REPLY TO TIlE FIRST QUESTION BRITISH 1. The movement of United States Troops to Australia will not affect the readiness date of the British to carry out their part of Super-Gymnast. UNITED STATES 2. The readiness of United States Troops to carry out Super Gymnast will not be affected by the movement of reinforcements to the Far East. The delay to Super-Gymnast caused by the Far East movement will depend upon the date of return to Atlantic ports of the ships involved in that movement. 3. We estimate that the vessels diverted from the Atlantic to make the Far East move can be back in the Atlantic ports on the following dates: a. Passenger vessels ...... April 10 - 20 b. Cargo vessels ......... May 15 - 25 (Capacity of the above group of vessels is 22~000troops and 230,000 tons of cargo). 4. The execution of Super-Gymnast, as originally planned, is dependent upon the return of the Far East convoy therefore the earliest date that could be fixed for D-1 is May 25. 5. The May 25 date can not be accepted without certain reservations since no allowance has been made for ship losses and possible increased demands for shipping arising from enemy operations, accelerated production, and additional lend-least commitments. Furthermore, it seems probable that these vessels may continue to be needed in the Pacific for further movements to Australia. REPLY TO THE SECOND QUESTION BRITISH AVAII ABLE FORCES 6. British land forces, i.e., one armored division and two divisions with antiaircraft units~ will be ready for dispatch. The British air contingent of Gymnast consisting of three fighter and two A.C. squadrons could also be made ready. This force is not alone sufficient but could not be increased from British resources. -- 2 -- |