Your telegram 76 of 31st January. [1] We appreciate arrangements
to inform us of progress of conversations. We have not yet been
advised of United Kingdom Delegation's instructions. Considerable
importance is attached to early receipt of progress reports,
especially in view of conversations between United Kingdom,
Australian, New Zealand and Netherlands East Indies
representatives which are to commence at Singapore on 22nd
February. We shall be glad if you will arrange for transmission of
reports as soon as received. Every precaution will be taken to
ensure utmost secrecy.

2. Following information is furnished in regard to matters
referred to in your telegram:

(1) Brigade Group together with necessary ancillary troops
totalling 5875 departing approximately 3rd February, due Singapore
17th February under command of Major-General Bennett, G.O.C., 8th
Division.

(2) Ninety Beauforts planned for delivery to R.A.F. between March
1941 and end of 1941. Understand Air Ministry propose to allot
these aircraft to Singapore.

3. In regard to the discussions we lay great importance on the
bases to the north and east of Australia, i.e., Suva, Port
Moresby, Darwin, and possibly New Caledonia and New Hebrides and
their defence. We consider this line to be the most favourable one
for U.S. naval reinforcements to the Singapore area. Initial
Japanese action might be to attempt to occupy such bases, and if
successful would, it is considered, make the passage of U.S. naval
forces extremely hazardous. It is of the utmost importance that
naval, military and air steps should be taken to deny such action
to the Japanese, and we would be grateful for any expression of
views by the United Kingdom or U.S.A. Delegations which might be
sounded out. This matter is of particular importance in view of
the forthcoming discussions at Singapore. It is desired that
Burrell [2] raise these points and submit the earliest possible
advice.