of the war .in your Area,is to maintain initially the strategic defensive. The ABDA GOvernments intend to provide immediate reinforcements for defense. As additional forces become available, it w. ill become possible to take the offen- z sire and ultimately to .conduct an all-out offensive against 'Japan. 'The ‚irst essential is to gain general air superiority at the earliest possible moment, through the employment of concentrated air power. The piecemeal employment of air forces should be minimized. Although your operations in the near future must be primarily for defense, they should be so conducted as to further preparations for that offensive. ,, 6. The general Strategic policy will therefore be' - ,_a. To'hold the Malay Barrier, defined as the line Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, 'Java, North Australia, as the .basic defensive position of the ABDA Area, and to operate sea, land, and air forces .in as great depth as possible forward of the Barrier in order to oppose the 'Japanese southward advance. b_. To 'hold Burma and Australia as essential supporting positions forthe Area, and Burma as essential to the support of China, and to the defense of 'India. _c. To re-establish communications through the Dutch East Indies with Luzon and to support the Philippines' Garrison. _d. To maintain essential communications within the Area. 7. DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND. AUTHORITY OF .... THE SUPREME COMMANDER. - z , . You will coordinate in the ABDA Area the 'strategic operations of all armed forces of the ABDA G0vernments; assign them strategic missions and ob- jectives~ where desirable, arrange for the formation of task forces, whether .national or international, for the execution of specific operations; and ap- point any officer, irrespective ofseniority or nationality, to command such task force~. 8. ,While you .will 'have no responsibilities in respect of the internal administration of the respective forces under your .command~ you are authorized to direct and .coordinate the creation and development of admfnistrative facilities and the broad allocation of war materials. 9. You will dispose reinforcements which from time to time may be dispatched to the Area by the.ABDA GOvernments. 10. You are authorized to require from the Commanders of the armed forces under your commandsuch reports as you deemnecessaryin the discharge of your responsibilities as Supreme Commander. -- 2 -- |