Your telegram 23rd February, 139. [1] Following for Prime Minister
from Prime Minister. [2] Begins:

1. Your convoy is now proceeding to re-fuel at Colombo. It will
then proceed to Australia in accordance with your wishes.

2. My decision to move it northward during the few hours required
to receive your final answer was necessary because otherwise your
help, if given, might not have arrived in time.

3. As Soon as the convoy was turned north, arrangements were made
to increase its escort and this increased escort will be
maintained during its voyage to Colombo and on leaving Colombo
again for as long as practicable.

4. Of course, I take full responsibility for my action.