British governement promised in 1939 to sent adequate battle fleet to the Far East if needed

HMS Queen Elizabeth

Dutch magazine Onze Vloot dated October 1935, p. 136, drawing of E.Th. Poppe

Queen Elizabeth-class

American Naval Attaché at London, England reported on 19 June 1939 No. 599 referring to the press that it was the British policy and regarded the recent pledge to Australia and New Zeeland that an adequate battle fleet was provided in the Far East in case of emergency. In his article gave Raymond V.B. Blackman no names but mentioned as probably ships to be sent the 5 old but modernized Queen Elizabeth-class battle ships.(1)

Note

1. Built between 1912-1916, consisted of the Queen Elizabeth, Barham, Warspite, Valiant and Malaya, the Agincourt was cancelled, preceded by the Iron Duke-class succeeded by Revenge-class, displacement 33,110 (normal)-33,790 (deep load) tons and as main armament of 4x2-38.1cm/15”.

Source

National Archives USA. Record Group 38: Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Series: Secret Naval Attaches Reports. Estimate of potential military strength (pt.). Summaries. Reports from London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and Berlin. Roll M975-001.