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     The time factor is an important consideration, butthe Chief of the General Staff, who has
been granted authority to call up for training a further 114,000 men for the Australian Army in
addition to 132,0OO already in training, feels unable to recommend provision of the considerable
strength necessary for the defence of New Caledonia, in view of Army commitments for local
defence, forces despatched to Malaya, Netherlands East Indies, Rabaul and those to be
despatched to Port Moresby. The strength of the Australian Imperial Forces abroad is 120,000,
together with 30,000 in training in Australia.
     We also lack air forces to provide the necessary air cooperation for the military force that
would be necessary to defend New Caledonia, while anti-aircraft defences could only be provided
by denuding vital centres in Australia.
 
     We think the position as regards New Caledonia should be frankly put to the United States
Government so that they may be invited to consider Whether they can see their way clear to assist
in its defence by providing a garrison or by and other means.
 
  (3)     Supplies for American forces which may use Australian bases.
 
The attention of the Commonwealth Government is also drawn to the information we have
received regarding the imminent arrival in Brisbane of a United States convoy containing troops,
aircraft and ammunition which has been diverted from the Philippines.
 
     We recommend that the United States Government should be approached with the
suggestion that certain ammunition, spare parts, bombs and the like should be sent to Australia at
the earliest possible moment for the use of United States warships, aircraft or military forces
which may use bases in Australia either for operations or as transit points.