In my telegram No. 208 of 8th May [1] it was suggested we would be
glad of more information of the strength and disposition of our
own and enemy forces. The effect of recent events on this
suggestion is fully realised but War Cabinet would appreciate the
earliest possible advice of the information sought together with
the rate of output of material side of United Kingdom's war
effort, with special reference to aircraft and the assistance that
may be forthcoming from other quarters.

No doubt particular attention is being given in the review to the
situation in relation to the Mediterranean and the Near East and
the bearing it will have on the theatre of employment of the
A.I.F. My cable 256 of 3rd June [2] bears on this and shows our
ignorance of factors affecting the despatch and maintenance of
A.I.F. As previously mentioned, we stress the importance of
reconstituting the whole of the Expeditionary Force at the
earliest possible date and your assurance that this will be done.

It is suggested that the channel for communication of all classes
of information referred to in my cablegram 208 of 8th May be
through your High Commissioner in Australia by usual safe means of
transit. The High Commissioner can pass it to me personally and I
shall decide its use after consideration of the fullest safeguards
necessary.

A periodical strategical appreciation with supplementary
statements on the strength and disposition of forces and
statistical data on material production would, as previously
stated, be most helpful in keeping us informed on the higher
direction of the war and assist us in deciding how we can best co-
operate.

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