Conflicting reports led Neame to countermand these orders, which caused the Australians much confusion. Other reports led Neame to countermand these orders, which caused the Australians much confusion. Bretney had no authority to countermand the order but advised Collins to refuse it. Soon after, Albany sends men to countermand Edmund's orders. According to Berger, he was "without power or authority to countermand or avoid the order". Operator 23 was already dispatched before they could countermand the assignment. The presence of higher education may countermand this effect. However, demand drafts are difficult to countermand. However, Ali's own troops were moved to countermand his orders. After some hours, some still-unknown soldiers brought the news about the countermand. This was only one of several of Clarkson's actions that he was forced to countermand.