Repeated to Commonwealth Government

Cablegram OPX 1860/71117 BATAVIA, 17 February 1942, 3.15 a.m.

Received 17 February 1942

MOST IMMEDIATE

My telegram 01211 of 14th February. [1]

From Staff conversations on Portuguese Timor the following text
has been drawn up.

1. It is agreed that Allied troops will be withdrawn as soon as
possible after Portuguese reinforcements have arrived at Dilli.

The evacuation by sea is difficult while by air impracticable.

This is realised by Major Nogueira [2] who agrees that under the
circumstances the Allied withdrawal may have to be by road. In
order that withdrawal by road be effected as speedily as possible
Major Nogueira agrees urgently to represent to his Government the
need to provide as much assistance as possible in the matter of
transport for equipment and supplies of Allied troops as far as
the frontier. Major Nogueira realises that the time taken for
Allied troops to withdraw by road to Dutch Timor is largely
dependent upon the amount of assistance that can be provided in
the matter of transport and condition of the road from Dilli to
the frontier. Improvement of this road was previously agreed to by
the Portuguese Government. It has been pointed out that bridges on
this road must be capable of carrying loaded transport.

2. It is agreed that Allied assistance will be requested
immediately it is clear that the Japanese intend to attack. The
request to assist is to be made by the Governor of Portuguese
Timor [3] to British Military Commander at Koepang. [4] It is
agreed that the Governor of Portuguese Timor should be guided by
the opinion of the Military Commander of the Portuguese forces-
Colonel Antunes-in decision as to when Allied assistance is to be
requested. Major Nogueira agrees to ask his Government to issue
instructions to the Governor of Portuguese Timor to this effect in
order that Allied reinforcements despatched from Koepang may
arrive in time. 3. It is noted that Major Nogueira has no power to
discuss or give any decision in respect to policy regarding the
Japanese Nationals in Portuguese Timor. Ends.

4. From our point of view this is satisfactory. It is stressed
that the Condition of the road from Dilli to the frontier is an
important factor in reinforcements from Koepang reaching Dilli in
time. Assistance by sea would be impracticable if the Japanese
attack on Portuguese Timor is imminent.

5. Major Nogueira asks that the above text be communicated to his
Government and asks whether he is given authority by them to sign.

[5]