Telegram from the Prime Minister of Australia [John Curtin] to WSC repeated to Herbert Evatt [Australian Minister for External Affairs and Attorney General] regarding the defence of Australia: conveys the view of the Supreme Commander, South West Pacific Area [General Douglas MacArthur] that the 9th Australian Division could be allowed to remain in the Middle East in return for the provision of required naval and air strength; comments on conclusions of the British Chiefs of Staff regarding the build up of forces in Australia; states the view that all Australian troops abroad should be returned to Australia but agrees to the postponement of the return of the 9th Division; comments on the likely effect on the morale of the 9th Division; suggests that the despatch of forces from the United States to Australia is not conditional; comments on an offer by WSC to divert forces to Australia in the event of Japanese invasion.