Letter

Scope and Content

Letter from Lord Mountbatten to Auchinleck, thanking him for his reassuring message; describing his delight at the decision to appoint Auchinleck as Commander-in-Chief, India, and the shock of finding himself picked to take over the difficult role of Supreme Commander, South-East Asia; indicating his approval of Orde Wingate, and his willingness to prosecute the decision made by the Chiefs of Staff to implement the Long Range Penetration Group policy on a large scale; recognizing with some sympathy that this cuts across Auchinleck's plans for the Army in India; and expressing his dislike of large, swollen staffs and his wish to use the existing staffs of the three Commanders-in-Chief to avoid duplication and irresponsible planning. Typescript, signed.