Following for Squires [1] from Northcott [2]:

'General strategic situation as submitted to the conference by the
Chiefs-of-Staff Outlined in official message from the Minister.

[3]

For your information following are the main features concerning
the Army:-

1. Numerical superiority of Germans on the Western Front may be
approximately 2 to 1 against the Allies. Imperative that maximum
effort should be made by Great Britain to ensure security of this
area. A defeat of France would be a disaster of the first
magnitude. Critical period estimated to be next Spring.

2. Middle East and India regarded as possible danger areas if
Russian aggression and propaganda develops. Essential to build up
a reserve in the Middle East to meet possible contingencies.

3. In the Far East considered immediate danger to Australia and
New Zealand is remote, and if Japan developed aggressive policy it
seems most likely to be directed against Allied interests in
China.

4. Situation demands maximum possible co-ordinative war effort
from all parts of the British Empire. Military productive
programme based on 50 Divisions plus 10% reserve. Dominions'
Divisions will be allotted equipment as they become available
overseas.

5. Moral factor of Australian troops sent overseas at earliest
date considered most important; also most effective counter to
enemy propaganda regarding half-hearted Dominions co-operation.

Egypt or Palestine suitable for training Sixth Division-whose
arrival would enable War Office to relieve regular Divisions for
France.

6. Minister agrees that our plans should be based on providing a
Corps of 2 Divisions at the earliest.

7. In order to complete plans, War Office desire to know the
earliest date Sixth Division could embark for Middle East, if
shipping can be arranged. Owing to anticipated acute shipping
position from January onwards, suggest that Headquarters land the
two Brigade Groups should embark early in December, remainder
beginning of January. If this is not possible, at least small
portion of the Force should be sent early in December.

8. As large proportion of equipment as possible, including
artillery and M.T. most desirable. New weapons, including Brens,
A.T. guns and 2" mortars etc. for training will be provided on
arrival in training area and full outfit completed before movement
to the war theatre.

Provision of Medium Brigade or Batteries 6" Howitzers very
acceptable.

Whilst essential to maintain home defence Organisation, consider
we should be prepared to accept lower scale equipment for militia
temporarily to provide as much as possible for the six Divisions'
[sic] [4] requirements overseas.

In order to complete detailed plans, glad of early reply.

Leave for France with Minister on Thursday.'

CASEY