Item BROOKE-POPHAM 6/2 - Correspondence, 1940-1941, with Maj Gen Sir Hastings Ismay on the defence of Singapore and Malaysia

Personal correspondence between Brooke-Popham and Maj Gen Sir Hastings Lionel Ismay, Secretary to the Committee of Imperial Defence, and Deputy Secretary (Military) to the War Cabinet, notably on plans for the defence of Singapore and Malaya in the event of war with Japan, and the need for increased numbers of trained personnel, aeroplanes, equipment, anti-aircraft guns and munitions; initial impressions of Singapore, mainly the lack of communication and cooperation between the central Government, the armed service and the civil populace; the shortcomings of the Singapore Defence Council, and attempts by Brooke-Popham to improve the General Defence Scheme, undertake military exercises designed to improve inter-arm cooperation and introduce schemes for the training of volunteers; visits to Hong Kong (Jan and Apr 1941), Java (Feb 1941), Australia (Feb and Oct 1941), British Borneo (Apr 1941), Manila (Apr and Oct 1941) and Burma (Jun and Sep 1941), with comments upon morale, military preparation, problems of defence, especially in Hong Kong and Burma, aerodrome inspections, shortages of manpower, military transport, aeroplanes and equipment, and impressions of politicians and military commanders; problems relating to the transportation of materials down the Burma Road, the need for a Director General of Transportation and Brooke-Popham's request for the building of an alternative road in the area to lessen the danger of aerial bombing; the potential for increased munitions production in Australia; a visit of the Chinese Military Mission with assurances of aid in the defence of Burma against a Japanese attack through Thailand. 1 file, 19 items.