22 February 1942

Radio No. 1078

Secret

From General Marshall to General MacArthur to be seen by decoding clerk only: With reference to the rapidly approaching reorganization of the ABDA area ... The President directs that you make arrangements to leave Fort Mills and proceed to Mindanao. You are directed to make this change as quickly as possible.

... From Mindanao you will proceed to Australia where you will assume command of all United States troops.

It is the intention of the president to arrange with the Australian and British governments for their acceptance of you as commander of the reconstituted ABDA area. Because of the vital importance of your assuming command in Australia at an early date your delay in Mindanao will not repeat not be prolonged beyond one week and you will leave sooner if transportation becomes available earlier.

Instructions will be given from here at your request for the movement of submarine or plane or both to enable you to carry out the foregoing instructions. ...

[The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower. The War Years, ed. by Chandler, A.D., Jr. (Baltimore and London, 1970), vol I, p. 127, citing OPD Exec 10, item 7a]

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