MANILA], 20 May 1945

TOP SECRET

Reference your CAB.210. [1]

The Borneo Campaign in all its phases has been ordered by the
Joint Chiefs of Staff who are charged by the Combined Chiefs of
Staff with the responsibility for strategy in the Pacific. I am
responsible for execution of their directives employing such
troops as have been made available to me by the Governments
participating in the Allied Agreement. Pursuant to the directive
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and under authority vested in me as
Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area, I have ordered the 7th
Division to proceed to a forward concentration area and, on a
specific date, to execute one phase of the Borneo Campaign.

Australian authorities have been kept fully advised of my
operational plans. The concentration is in progress and it is not
now possible to substitute another Division and execute the
operation as scheduled. The attack will be made as projected
unless the Australian Government withdraws the 7th Division from
assignment to the Southwest Pacific Area. I am loath to believe
that your Government contemplates such action at this time when
the preliminary phases of the operation have been initiated and
when withdrawal would disorganize completely not only the
immediate campaign but also the strategic plan of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff. If the Australian Government, however, does contemplate
action along this line, I request that I be informed immediately
in order that I may be able to make the necessary representations
to Washington and London. With reference to General Blarney's
fears regarding additional garrison commitments, I have been
informed that the Australian Government has agreed to undertake to
equip and train a number of Dutch Battalions. I had anticipated
that those elements when available would garrison Dutch Territory.

There are no specific plans so far as I know for employment of
Australian troops after the Borneo Campaign. The subject of
operations in the Pacific is now under intense consideration in
Washington and London. I do not know whether Australian troops are
contemplated for use to the north. Consideration is being given by
the Combined Chiefs of Staff to a proposal to turn over to Great
Britain full responsibility for that part of the Southwest Pacific
Area which lies south of the Philippines. In that event
undoubtedly all Australian formations would come under British
Command for ensuing operations to the south. Your manpower
problems are appreciated in this.