Despatches received today from General Blamey [1] regarding Lustre
Force [2] include copy of letter addressed to you dated 5th March.

[3] It is assumed that aspects regarding command of Force outlined
therein were discussed by you with the United Kingdom authorities.

Am particularly concerned with Blamey's statement that Dominion
Commanders excluded from all responsibility for control planning
and policy. We are also naturally concerned with the statement
regarding piecemeal despatch to Europe.

In subsequent despatch [4] Blamey states that he was informed that
in regard to reinforcements one further armoured division might be
looked for at an unknown date but beyond that there were no plans
for reinforcing formations owing to the fact that shipping could
not be made available. In these circumstances it is desired to
again refer to paragraph 1 of my cablegram 82 of the 26th February
[5] and the reply furnished by you thereto in your 165 of the 1st
March. [6]

In the light of Blamey's despatch, the information in regard to
reinforcements contained in your 165 of 1st March is rather
indefinite and it is presumed that by this time the United Kingdom
authorities may be in a position to give more definite information
as to plans for augmentation of Lustre Force, advice of which
would be appreciated. In this connection it is understood from
Blamey that in December last the Commander-in-Chief [7] advised
that it was the intention to send fourteen divisions to the Middle
East which were expected to arrive there at the rate of one
division per month from February onwards. It is suggested that you
might investigate this and advise us of the reason for any changed
plans.

Blamey feels that sufficient weight has not been given to the fact
that whatever we do it is unlikely we can prevent German air
superiority in regions favourably situated for the enemy in view
of the relative distances. This aspect is dealt with rather fully
in Dominions Office cablegram No. 165 of 14th March [8] but
nevertheless General Blamey's views will be of interest to you.

In your M.13 of the 8th March [9] you informed us that Blamey had
expressed his agreement to the proposal but in his despatch of the
12th March [10], Blamey states that his views were not asked for
by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff [11] or the Commander-
in-Chief, and he felt that he was receiving instructions. In
consequence, his cablegram of the 10th March [12] was sent to the
Minister for the Army [13] in Australia and yourself in London.

Blamey advises that although the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief
of the Imperial General Staff then held very firmly that the
operation should be put in hand, he regrets that he still felt
very strongly that without a definite plan for building up the
forces adequately within the next few months, the operation was
most hazardous.

My colleagues and I feel resentment that while some discussion
appears to have taken place with the High Command, Blamey's views
as General-Officer-Commanding of the force which apparently is to
take the major part in the operations should not have been sought
and that he was not asked to express any opinion. This not only
deeply affects the question of Empire relationship but also places
us in embarrassing situation with the Advisory War Council and
with Parliament, particularly as I have there stressed the fact as
stated in your cable that General Blamey had agreed to the
operation.

It will be clear from [my] cablegram No. 173 of even date [14]
that we have no wish to retract from the step which we have taken
in agreeing to our troops taking part in these operations, but the
latter cablegram read in conjunction with this message will
indicate to you the local considerations involved.

In view of terms of Blamey's appointment agreed upon by United
Kingdom Government which provides he shall have direct
responsibility with Commonwealth Government with right to
communicate direct to us, he has been asked to furnish complete
appreciation of Lustre position generally and as affecting
Australian troops particularly. Understand Blamey arrived Athens
20th March.

Advice of your reactions to this cable would be appreciated
together with information as to the extent of the enemy forces
that are likely to be utilised in view of present position in
Balkans.

FADDEN