Japan. Instructions for reply have been despatched to Craigie and
Dominions Office are cabling you the text. [1] I was informed that
the reply opened the way for positive policy and general
settlement I had advocated but have now seen cable to Craigie and
do not consider that it justifies the statement.

I feel United Kingdom Government should make up its mind how far
it is prepared to go down the lines I suggested and then inform
Craigie and ascertain his views as to how far he considers he
could successfully negotiate if so authorised.

I also consider that United States should be confidentially
informed, also that endeavour should be made to induce United
States to intimate unofficially that if Burma Road closed on
demand of Japanese, as this would mean denial of supplies to
China, they would feel compelled also to deny supplies to Japan.

I think further expression of your views would be most valuable as
there is in my opinion a good deal of confusion in minds of United
Kingdom Cabinet.

BRUCE