TIMOR. Following is the latest information from secret source. On
17th April the Japanese Minister at Lisbon [2] reported to the
Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs [3] that 'as an expression
of welcome to Japan's co-operation in the development of Timor the
Colonial Minister [4] offered:

(1) The development of mineral resources throughout the island
with the exception of oil.

(2) The inauguration of sea route to Timor.

(3) To establish an air route to Timor, and he requested Japan's
views on the above.'
The Japanese Minister continued: 'I replied I had recently sent an
enquiry to my Government on these matters and should soon receive
a reply. Please expedite reply.'
You will remember that last year there was a rumour that the
Japanese were pressing the Portuguese to give them an air base in
Timor and both the Portuguese Ambassador in London [5] and the
Portuguese Government categorically denied that the Japanese had
done so.

STIRLING