victory certain, unless it fell apart under some pressure, unless new weapons appeared in the hands of the Germans.In fact, both belligerents are eagerly groping for a new weapon of war.As it later proved, the secret of the atomic bomb was destined to fall into the hands of our allies who had gained the upper hand.Before us is a terrible and bloody battle.We cannot predict the development process of this bloody battle, but we are completely sure of the outcome.

At this time, the great alliance had to face the Japanese attack.The attack had been long prepared; the Anglo-American front, if it could be called the Anglo-American front, was the object of brutal and violent attack.It was not at any time conceivable that Japan could win against the United States; but in the Philippine archipelago and other islands, in the Pacific, the United States paid dearly, while Britain and the unfortunate Netherlands suffered losses in South-East Asia.At that time, Russia was engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the main force of Germany, and the loss caused by the Japanese attack to Russia was nothing more than the fact that the strength and materials originally used by Britain and the United States to assist it were now diverted to other places.Britain and the United States had to suffer a long period of fiasco.Although these fiascos were not enough to affect the final outcome, they were unbearable for the people of the two countries.The United Kingdom has almost no room for parry because its power is restrained elsewhere. As for the United States, although its resources are infinite, it is only at the stage of initial organization, so it also feels that it has no way to deal with it.For us in the British Isles, everything seems to be going from bad to worse, but when we think about it, we know that the war is to be won.

While new burdens fell on our shoulders, no new dangers were added to British soil.On the contrary, Australia and New Zealand suddenly felt themselves at the forefront of the war.They find themselves the likely target of direct violation.War no longer means traveling across the ocean, transporting manpower and material resources to support the motherland in distress.This new enemy can go straight to Australia.The long coastline of the Australian mainland is indefensible.And all their large cities are along the coast.Their only four well-trained volunteer divisions, the New Zealand division and their best officers, were far across the ocean.The control of the navy in the Pacific Ocean fell into the hands of Japan in an instant, and I don't know how long it will take.Australia's air force is practically non-existent.How can we be surprised that a climate of unease has swept over Australia, with a cabinet preoccupied with its own affairs?

It will always be seen as a surprise that at this critical time, when members of the Australian Commonwealth Government and its professional advisers also seem to feel that the Commonwealth of Australia is on the brink of destruction, they do not stand together and rise to the occasion.Yet their parties were weak and inflexible, so that localist politics held sway.The Labor government monopolized all executive power with a two-seat majority, and even conscription for the defense of the homeland was banned.These partisan decisions are not in line with the Australian ethos and make our task even more difficult.Our task is to provide as much security as possible for them while maintaining a true global strategic balance.

The bleak account of this volume must begin with my correspondence with the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Curtin.Our discussions on the deployment of Australian troops to Tobruk were not pleasant.When the war turned around and he came to England, we all got to know him very well, and this remarkable Australian was universally respected and loved.I also developed a friendship with him personally.Unfortunately, he passed away in the middle of the road, and his death was not at the right time, and our friendship was cut off from then on.At this time, however, the pressures were very high on all sides, and I paid too much attention to the many serious differences on which we could not agree.I deeply regret any haste in my telegrams to him.

While I was in Washington, Curtin and the Australian Foreign Minister, Dr. Ewart, sent me a series of letters and telegrams through their representative in Washington, Mr. Casey.Mr. Curtin also sent the following telegram to President Roosevelt: December 26, 1941 1. At this critical juncture, I would like to express my views while the two of you are having discussions to advance our common cause. 2. I have called Mr. Churchill on the Russian question.I think this issue has a great relationship with the war against Japan, and I hope that you will consider it during the meeting. 3. I would like to briefly express my opinion on a more urgent matter.

4. According to all reports, it is very clear that the Japanese have taken control of the skies and seas of Northern Malaya.The few British forces stationed there have only one Australian division, so we have sent one squadron to Malaya and two squadrons to the Dutch East Indies.The army must have the support of the air force, otherwise it will repeat the mistakes of Greece and Crete, and Singapore will also be seriously threatened. 5. The fall of Singapore would mean the isolation of the Philippine Islands, the fall of the Dutch East Indies, and the attempted siege of all other bases.This will also inevitably cut off the traffic between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean in this area.

