Your telegram S.W.13. [1]

I saw President [2] immediately. After reading message he said
'that is common sense and should be done at once. It does not
prejudice any larger plan that may be agreed upon.' President
asked me to see U.S. Chiefs of Staff about the matter. I saw
Admiral King [3] who said the matter was outside his authority.

General Marshall (Chief of the Staff U.S. Army) and General Arnold
(U.S. Army Air Corps) are away. I saw their deputies and as a
result telegram is being sent to Brett [4] from U.S. War
Department to the effect that under instructions he has already
received it is felt he has all the necessary authority to co-
operate and to co-ordinate with Australian authorities in respect
of all matters mentioned in your telegram S.W. 13 and that he
(Brett) is authorised to make such dispositions and to collaborate
with Australian authorities in any way thought necessary on the
spot.

General Brett may care to know privately that General Harmon
(Deputy Chief of U.S. Army Air Staff) after discussion with United
States Army General Staff said to me:

'Brett now has full authority to do everything that is mentioned
in Australian Prime Minister's message to President. [5] They can
now get together and go ahead and work it out locally. Whatever
Brett does in conjunction with Australia and other air authorities
will not be criticised from this end.'

CASEY