Reference statement in your cablegram of 5th November [1] that we
should send a second Division as soon as we can to make an
Australian Corps, and Northcott's observations in his cablegram of
6th November [2] that you consider plans should be based on
providing Corps of two Divisions at the earliest, Cabinet wish it
to be understood definitely that Commonwealth cannot at this stage
accept any additional commitment. You should make this quite clear
before your departure from London.

You will be aware that reinforcements for twelve months will be
equivalent to another Division, that our quota of Empire Air
Scheme is 26,000 personnel, that Militia Forces are to be
maintained at strength of 75,000 for Home Defence and that
munitions production will make considerable demands on man power.

Man power and local defence position will be kept constantly under
review in light of international situation.

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