6. Such setbacks will have equally serious consequences for the United States and our interests. 7. The reinforcements which the United Kingdom has decided to send to Malaya are, in our opinion, wholly inadequate, especially in terms of aircraft, and even a small amount of reinforcement in terms of aircraft used in combat is of little use.In fact, the strength of resistance to the Japanese in Malaya would directly depend on the strength of resistance provided by the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States. 8. Our soldiers have fought bravely and will fight bravely in the future, but they must be fully supported by the concerns of the five oceans.We have three divisions in the Middle East.Our Air Force is fighting in the UK and the Middle East and is training in Canada.We have shipped vast quantities of supplies to the UK, the Middle East and India.Our resources here are indeed extremely limited.

9. You are fully capable of dealing with this situation.We are happy to be under the command of a U.S. Navy commander in the Pacific if the U.S. government wants to.The President has said that Australia will be an increasingly important base, but to make it one, Singapore must be reinforced. 10. Despite our difficulties, we are sending further reinforcements to Malaya. 11. I shall be glad if this matter is regarded as a matter of the utmost urgency. The report which Dr Ivart received from Mr Bowdoin, Commonwealth Commissioner in Singapore, has been forwarded to me.The news is serious, and it has been confirmed.

December 26, 1942 The report seen today indicates that the Air Force situation is deteriorating.Britain lost eight fighters yesterday, Japan only three or four. Kuala Lumpur and Ruitianhamang Port are now our forward landing sites for air force reconnaissance, but facing the superiority of Japanese aircraft, it is also very difficult to conduct air force reconnaissance. Most of our fighters have retreated towards Singapore to defend the island and base.However, the Air Force Commander stated that a naval convoy carrying urgently needed reinforcements, men and supplies was imminent, and in order to effectively escort them with fighter jets, he had to leave Singapore defenseless.

The report added: I must emphasize that the deterioration of the situation in the defense of Malaya has threatened to collapse the entire defense system.The boxed new fighter jets arrived on schedule, but the assembly took several weeks and there was a danger of being blown up, which could not save the situation.The long-awaited reinforcements will all be used to switch defenses with the tired troops at the front, but it won't change much.The current defense policy of the UK is to concentrate most of the fighter jets and anti-aircraft guns defending Malaya on Singapore Island to protect the naval base, leaving the vanguard including the Royal Australian Forces defending Malaya alone. up. The current measures to reinforce Malaya's defense are, in reality, nothing more than a show.In my opinion, the way to save Singapore is to immediately send a strong reinforcement by air from the Middle East, a large number of the latest fighter jets, with fully trained personnel.The reinforcements should not be brigades, but divisions, and they must arrive quickly in order to be dispatched.Anything that is not powerful, that is not modern, that is not immediately available will not help.As things stand, it seems to me that the fall of Singapore is only a matter of a few weeks.Thorough and effective action must be taken immediately if Singapore and the Royal Australian Forces in Malaya are to be rescued. The fact is so obvious that Singapore would have fallen were it not for immediate air assistance, I doubt that a visit by an Australian minister will have any effect at this time.Within hours, not days, a decision must be made and action must be taken. Dr. Evart added that, in his judgment, Bowden's summary correctly set the situation.If you don't follow his advice, the consequences will be disastrous. On December 27th Mr. Curtin published an autographed article in the Melbourne Herald which was used by our enemies to spread the word to the world.In his article he said: We reject the argument that fighting in the Pacific must be viewed as a subsidiary part of the general conflict.This is not to say that any other theater was less important than the Pacific, but Australia demanded a joint plan that would bring out the best of the democracies and firmly push back Japan. The Australian Government therefore believes that the battle in the Pacific is first and foremost a battle in which the United States and Australia must have the fullest say in the course of the war plans of democracies. Let me make it clear without hesitation that Australia looks to America and feels no compunction about our traditional relationship with the United Kingdom. We know the problems the United Kingdom is facing now.We know that the threat of intrusion is constant.We know the dangers of dispersed power.But we also know that Australia will collapse and Britain will survive. For this reason, we are determined not to let Australia collapse, and we must do our best to formulate a plan with the United States as the main pillar. This plan will give our country the confidence to persist until the war situation is not conducive to the enemy. All in all, Australia's foreign policy would be to enlist the assistance of Russia and to work out a strategic plan for the Pacific with the United States playing a major role, together with the armed forces of Britain, China and the Netherlands. This kind of argument has created