Letter

Letter from Auchinleck to Lord Wavell, the Viceroy, enclosing a suggested draft telegram (not included) to be sent to the Secretary of State, objecting strongly to the attitude of the Secretary of State for War and of the Adjutant-General towards India Command, and accusing them of placing the responsibility and blame for any unpleasant or awkward situations, especially concerning manpower, on India; and indicating that it is his responsibility to keep the Army in both South-East Asia Command and India Command up to strength so that it can function with the requisite efficiency to defeat the enemy. He states that, if it is necessary for this purpose to retain officers and men beyond the period fixed by the War Office for their repatriation, then this must be done, and the Government must accept the necessity or acquiesce in the retardation of operations against the enemy and the probable prolongation of the war. He emphasizes the fact that, in all these matters, he works hand in glove with the senior officers of South-East Asia Command, a fact which appears to be ignored by those who attach all blame to India, and protests against lack of consultation by Whitehall and erroneous statements made by the Secretary of State for War. Typescript, signed.