Your telegram 283 and Latham's No. 26 to you. [1] On receipt of
report regarding Singapore we made known to United Kingdom
Government through Prime Minister [2] great importance which we
attach to contemplated joint declaration by British Empire, United
States and Netherlands East Indies that an attack on Netherlands
East Indies or on British possessions in the Far East would be
regarded as a casus belli by both the United States and the
British Empire. You are no doubt aware that proposal to this
effect was raised in conversation by Halifax [3] with Hull [4] on
March 5th.

It is now understood that United Kingdom Government through
Halifax and Winant [5] has taken steps to press in Washington for
joint declaration in above terms. Desire you should make
concurrently strongest possible representations on behalf of
Commonwealth Government in same sense. In view of position Middle
East regard matter as of extreme importance and urgency.

STEWART