an extremely bad impression among the upper class in the United States and in Canada.I'm sure these outpourings of anxiety, if understandable, do not represent the mood of Australians.Mr. W. M. Hughes (famously Billy Hughes), Prime Minister of Australia during the First World War and leader of the Unionist Party of Australia, immediately said: If Australia thinks that British support is not as important as other great allies It is tantamount to suicide, a policy that is both unreliable and dangerous.There has been a heated debate in Australia.I telegraphed Mr. Attlee from Washington, saying: I hope there will be no further disturbance in this matter, and in the meantime we will support them as best we can.I weighed painfully in my mind whether to make a radio address directly to the Australian people.At the same time, I fully accept the responsibility that falls on me.I hope you will try to put all questions aside until I return, so that I can meet any objections myself.If the Malay Peninsula is already isolated by Libya and Russia, I am the first to be responsible, but I will continue to do so.If there is a question in the parliament, I hope it can be explained that I specifically request to answer it in person after returning to China. It is very fortunate. Regarding the military situation, I immediately replied to Mr. Curtin: Prime Minister to Mr Curtin January 3, 1942 General Wavell's area of ​​command is limited to the combat zone where military operations are now taking place.It therefore does not include lines of communication between Australia, New Zealand and the US, or indeed any other ocean line of communication.This does not mean, of course, that important areas and lines of communication are not protected within the reach of our resources.In our view, the United States Navy should be responsible for protecting these lines of communication, including the islands off the coast of Australia or New Zealand.That's what we're asking for with all our might.Admiral King King has just been entrusted with command of the entire United States Navy, and he has not yet accepted our opinion.Obviously, if I cannot persuade the Americans to take up this part of the responsibility, we will have to do what we can; but I still hope that our opinion will be accepted, and if so, we or all your ships in that area, fighting there Of course, we must obey the command of the United States.No one has ever wanted to concentrate the main force of the Allied forces in the newly designated Southwest Pacific theater. I don't know where you got the news. I work here day and night to make the best arrangements possible for your benefit and your safety.At the same time, there are other theaters and other dangers to consider; our resources are limited and dangers must be met.Not so long ago, you insisted that Australian troops in the Middle East be equipped with the highest grade.Although the prospects are good there, the battle is not over yet.At a time when Japan's participation in the war was still uncertain, wouldn't it be a foolish thing to transfer planes and tanks to the Malay Peninsula, thereby detrimental to Auchinleck's operations?Thanks to Russia's victory and Auchinleck's success, the danger in the Caucasus region has eased, and it is possible to reinforce you in large numbers; and temporarily sacrifice the Middle East (you have been informed of this), not to mention that Malaya has now become a war zone. It is also appropriate. Mr. Curtin and I continued our exchange of views. Australian Prime Minister to Prime Minister January 11, 1941 The news that the Japanese could easily occupy all of Malaya except Johor, and the Commander-in-Chief felt that even now he would have to suffer certain dangers in order to carry out his plans for the defense of this limited area, was naturally disturbing to hear. According to reports, the 8th Australian Division was about to be ordered to fight a decisive battle.The Government has no doubts that the Division will be able to carry out its mission in the best traditions of the Royal Australian Forces.However, I implore you to do everything possible to reinforce Malaya, as much as possible, in accordance with my earlier suggestion and your own intentions.I am particularly concerned about the strength of the air force; if the Greek and Crete campaigns were repeated, there would be outrage.Arrangements must be made so that there is no possibility of it happening. You'll note that we agreed to move the 6th and 7th Australian Divisions, along with corps units, supplies and al Qaeda, from the Near East to the Dutch East Indies. I continued to reassure the Australian Government and explained in more detail our motivations for our policy of unity of command in the Southeast Asia theater.On the eve of my departure from Washington, I summed up our situation. Prime Minister to Prime Minister of Australia January 14, 1942 1. Once Japan gains control of the sea, and we have to fight to the death with Germany and Italy, I don't know who expects Malaya to be able to hold it.The only place that mattered was the Singapore Fort and its vital rear.My personal concern is lest we gain time by fighting a rearguard campaign along the peninsula, and exhaust the strength necessary for the long-term defense of Singapore.The forces available for this purpose were originally equal to four divisions, one of which was lost and the other was lost, gaining a month or six weeks.Some people may think that it would have been better if the transfer was made faster and the loss was less. 2. It is obviously our responsibility to fully support the decision of the Supreme Commander.From our distant post, we cannot decide whether it is better for Mersing to take some risks and fight on the northwest side of the peninsula, or let the whole army retreat to the fortress on the island now.Personally, I think Wavell is right, and that claim is supported by the Chiefs of Staff.I believe you will agree with most of this assertion. 