Your No. 153 [1] was considered by War Cabinet this afternoon.

After full discussion, and after giving full weight to the points
made by you in its favour, it was decided to concur in the
proposed use of two Australian divisions in the Forces initially
contemplated. In arriving at this decision, which we have given
despite the risky nature of the adventure, we have been impressed
with the necessity for an immediate decision. Had more time been
available we would have sought your further advice on the
following aspects, but still desire that they be given the fullest
possible consideration, both before and after the despatch of the
proposed force to its destination.

(1) We have confidence in the advice tendered as to the size of
the force required but it appears to us to be relatively small for
the task proposed, and would appreciate a further assurance on
this point. Would it not be possible to provide additional numbers
and also to augment them from time to time as equipment becomes
available.

(2) We note your comment regarding the issue of adequate modern
equipment, but nevertheless stress the necessity for ensuring that
under no circumstances are our troops allotted this task unless
equipped on the maximum establishment scale.

(3) You refer in your cablegram to possible evacuation. We hope
that this will not be forced upon our troops but our consent to
their participation must be regarded as conditional on plans
having been completed beforehand to ensure that evacuation, if
necessitated, will be successfully undertaken, and that shipping
and other essential services will be available for this purpose,
if required.

Regarding publicity, we are making no reference at present either
to movements of our own or other Imperial troops and have issued a
censorship ban to that effect. In view of the extreme interest
that will be caused by this move throughout the world, we ask that
you will ensure reciprocal action by the authorities in the United
Kingdom and that you will also ensure that at the first available
opportunity we are enabled to publish the news in Australia
simultaneously, if not before, its publication elsewhere. From
your own experience in past releases you will fully understand the
position. Would you let me have details of arrangements for
publication at the earliest possible moment. In meantime
information is being treated as MOST SECRET.

We also received from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs
telegram No. 109 on this subject. [2] I do not propose to send any
reply to the Secretary of State, assuming that you will
communicate our views to His Majesty's Government in the United
Kingdom.