With reference to our telephone conversations [1] I can only confirm as regards the general position what I said to you, viz. that the United Kingdom Government regard the international situation as Serious. You will however see from Dominions Secretary's telegram which will be despatched shortly what action we are taking. [2]

In the event of war with Germany and Italy, should Japan join in against us it would still be His Majesty's Government's full intention to despatch a fleet to
Singapore. If we were fighting against such a combination never envisaged in our earlier plans, the size of that fleet would necessarily be dependent on (a) the moment when Japan entered the war and (b) what losses if any our opponents or ourselves had previously sustained.

It would, however, be our intention to achieve three main objects
(i) the prevention of any major operation against Australia, New Zealand or India;

(ii) to keep open our sea communications;

(iii) to prevent the fall of Singapore.