In my telegram No. 75 of 13th November [1] I reported the
anticipations in the United States press of an attack on Holland.

Since then there have been several articles suggesting that in
such an event Japanese would attempt to seize the Dutch and
British East Indies. This was followed by reports that the
Administration was watching the situation. At a chance meeting
last night the Dutch Minister [2] referred to these reports and
went out of his way to emphasize that he believed them entirely
unfounded. He doubted if the Japanese planned such an attack but
in any case Java and the Dutch East Indies were well able to
defend themselves even if Holland was at war in Europe. He then
referred very hesitatingly to proposal for exchanges of views
between Australia and Dutch officials at Batavia.

Minister's object may have been no more than to stress lack of
foundation for reports of impending attacks on Holland or East
Indies which Dutch Government no doubt considers undesirable. But
it is possible that he was hinting at need for initiation of very
informal exchanges of views in Batavia. [3]

OFFICER