As a result of strong representations by Allied Mission to
Scandinavia and by the Norwegian Government that if Norwegian
resistance to be maintained immediate Allied action in Southern
Norway imperative, Plan to this end now being put into operation,
the first objective being the recapture of Trondheim.

Strong impression here attack on the Netherlands likely at any
moment. The position under consideration by the United Kingdom and
French General Staffs, and every effort being made to induce the
Dutch and Belgians to agree to undertake joint action to be taken
in such eventuality.

In the event of attack the position of the Netherlands East Indies
has to be considered.

Press here have reported statements of Japanese press to the
effect that Japan will take measures to protect her interests in
the N.E.I. should the Netherlands be embroiled in the European
war. According to a press agency message, spokesman of the
Japanese Foreign Office is to make a statement on the subject
later today. [1] 'Times' correspondent at Tokyo stated that press
is anxious lest the United States might undertake to protect the
Dutch colonies, and some newspapers hint that a nominal British
control which left political status quo and Japan's economic
interests intact would not be opposed.

At the moment the Foreign Office view is that the United Kingdom
Government should approach the Netherlands Government and ask what
they propose doing about the Netherlands East Indies in the event
of German invasion of the Netherlands, also ask the Netherlands if
they see any objection to United Kingdom notifying Japanese
Government that maintenance of the status quo in the N.E.I. is
regarded as an important British interest. It is hoped also to
ascertain whether the Dutch have in fact approached the United
States in the matter. Secondly I think that the question should be
taken up immediately with the United States Government and
discussed with utmost frankness.

Considerable body of opinion considers that Italy likely to enter
the war on the German side in the near future. In my view decision
will be greatly influenced by how the position in Norway develops.

German success there or elsewhere would probably bring Italy in.

Here also I feel that a frank discussion with the United States
would be desirable as Roosevelt both directly with Mussolini and
through the Vatican might exercise a steadying effect.

BRUCE