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.
 
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