3. I am absolutely confident that your troops will carry out their tasks with great vigor in the coming battle, and various measures are being taken to reinforce Singapore and its rear.Two convoys carrying the 4th Indian Brigade and its transports had arrived, and a vital convoy carrying the main brigade of the British 18th Division was due on the thirteenth.Naturally, I was concerned about these 4,500 soldiers passing through the Sunda Strait on a single warship.I still hope they arrive in time to share their posts with their Australian brethren.I am giving you all the details and dates of our arrival on this important battlefield as we have it.Wavell had good reason to hope for the possibility of a counterattack in the second half of February. 4. You must have noticed my proposal to transfer two Australian divisions from Palestine to a new theater of operations that is closely related to Australia.The only thing stopping them from moving is the ship problem.We must try our best to mobilize strength from our own country to switch defenses. 5. I do not accept any accusations about Crete and Greece.We are doing everything we can in our homeland to deal with the current crisis and aggression.We have eliminated all party differences and introduced universal compulsory military service not only for men but also for women.Two of our finest warships sent to support the war in the Far East have been sunk.We are organizing maximum further naval assistance from weakened forces.In the Libyan campaign, the British Empire is reported to have lost 1,200 officers and 16,000 soldiers as of January 7. With such a small force it is possible to maintain an advanced position in the desert. .The battle near Aguila is on the verge of breaking out.We have successfully lifted the siege after the entire army that you valiantly held Tobruk for so long was withdrawn by ours.So I hope you will be considerate in your judgments about those who care about the lives and property of Australians. At least these are the good news: Prime Minister to Mr Curtin January 14, 1942 The all-important convoy, including the American transport ship Mount Vernon, contained fifty Tornados, an anti-tank regiment, fifty guns; a heavy anti-aircraft regiment, fifty guns; a light anti-aircraft regiment , fifty cannons; and the 54th British Infantry Brigade, a total of about 9,000 people, arrived in Singapore on time yesterday. Mr. Fraser also expressed his concerns, and I reply as follows: Prime Minister to Prime Minister of New Zealand January 17, 1942 1. As always, I welcome your frank expression of opinion and your impartial reasoning attitude when presenting your opinion to me.On the whole, I am very sympathetic to these opinions. 2. The New Zealand government and people have always adopted a helpful and realistic attitude towards this war; this war started in a limited area of ​​Europe, gradually expanded to almost the whole world, and has now reached the gates of New Zealand. 3. If you think that we have not cared for your needs in the past, though we never have, I can assure you that the great distance between London and Wellington will never make us indifferent to you, or leave you in danger Moments without comfort. 4. I think you will forgive me if, within the time at my disposal, I cannot study every argument of yours in detail.Since the call, you will know from the replies you have received now about the Army and Air Support we and the United States are sending.I hope the creation of the new Anzac Naval Theater is to your liking. Moreover, the United States is planning to dispatch a large number of troops and air forces to the Far East as soon as possible. 5. However, don't expect me to make a promise of support, which cannot be fulfilled; and don't expect me to promise to save the situation in the Far East as soon as possible. This situation will improve in the future, but it will take a long time. 6. I appreciate that you (reproach us) have been fooled in the past by showing too much complacency in military views, and not taking into account the possible dangers in the whole of the Pacific and in New Zealand.But who could have predicted that the U.S. Navy fleet would be severely hit from the start on December 7, not to mention the consequences of this blow and the consequent loss of our two fine warships? The events of this war have always been unpredictable, and they are not entirely unfavorable to us.I don't know if the German General Staff is always right.That said, the Battle of Britain, the Battle of the Atlantic, and Russian resistance must have shaken Hitler's confidence in the accuracy of his military estimates. Presently Mr. Curtin answered my telegram of the 14th. Australian Prime Minister to Prime Minister January 18, 1942 1. I do not understand how you can read from my telegram the opinion that we expect the whole of Malaya to be defended without naval superiority. 2. On the contrary, if you look up the Australian government's telegram reporting the first Singapore meeting on December 1, 1941, you can see the following telegram, which is unfortunately accurate: The general conclusion reached by the delegation was that, in the absence of a major fleet in the Far East, the current strength and equipment available to defend Malaya in this region were completely insufficient to deal with the large-scale invasion of the Japanese army. 3. The Chiefs of Staff of the United Kingdom have deployed the following troops: (1) Army considered necessary for the defense of Malaya. (2) Supply all equipment for the troops in item (1). (3) Air forces necessary to ensure a considerable degree of security for Malaya. 