1. The Government has no hesitation in agreeing to the use of the
7th Australian Division as planned by you.

2. As previously advised, it is not intended to take any steps to
reduce the present approved operational strength of the Australian
Army until after the completion of the next phase of operations.

3. It necessarily sought your observations, as Commander-in-Chief
of the Southwest Pacific Area, on the submission of the Commander-
in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces. It fully accepts your
views which agree with the Government's conception of its
commitments and by which it absolutely intends to abide.