Cablegram 51 WASHINGTON, 1 April 1940,6.42 p.m.
MOST SECRET
The Netherlands Minister here [1] informs me that there is
likelihood of Portuguese Government agreeing to the Japanese
application for mining and agricultural concessions in Portuguese
Timor. It is stated that the Japanese have offered to establish
shipping line from Japan to Timor. He believes that confidential
British representations at Lisbon the only thing that may stop the
Japanese getting concessions. The Netherlands Government is
alarmed at possibilities. I suggest that you represent matter to
the British Government. Shall I speak to the State Department here
seeking their confidential co-operation in Lisbon? [2]
1 Dr A. Loudon.
2 On 2 April 1940 Casey reported that Loudon intended to approach
the State Department the following day to request the U.S. Govt's
assistance with representations at Lisbon. (See Casey's cablegram
53 on file AA: A981, Timor (Portuguese) 22, v.) In conversation
with Casey on 3 April, Sumner Welles, the U.S. Under-Secretary of
State, referred to his discussion with Loudon and asked if
Australia proposed to make similar representations. Reporting this
to Canberra in cablegram 54 Casey commented: 'Inference was that
he hoped we would.' 'The External Affairs Dept replied in
cablegram 36 of 9 April explaining what was being done in London
and Lisbon and advised: 'In the circumstances feel that no good
purpose would be served by your suggestion.' (See note of
conversation and cablegrams 53 and 36 on file AA: A3300, 49.)
[AA: A981, TIMOR (PORTUGUESE) 22, v]
