TIMELY ACTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 November 1940, Page 3

TIMELY ACTION

CREATION OF FAR EAST COMMAND CO-OPERATION FACILITATED. AGAINST THREAT BY JAPAN. (By Telegraph—Prpss Association—Copyright) LONDON, November 14. “The Washington talks on AngloAmerican defence collaboration in the Far East are believed to have reached a stage at which it will be a great advantage for the American experts to deal with a single British commander holding the position which has now been created by the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Pop-ham as Commander-in-Chief in the Far East," says, the "Daily Telegraph.” "The appointment was made at a moment when the threat by Japan on the East Indies may shortly assume more menacing proportions.”

"For some time committees of the three Services have discussed improvements which could be made in the existing arrangements and doubtless the decision to create the post of Commander-in-Chief in the Far East is the result of their conclusions.

“It is noteworthy that Sir Robert Brooke-Popham will not exercise control over the naval commander-in-chief in China, whose responsibilities extend far beyond the defence of Malaya, with which Sir Robert BrookePopham will be mainly concerned.”

The official announcement of the appointment says Sir Robert BrookePopham will consult and' co-operate with the naval commanders-in-chief on the China and East Indies stations and the commander-in-chief in India. Under Sir Robert Brooke-Popham will be a combined staff of the different services to co-ordinate their activities and ensure efficient interdependence. The chief of this staff will be Major-General R H. Dewing.