ADMIRAL POUND stated that he realized the urgency of
coming to a decision in the matter, whatever it might be; and asked, on
the assumption that unified command was recommended, how would the many
details be workedout? He pointed out that there are a large number of
details involved. He thought that it would be difficult to keep the
staff of the Commander-in-Chief small for he would have to have
representatives of the services of each nation to advise him. The
British Chiefs of Staff agreed as to the urgency of getting to a
conclusion on the question immediately.
 
               During the discussion it was suggested that t~e broad
outline be prepared and the details worked out later.
 
        6.       UTILIZATION OF THE U. S. TRANSPORTS NOW BEING USED IN
THE INDIAN
                 OCEAN.
 
                ADMIRAL POUND said that it might prove advantageous to
the general scheme for reinforcing the Far East if these transportS,
when they had delivered the 18th British Division at its destination,
could be-used for carrying additional reinforcements from the Middle
East to the Far East. He asked whether such a proposal would be
approved by the United States Chiefs of Staff.
 
               ADMIRAL STARK said that these ships would be available
for use as seemed best in the joint cause.
 
ADMIRAL POUND said that he did not ask for an immediate decision in the
matter, but thought it best to draw attention to the possibility that
such a request might be made.
 
The Conference adjourned at 4'30 p.m.
 
ENCLOSURE
Annex I- Draft of Instructions
to the Supreme Conunander, Southwestern Pacific Theater.
 
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