NOTE' Dates at which there can arrive in Australia necessary ground
crews
and maintenance facilities for all the planes listed in the first three
shipments are still uncertainz But, including the pilots sent from the
Philippine Islands to Australia) and with maximum help from Australian
sources, all planes can temporarily operate usefully, pending the
arrival of necessary maintenance units.~ Including planes already
arrived or en route) the U.S. Air Corps has already allocated a grand
total of 333 pursuit planes for shipment to Australia. The above
represents the maximum capacityof ships now available.
 
       2.    All U.S. forces in Australia are to be commanded by Major
General George H. Brett. General Brett has been under Orders to take
his instructions from General MacArthur. However, the situation in the
Philippines ap-
parently has changed to an extent that makes it improbable that pursuit
plane reinforcements can be forwarded to General ~{acArthur. Therefore)
the following instructions were sent General Brett at Chungking
December 24th A,M.'
 
         PROCEED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO AUSTRALIA TO
ASSUME COMMAND OF U. S.
         ARMY INTERESTS IN THAT REGION.                         t~ORT
ARRIVAL            AND FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY
WITH A PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATION OF ACTION TO BE TAI{EN IN VIEW OF
SITUATION IN PHILIPPINES AT THAT TIME.     MARSHALL.
 
       3.    It is intended that General Brett's status with regard to
subordination to General MacArthur will be settled in the light of the
situation in the Philippines at the time of his arrival in Australia.
..
 
         4.      The United States and British Chiefs of Staff jointly
recommend'
 
           a_..    That immediate request be made upon Australian,
British, and Dutch authorities to render maximum assistance to the U.S.
Commander in Australia in the preparation of his air elements for
combat, and in the establishment and protection of the necessary bases,
with a view to the immediate entry of these air forces into action.
z
 
            b_. That the responsible British and ~nerican Commanders be
directed to make preliminary arrangements for effective combat
cooperation between other forces of the Associated Powers an~ the U.S.
Air Force in the Southwestern Pacific. Preliminary plans for early sup
.... port of Singapore to be initiated at once.
 
       5.    The current U.S. Air Corps objective in the Southwestern
Pacific~ exclusive of China and Russia, is'
 
2 Heavy Groups                  -- 80 planes
2 Medium Groups .... 114 planes
6 Pursuit Groups --480 planes
Necessary base a. nd auxiliary units.
 
This strength can be attained s~ rapidly as shipp
 
- 2-