Radio message 3 [1] CANBERRA, 18 December 1941

IMMEDIATE SECRET

Glad if you would convey following message to Governor of Timor
[2] in answer to cablegram received from him today. [3]

(Begins) In reply to your communication Commonwealth Government
regrets that in order defend against Japanese aggression it has
been found necessary to prevent Japanese breach neutrality in
Timor. We assure you Portuguese sovereignty will not be impaired
and in fact it is to defend that sovereignty as well as to prevent
Japanese aggression that our forces have co-operated with
Netherlands Government in taking this action. Commonwealth
Government desire to assist in every way possible regarding
administration and economic life of colony. (Ends)