APPENDIX 'A'. AVAILABILITY OF JAPANESE SHIPPING FOR TRANSPORT PURPOSES. 1. In so far as the availability of shipping can be assessed, it can only be done, with any reasonable degree of accuracy, in relation to a given operation. 2. The shipping available at any given time depends on: (a) The number of troops already being maintained abroad and the degree of maintenance required. (b) Whether shipping has to be convoyed. (c) Factors affecting the turn round, that is whether night working for loading and discharging is possible; whether returning transports have to be loaded to carry raw materials to Japan, and the degree of damage to port facilities.