Force Z's air-cover problem was partly a signals failure

Would a stronger American forward presence at Singapore have given Force Z air cover?

The immediate problem was not a total lack of fighters but a command-and-signals misunderstanding that kept available Singapore fighters from being called.

The absence of bomber and reconnaissance support did not mean fighters were unavailable. Aircraft at Singapore were waiting to be called, but the message received by Phillips's command was understood to mean that no useful air support existed. The resulting failure was therefore one of signals interpretation and command-and-control as well as force availability. A larger American presence was unlikely to solve the immediate problem because United States forces remained focused on the Philippines.