Your telegrams 740 and 741 of 6th November [2] and previous
telegrams.

Commonwealth Government considers it of the utmost importance that
every possible assistance should be given to China. The collapse
of Chinese resistance would have serious consequences as Japan
would be a much more formidable opponent with China totally
defeated. We should not allow Japan the opportunity of so ordering
the course of events as to enable her to pursue her policy of
aggression in circumstances most favourable to herself. Whilst we
feel that American co-operation is most desirable our own action
should not be delayed merely on account of any American hesitancy
to take action. [3]

2. We are in agreement with proposal of Commander-in-Chief, Far
East, to form a Buffalo Squadron for China with volunteer
personnel and give permission for Australian personnel to
volunteer for this duty, the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, to
determine the limit to be placed on numbers of personnel and the
consequent reduction in air strength in Malaya which would be
entailed. Glad to have information in due course as to
arrangements and conditions under which volunteers will serve.

CURTIN