For immediate repetition to Mr. Churchill. [1]

With reference to my cablegram No. 190 of 24th July and your 188
in reply [2], and to previous messages which passed between us on
this subject [3], the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Fadden)
referred in a public address on 12th August to discussions which
took place at a meeting of the Advisory War Council in September,
1941 [4], following the receipt of your cablegram No. 608 of 31st
August 1941 [5], regarding the proposal to place a force of
capital ships in the triangle Aden-Singapore-Simonstown before the
end of 1941.

2. Mr. Fadden is reported to have said that, in September 1941, I
had stated that, in view of the advice received from the Dominions
Office, consideration might be given to a reduction in the number
of military forces called up for duty and a reduction in the
period of training which others were required to undergo. Mr.

Fadden went on to say that, if I denied the recommendation about
the militia, he would prove it.

3. I feel obliged to make a statement in reply to Mr. Fadden and
it will be necessary for me briefly to refer to one passage of
cablegram No. 608. I personally very much regret that I have been
forced into this step by the breach by Mr. Fadden of the
understanding we had reached in deference to your request.

4. I propose, unless you prefer that no statement be made, to
issue the following to the press but will not release it until I
have heard from you. The statement which I propose to make is
contained in my immediately following telegram. [6]