My telegram No. 363. [2] Although Japanese Government are probably
surprised at the speed of the American and British reaction to
their contemplated occupation of South Indo-China, we must
recognise that it has failed to prevent it [3] and that Japan will
prepare now for her next step. This is likely to be the
'protection' of Thailand for in recent weeks Japanese press has
depicted Thailand as well as Indo-China as the 'victim' of an
American-British encirclement plot.

British Government should consider without delay how to prevent
this. There is I understand already a non-aggression pact with
Thailand. [4] It should be emphasised in Parliament, in press and
on the wireless that the British Commonwealth of Nations has no
plans made or forces concentrated against Thailand, but that it
has reinforced and will continue to reinforce so as to be able to
take appropriate action against any attempt by any other Power to
occupy Thailand in whole or in part under the pretext of
protecting Thailand against non-existent threat from us. In
accordance with Prime Minister's [5] telegram No. 8 [6] we should
secure as a preliminary but without delay the most complete co-
operation and support of United States.

I saw Thai Minister [7] yesterday and made concrete suggestions to
him as to resisting Japanese encroachment for which he expressed
his gratitude.

LATHAM