Please see cablegram No. 187 to Dominions Office regarding
AngloDutch-Australian Conversations at Singapore. [1]

2. In expressing the views indicated in paragraph 7 of the
cablegram, War Cabinet were influenced by the opinion contained in
your telegram M.20 of 12th March [2] that it was far better to
face the facts by preparing a definite plan of naval reinforcement
east of Suez on a progressive basis according to the probable
outcome of events in the Mediterranean.

3. With regard to paragraph 8 of the cablegram War Cabinet agreed
that if it be decided that the R.A.N. light surface vessels should
in the event of war with Japan remain in the Mediterranean and Red
Sea area the United Kingdom might be asked to consider the
possibility of making available in lieu naval assistance other
than light surface vessels for the defence of sea communications
in Australian and New Zealand waters.

4. We are greatly concerned at the failure of the Conference to
produce a coordinated Naval plan for the Far East and we have
asked United Kingdom Government to take steps as soon as possible
to convene a conference so that the plan may be completed without
further delay.

We consider that the Conference should be held at Singapore and we
will telegraph Dominions Office our views as to its scope and
points for discussion in a few days.

It would, of course, greatly assist the deliberations of the
Conference if the plan for reinforcement east of Suez were made
available to it and we would be glad if you would approach
Admiralty with a view to this being done.

5. Would appreciate if you would take up other points mentioned in
cablegram and advise.

FADDEN