4. For this area, we have contributed what we can in terms of land forces, air forces, and materials, and have always called for the strengthening of all defenses. However, there is now a certain kind of complacency. According to the Japanese army's rapid progress, this is not right.That is why I said in my telegram (December 5) that the situation was dire. 6. As far back as 1937, the Australian Commonwealth Government was assured that the United Kingdom aimed to make Singapore an impregnable fortress.When the Imperial Defense Committee inspected the defense of Singapore in 1933, the (Australian) High Commissioner pointed out the serious consequences of the loss of Singapore or the loss of the capital fleet.In the final analysis, he claimed, Australia's entire domestic defense system is based on the presence of Singapore's complete and main fleet.He added that if this was not with considerable certainty, Australia, given the unreliability of its naval defenses against intrusion, would have to plan a far stronger army and air force to withstand such dangers.I bring it up again only to really clarify what we believe to be the concept of empire and local defense.The resources at our disposal were relatively small for our mission in the Pacific, and this has influenced our decisions to cooperate in other theaters. 7. My opinion on Crete and Greece does not mean that I blame you, nor do I judge anyone, but it cannot be denied that the scope of air support has not been as promised. The people of Australia are frank about the situation because I think it's better for them to see the facts and not think that everything is going to be all right and then end up disillusioned by the facts. 8. No one feels so much admiration for the extraordinary endeavors of the people of the United Kingdom than their Australian relatives.But we don't make any excuses for our efforts, or even for the things you think we haven't done.As you know, each part of the empire is in a different situation, has different resources, and each has its own unique problems. It is my duty to fully appreciate the distress experienced by the Australian Government and the dangers besetting them, but I cannot fail to mention the neglect of defense and the strong support for a policy of appeasement by the Australian political parties, especially the Labor Party, before the war. Since this telegram summarizes the position I can take, it should be included here. Prime Minister to Mr Curtin January 19, 1942 1. Thank you for your candid statement of opinion.I take no responsibility for the negligence of defense and the policy of appeasement that preceded the outbreak of the war.I was in the field for eleven years, and during the first six years of the war I gave constant warnings.On the other hand, since becoming Prime Minister in May 1940, I have assumed full responsibility for the prioritization and general distribution of resources.Since that day, the island has flowed eastward to receive reinforcements and aircraft, exerting our maximum transportation capacity and utilizing all possible methods of transporting aircraft and tanks.I think the theater of the Middle East is more urgent than the newly created theaters of the United States, Britain, Holland, and Australia.We must also keep our arms deliveries to Russia.No one can predict the actions of Japan, but I know for sure that if Japan attacks us and you, the United States will enter the war, and Australia's safety and final victory are guaranteed. 2. It must be remembered that only three months ago, in the Middle East, where the Royal Australian Forces were stationed, we faced the threat of Rommel's sweeping Caucasus, Persia, Syria, Iraq from the west and the north.In such a dilemma, various military theories point to one aspect on which efforts must be concentrated on destroying the invading army.I think it would be best to get rid of Rommel while forming the strongest Caspian front on the east coast of the Mediterranean with our capabilities.This front is far beyond what our resources can supply.Later two-thirds of Rommel's forces were wiped out, and Cyrenaica was wiped out, but this was only a fluke.To be honest, when Auchinleck succeeded Cunningham, the outcome was not yet decided. 3. Although I cannot guarantee the complete annihilation of Rommel's troops, we have at least achieved real success, which has saved us from a serious danger and liberated important forces.Meanwhile, the astonishing and unexpected resistance of Russia has given us considerable respite, perhaps better on the Caspian front on the eastern Mediterranean coast. In this way we shall be able to take the 17th Indian Division and soon several other Indian infantry divisions formerly assigned to the Caspian front on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, together with the British 18th Division and the 7th and 8th Australian Divisions, and Strong aircraft and some armored units were transferred from the Middle East to the Far East theater.We are moving quickly.You can imagine how miserable our situation would be if we were defeated by Rommel, if the Caucasus, the Baku oil wells, and Persia were all ravaged.I definitely think it would be a mistake to send to the Malay Peninsula the forces needed to defeat Rommel while Japan was at peace.Be safe everywhere, but not be strong everywhere. 