(c) It would be a time-consuming operation, absorbing forces which might be employed
more profitably elsewhere.
(d) The resistalice of a white people in their homeland would be more determined than
any yet encountered. They could expect no assistance from a fifth column.
(e) The operation would invite the United States and Russia to attack their flank and rear.
8. It is premature to estimate Japanese scales of' attack on Australia and New Zealand
(paragraph 6 of the enclosure). The Japanese have not yet fulfilled the agreed conditions
prerequisite to such an attack. Until they have done so, neither the effect of their losses on forces
available nor the effect of Allied counter measures on the forces required can be estimated with
precision. An attempted landing in the populated sector of Australia or in New Zealand will
assume the proportions of a major operation and will require control of the adjacent sea areas
together with local air supremacy.
9. The Committee concludes that, although a major invasion of Australia or New
Zealand is unlikely, enemy operations to deny the use of Torres Strait and to isolate the two
countries are probable.
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