Your P.45. [1]

After most anxious consideration Government has decided that it
cannot agree to the proposal that 7th A.I.F. Division should be
diverted to Burma. [2]

2. A.I.F. Divisions were to be sent to the vital Netherlands East
Indies sector, to help stop the southern thrust of the enemy. it
has apparently been decided by Wavell [3] that this sector is not
to be reinforced further. To carry out the same objective the
destination to which they should now proceed is obviously
Australia, which is in imminent danger of attack, which is an
essential allied base and which is the nearest area of
concentration south of Netherlands East Indies.

3. Cable just received from Lavarack [4] regarding Wavell's
suggestion of diversion to Burma finishes as follows:-

'Not personally in position to judge Australian home defence
position owing considerable absence. If this reasonably
satisfactory believe Australia's best interests served by course
suggested. This despite natural desire Australian Corps assist
direct defence own homeland if considered necessary.'
Position is that mainly owing our efforts overseas, home defence
position is, in opinion of our Chiefs of General Staff, not
satisfactory. Therefore we cannot approve of the proposed
diversion.

CURTIN