4. We should be thankful, firstly because of Russia's victory, secondly because of our great success in resisting Rommel, and thirdly because the United States was attacked by Japan at the same time as us.The terrible dangers we have had to run, and will have to do in the future, rest on the shoulders of all those in and out of office who did not recognize the Nazi threat and destroy it in its weakness. 5. 1941 | At the turn of 1942, we and the United States suffered a series of major naval disasters that no one could have foreseen.Within an hour, the U.S. naval superiority in the Pacific was suddenly and temporarily broken.Another hour later, the Prince of Wales and the Enemy were sunk.In this way, Japan temporarily gained control of the Pacific Ocean, and there is no doubt that we will suffer further painful punishments in the Far East.In the new crisis affecting you, I shall authorize the dispatch of three Mediterranean frigates, together with four Royal-class battleships and the newly repaired HMS Wospite, to form a new fleet in the Indian Ocean for your protection, which may will have the greatest effect. 6. I have informed you of the sinking of the Barham.Now again I must inform you that both the Queen Elizabeth and the Valiant have been underwater destroyed by manned torpedoes which have rendered one out of action for three months and the other for six months.The enemy doesn't know the details about the three warships mentioned above. Of course you understand that we don't need to enlighten them. I can't help but ask you to keep this latest absolute secret. 7. However, this bad situation will pass.By May, the United States will have a superior fleet in Hawaii.We have encouraged them, at our own expense, to take their two new ships out of the Atlantic if they need them.We are taking two, maybe three, of our four new aircraft carriers to the Indian Ocean.The Wospite is about to get there, and the Valiant will follow.In this way, as long as there are no more misfortunes, the balance of naval power in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean will definitely be beneficial to us, and all overseas military operations of the Japanese army will lose their current self-confidence.Meanwhile, we are trying to strengthen our air power in the Mediterranean to address the lack of a battleship, and the imminent arrival of the Anson (our newest battleship) and the completion of the Duke of York will enable us to deal with the U.S. A situation in which strength is greatly reduced in the Atlantic by reinforcements in the Pacific. 8. We must not be discouraged, and we must not blame each other, but should unite with one heart and one morality.Never doubt my loyalty to Australia and New Zealand.I can give no guarantees for the future. I believe that severe tests lie ahead of us, but I have never been so optimistic that we will emerge safely and honorably from the dark abyss. Reply received as follows: Australian Prime Minister to Prime Minister January 22, 1942 1. Thank you for your detailed reply, and I would like to repay your kindness with concerted efforts. 2. As you had anticipated with European events, we felt we had a much clearer view of the Pacific than we realized in London. 3. Facts have unfortunately confirmed our view of Malaya. Gordon Bennett's report on the seriousness of the situation disturbs me very much. 4. Your long-term program is exciting, but the urgent need is in the near future.The Japanese are about to receive a massive counterattack and, at the same time, may deal a fatal blow to our ability to expel them from the occupied territories. The claim of the Australians that they knew and foresaw the danger from Japan in the Far East better than I did in London can only be judged in relation to the war as a whole.It is their duty to devote their attention to the study of their own situation.We have to think about everyone. For the full and lasting cooperation of the governments of Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands in all operations of the war against Japan, we propose the establishment of a body in London. I reported it in its final form to the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand. January 19, 1942 (Should) set up a Far East Committee at ministerial level.I will be Chairman, the other members will be Duff Cooper, the Lord Seal (who is my representative on the Defense Council), and representatives from Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.The Australian member is assumed to be Earl Page, the New Zealand representative may initially be the High Commissioner, and there will be a Dutch cabinet minister.The committee will consult with members of the United Kingdom Joint Planning Commission, assisted by a staff group of Dominion Liaison Officers.The duty of the meeting is to summarize the opinions of the representative countries and submit a report to the chairman, and bring the chairman's opinions to the committee.This certainly does not prevent Earl Page from attending cabinet meetings when it comes to Australian affairs, as he is doing now.Do you agree? I'm also talking to Fraser and the Dutch government. On February 10, the Pacific Warfare Committee held its first meeting.I was the chairman, and there were the Keeper of the Seal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands (Dr.佩奇爵士（代表澳大利亞）、W‧J‧喬丹先生（代表新西蘭）、艾默里先生（代表印度和緬甸）和三軍參謀長。在後來舉行的會議中，中國也有代表出席。會議的主要任務是審查太平洋全區對日戰爭所執行的廣泛的基本政策。 華盛頓方面在羅斯福總統的領導下也成立了一個太平洋作戰委員會，這兩個委員會保持著密切的聯繫。在倫敦的最後一次會議是在一九四三年八月召開的。戰爭繼續由原來的機構指揮，但是太平洋作戰委員會的會議能使沒有代表參加常設機構的國家得就戰爭如何進行發表意見。 這一切不久即被一些災難性的事件打亂了。