Letter

Letter from Auchinleck to Lt.-Gen. Sir Rob Lockhart, Lt.-Gen. Sir Frank Messervy, Commodore J.W. Jefford, Captain J.T.S. Hall, Air Marshal T. [Thomas] Elmhirst and Air Vice-Marshal A.L.A. [Allan] Perry-Keene, offering his warmest congratulations on their appointments as Commanders of the Armed Forces of the two new Dominions, and wishing them every success in their vital and difficult task. He urges the necessity for the closest co-operation and the strongest spirit of friendliness between the Armed Forces' HQs. He assures them that they will receive all the help possible from him, as Supreme Commander. He defines his own responsibilities for the command and general administration of all British Forces staying in India after 15 August, which include the general control and protection of all British officers, ratings and other ranks attached to or serving with the Forces of the two Dominions. He points out that all British officers serving at present in the Indian Army and Royal Indian Navy will be transferred automatically after 15 August to the British Army and the Royal Navy. He emphasizes that British personnel who volunteer to serve cannot claim to be posted to a particular Dominion, but will be posted in accordance with the needs of the Service and will be transferred, under the direction of the Supreme Commander, from one Dominion to another only when strictly necessary, and only after consultation with the Dominion Commanders. He concludes with a renewed assurance that a harmonious and close co-operation between all parties involved will ensure the success of their common objective which is to reconstitute the Armed Forces of India with the minimum of disturbance and delay and the maximum of efficiency, in the equal interests of both Dominions. Typescript, signed.