J.C.S. Files

Memorandum by the United States Chiefs of Staff 1

top secret
C.C.S. 452/25

British Participation in the War Against Japan

Reference: C.C.S. 452/182

The United States Chiefs of Staff accept the British proposal in C.C.S. 452/18 for the formation of a British Empire task force under a British commander, consisting of British, Australian, and New Zealand land, sea and air forces to operate in the Southwest Pacific Theater under General MacArthur’s supreme command. It is noted that this will enable the British Fleet to be well placed to reenforce the U.S. Pacific Fleet if this should later be desired.

  1. For the discussion of the subject of this paper by the Combined Chiefs of Staff at their 174th Meeting, September 14, 1944, see post, p. 331.
  2. Ante, p. 244.