My telegram No. 53-NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES. [1]

Our information from London [2] is that, according to Dutch
Minister at Tokyo [3], Japanese Navy putting strong pressure on
Cabinet in favour of attack on Netherlands East Indies, arguing
that from action in Netherlands West Indies and from alleged fact
that Netherlands belligerent status may threaten Japanese supply
of essential materials from East Indies. Dutch Minister gathered
that latter point had theoretically won support of Army and
industrial elements but that Prime Minister [4] and Minister for
Foreign Affairs [5] strongly opposed.

British Ambassador, Tokyo [6], while not excluding possibility,
has no confirmatory reports and is less apprehensive.

Japanese Government have been formally assured by Dutch Government
that latter is absolutely certain that neither Allies nor United
States would interfere with integrity of Netherlands East Indies
or curtail oil supplies.

Following telegram gives in clear text of passage regarding East
Indies in Minister's [7] statement given in House of
Representatives today.

Glad if you would continue keep dose touch with Lothian [8] on
this matter, and see that United States Government is advised
above, if not already done. At the same time it is felt that if
unguarded assurance could be obtained from and publicly stated
United States of America is not prepared to entertain any attempt
at intervention, it would be most beneficial and welcome. [9]