I saw Sumner Welles [2] today.

I discussed proposal that had reached British Embassy from
Commander in Chief of the Far East [3] through the Foreign Office
that forthcoming Singapore conference should be given publicity
subject to views of United States and other Governments concerned
as useful offset to Japanese-Russian Pact. His first reaction was
adverse due to the desire to avoid provocation to Japanese army
and navy extremists. I think that his real reason is domestic
politics here.

Sumner Welles has since telephoned to say that his colleagues
agree that Japanese cannot fail to discover that the conference is
taking place and that they believe that publicity would be
provocative and might well have effect that we all take steps to
avoid . [4]

I left with him copy of most recent public opinion poll results
which reached me privately today. They show: (a) 73 per cent think
that the United States will go into the war in Europe some time
before it is over; (b) 69 per cent think it more important for the
United States to help England win even at the risk of war; (c) 74
per cent think that they would be personally affected by German
victory over England; (d) 59 per cent think that the United States
should take steps now to keep Japan from becoming more powerful
even at the risk of war; (e) 80 per cent think that the United
States should defend Central and South American countries if
attacked by a European Power.

Sumner Welles said all that they really know is that Japanese are
ready with army and navy force at Hainan et cetera and with
transports available, and that in spite of official Government
spokesman's denial of current rumours about attack on Singapore,
next fortnight will be anxious time.

United States Government have no proposals for any further
immediate statements or gestures arising out of Japanese-Russian
Pact or Far East situation generally.