My telegram 13th March Commonwealth of Australia 160 [1], New
Zealand 88.

Following are the views of our military advisers on telegraphic
report of the conference. [2] These have been communicated to
Commanderin-Chief Far East. Considered views of H.M.G. in United
Kingdom must await receipt of full report.

2. There is a general agreement with their report with the
following exceptions:-

(a) The assurance of military co-operation in the event of
Japanese aggression. There is at present no progress to report.

(b) Prior definition of an act of war and automatic reaction
thereto without reference to London. While the reasons underlying
these proposals are appreciated, it is considered that the step
which should be held to constitute an act of war by Japan could
only be decided on a governmental level in the light of
circumstances at the time and that the attitude of United States
Government would be all important.

(c) Arrangements for reassembling the conference. Providing the
agenda were confined to military questions within the scope of the
accepted policy, the proposed procedure is agreed to but if
questions of policy were to be discussed, prior reference to the
Governments concerned would be essential.

3. It is noted that a common policy as regards denial of oil is
receiving consideration. It is assumed that the Commander-in-Chief
Far East will arrange with Dutch Colonial authorities for the
necessary action to be taken by them in co-ordination with our own
as soon as decision to carry out the British oil ration scheme has
been taken. Arrangements made should not prejudice the
responsibility of each and any local authority to order individual
scheme in local unforeseen emergency. Details are awaited.

4. Military advisers for their part agree to proposals regarding
participation of Netherlands East Indies in the Eastern Group
Supply Council.