For Prime Minister. [1]

At first meeting of War Cabinet of my Government observations in
cablegrams Nos. 608 of 31st August [2] and 684 of 12th October [3]
relative to the intention to despatch a squadron of capital ships
and a battle cruiser were noted during general review of war
position and Australia's effort in relation thereto.

These advices were noted with great satisfaction and my Government
fully supports the reasons put forward by the preceding Government
in cablegram No. 582 of 4th September [4], regarding the
importance of such dispositions for the defence of empire
interests in the Eastern Hemisphere, for the maintenance of
communications to the Middle East and for sustaining generally the
war efforts of the Dominions in Pacific and their overseas forces
in particular.

It is, therefore, strongly urged that the re-disposition be made
as early as possible and it is hoped that your reference to the
inclusion of first class units among the capital ships indicates
an intention to despatch a modern capital ship in view of its
deterrent effect on Japanese and the decisive influence it might
have in maintaining command of the sea in the Indian and Pacific
Oceans. [5]