Spring 1946 11. It is extremely improbable that any air reinforcements or even replacements will be sent to the Malaya-Sumatra-French Indo-China area during the latter half of 1945 or early 1946, even if it is practicable to do so. The Japanese may try to fly some units back from this area to reinforce the air defences of Japan. The majority of the units in Malaya-Sumatra-IndoChina will however have to remain there. During the winter of 1945/46 this force is likely steadily to decrease in strength owing to withdrawals, normal deterioration and losses inflicted by the Allies.