Repeated to Tokyo 11 Secret.

Netherlands Minister here [1] tells me that his Government has
been informed by Portuguese Government that they believe Japanese
attack on Portuguese Timor is a serious possibility. Portuguese
state that their defence plan includes the evacuation of Dilli and
retreat to prepared positions at Maubara. Portuguese land forces
are one European company plus unspecified native troops.

Portuguese Government will not initiate contact with N.E.I or
Australia concerning defence co-operation merits. Desire not to
compromise their neutrality. If attacked they will ask such
defence co-operation at once.

I am advised that Eastern part of N.E.I. including Timor is
probably now free of rain and monsoons.

CASEY