206 Department of External Affairs to Mr V. G. Bowden, Official Representative in Singapore

Your 62. [1] Desire you report in detail discussions of Council and report of hostilities. It is quite possible that in some respects the views of the United Kingdom representatives will differ from our own, both in relation to supplies and distribution of forces. This Government is far from satisfied with the results of the policy of subordinating requirements of this theatre of war. Brook-Popham [2] gave us assurance that all was well with Malayan defences and there is anxiety here as to position. Will give specific instructions on matters discussed as you report them.