8.    Neither the Dutch nor the Australian Government has yet agreed to the directire,
though their objections are mainly to the machinery of control laid down in Annex (ii) rather than
to the directire itself: The discussions which are proceeding with those Governments may of
course be successfully concluded before it becomes necessary to promulgate the date of General
Wavell's appointment; but even if they are not, we do not think there need be any delay on that
account. We suggest that General Wavell's appointment should be promulgated as soon as he
reports he is ready, and that he should then be instructed to carry on, pending the final
confirmation of his directire.
 
        9.    We accordingly propose that the following action should be taken as soon as General
Wavell reports the date on which he will be ready to assume command: -
 
            a. His Majesty's Government should make a communication in the terms of Annex A to
the Governments of the United States, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, India, and
China.
 
           b.    His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom should telegraph to General Wavell
in the terms of Annex B.
 
            c.    On receipt of the communication mentioned in a above  the Governments of the
United States, The Netherlands, and Australia should at once notify their local Commanders of
the date of the assumption of command by General Wavell, and should give any necessary
consequential instructions so that the system planned for the ABDA Area can become effective.
 
            d.    The terms of the directire for General Wavell, including Annex
        (ii)  should be settled as soon as possible, and the outcome notified to all concerned.
 
       10.    We propose to telegraph home in the terms of Annex C to secure the assent of the
Dutch and Australian Governments to this procedure
 
(Signed) DUDLEY POUND J.  G. DILL
                                              C. PORTAL
 
Washington, D. C.
 
        January 10, 1942.
 
                                                                       -2-