Defense Files

The Secretary of the British Chiefs of Staff (Hollis) to the Secretary, War Department General Staff (Smith)1
secret

I am instructed by the British Chiefs of Staff to say that to ensure positive action, it seems to the British Chiefs of Staff that until unity of command in the ABDA Area is operating, it is important that General Brett should act for General Wavell as regards the distribution of United States Air Forces in that area.

2.
The British Chiefs of Staff are particularly anxious that there should be no delay whatever in sending aircraft to support the Philippines, to protect the Sunda Strait or to reinforce Malaya as may be expedient. Time presses and every day the risks to movement may become greater.
3.
The British Chiefs of Staff would be very grateful if they could be informed of any action which General Brett finds it possible to take.
4.
I am instructed to request that the above communication may be made to the United States Chiefs of Staff.
L. C. Hollis

Brigadier, Secretary, British Chiefs of Staff Committee
  1. The memorandum, addressed to “The Secretariat, U.S. Chiefs of Staff”, was presumably delivered to the office of the Secretary, War Department General Staff. The source text is a copy with typewritten signature.