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Part 2
Section XVIII: — The Far East War Council.
135. On the 10th December 1941, in accordance with instructions received from the Home Government, the Far East War Council was formed at Singapore. Its composition was as under: —
Chairman.—
- The Rt. Hon. A. Duff Cooper, Cabinet representative in the Far East.
Members.—
- The Governor and High Commissioner Malaya.
- The Commander-in-Chief Far East.
- The Commander-in-Chief Eastern Fleet.
- The General Officer Commanding Malaya.
- The Air Officer Commanding Far East.
- Mr. Bowden representing Australia and later
- Sir George Sansom, as being responsible for propaganda and Press control.
Secretary
- Major Robertson, the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (staff officer to the Cabinet representative in the Far East).
In addition to the above, Major-General Gordon Bennett, commanding the A.I.F., was told that he was at liberty to attend meetings if and when he wished to do so, and that he would be informed if and when matters particularly affecting Australia were on the agenda.
The Council met at Sime Road at 0900 hrs. daily. The meetings usually lasted nearly two hours. The Secretary circulated minutes after each meeting.
If any of the members were unable to attend they were usually represented by deputies.
In January, after the departure from Singa port of Mr. Duff Cooper and Sir George Sansom, the Governor and High Commissioner became Chairman, Mr. Scott took Sir George Sansom's place and Mr. Dawson became Secretary. Later Brigadier Simson. as Director General of Civil Defence, joined the Council.
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