Following for the Prime Minister:-

My Circular M.348, 349. [1]

Appeal from Chiang Kai-shek. [2]

The Prime Minister [3] has today sent a secret and personal
message to President Roosevelt of which the following is the
substance:-

(i) The President knows our position in regard to air strength at
Singapore. None the less we should be prepared to send pilots and
even some aircraft if they could arrive in time.

(2) What is needed now is a deterrent to Japan of a most general
and formidable character. The Japanese have as yet taken no final
decision and the Emperor appears to be exercising a restraining
influence. United States policy of gaining time has been very
successful so far, but our joint embargo is steadily forcing the
Japanese to decision for peace or war.

(3) The Japanese plan to attack Yunan and cut the Burma Road
threatens disastrous consequences to Chiang Kai-shek. Collapse of
Chinese resistance would not only be a world tragedy in itself but
would free large Japanese forces to attack North and South.

(4) In response to the Chinese appeal for warning Japan against an
attack on Yunan, we hope that the President might see fit to
remind the Japanese that such an attack aimed at China from a
region in which we have never recognised that Japan has any right
to maintain forces would be in open disregard of the clearly
indicated attitude of the United States Government. We should of
course be ready to give similar warning.

(5) No independent action by ourselves will deter Japan, because
we are so fully occupied elsewhere. But we will of course stand
with the United States and do our utmost to back them in whatever
course they choose.

(6) The message concludes with a request for the President's
views.