In September last, as part of the Air plan for the reinforcement
of Singapore, two medium bomber squadrons were sent from India to
Singapore.

Since then the situation has changed materially in that the risk
of war with Japan has considerably receded while that of war with
Russia has increased, with resulting implications on the situation
in India and the Middle East.

We propose therefore to arrange in the course of the next few days
to recall the two Blenheim squadrons from Singapore to India where
they would be more suitably placed either to reinforce Iraq or
Egypt or to act as a counter to Russian air action against
Northern India. They could, of course, if the situation at
Singapore suddenly deteriorated, rapidly be sent back there if the
balance of risk so required.

We do not wish to give the impression that there can be a general
relaxation of our precautionary methods in the Far East. The
withdrawal of these squadrons throws an additional responsibility
on the remainder of the garrison at Singapore and a communication
is about to be addressed to the Governor of the Straits
Settlements [1] urging him to take such methods as may be
practicable, without thereby causing dislocation of vital tin and
rubber industries, to extend the training of volunteer units. It
is hoped by this means that it may be possible to correct any
false impression which would otherwise be caused by the movement
of these squadrons. We feel that you would wish to have this
advance information in view of your special interest in the
defences of Singapore. [2]