Aircraft for Australia. Note by Secretary

7. It is noteworthy and also a tribute to the effectiveness of the forces engaged that in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea it was possible to concentrate only 136 aircraft for this attack. The renewal of attacks on Darwin and reconnaissance of the Northwest coast indicate the paramount importance of sufficient strength being able to ensure air superiority along the whole line of contact with the enemy and at other vulnerable points on our coastline especially in the West. Of particular importance is the vital base of Freemantle where owing to the depletion of the Eastern Fleet a heavy attack of the tip and run variety might be carried out by naval bombardment and carrier-borne aircraft.