AUSTRALIAN CO-OPERATION IN THE WAR: DESPATCH OF FORCES OVERSEAS

In the attached cablegrams dated 5th and 6th November [1], the
Minister for Supply and Development [2] raises the question of the
despatch of Australian forces overseas.

2. The matter has been considered by the Defence Committee [3],
who recommend-
(a) that the 6th Division be sent overseas to complete its
training in Egypt or Palestine, as proposed by the United Kingdom
Chiefs of Staff;

(b) that a second division be despatched overseas as soon as it
can be raised and organized to complete an Australian Corps of two
divisions;

(c) that Headquarters and two brigade groups should, subject to
shipping being available, be embarked during the first half of
December, 1939, and the remainder by the middle of January, 1940;

(d) that, as regards Air Force, the personnel of one Army
Cooperation Squadron be sent overseas with the 6th Division, its
equipment being provided by the United Kingdom Government on
arrival overseas, and that a high priority should be given to the
training in Australia of personnel for a second Army Cooperation
Squadron.

3. The Committee stress the need for an early decision in order
that the necessary arrangements might be made in regard to
shipping.

4. The matter is submitted for consideration by the War Cabinet.

[4]

G.A. STREET