22 March 1944

SECRET

The operational implications of Mr. Churchill's proposal contained
in your letter of March 16th [1] have been carefully considered. I
feel that existing agencies, the Southwest Pacific Area or the
Australian Chiefs of Staff, can furnish any data that may be
desired by the British Chiefs of Staff and that therefore the
proposed visit of parties of administrative experts seems a waste
of time and energy. Pending detailed studies with regard to any
specific proposal, I feel that it may be stated that ample base
facilities can be provided for any force that might be sent to
this area. I suggest that if you deem it feasible in this
connection, it might be stated that the existing organisation in
the Southwest Pacific Area is capable of employing any forces that
may be supplied and that such forces, if made available, should
fit into the existing structure and should not contemplate the
organisation of separate and distinct elements.

DOUGLAS MACARTHUR