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undertake immediate Technical Military Discussions, we see no reason for not holding the Dutch conversations as soon as possible since with American support there is little fear that any weakness in our combined strength should deter the Dutch from resisting.
5.
With regard to the communication which the Foreign Secretary might make to Lord Lothian on this subject, we suggest that the United States should be informed that we welcome private technical military conversations being held at the earliest possible date and that a Conference is in fact already being arranged between our Commanders in the Far East and Representatives from the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, India and Burma. We propose that the Americans might be invited to attend this Conference which it is intended should cover our whole defence problem in the Far East including that of the Netherlands East Indies and possibly the Philippines. The date of this Conference could be adjusted to fit in with the arrival of the American delegation, which we recommend should be as early as practicable.
6.
We have considered the suggestion made by
H.M. Ambassador in Tokyo that an early visit of an American Naval force to Singapore would have a favourable effect on the Japanese political situation. It is for the Foreign Office to advise on this.
If it is decided to send the American Squadron to Singapore there appears little objection to such a visit being combined with the holding of Staff Conversations as the very fact that American warships are present in the port will give rise to rumours regarding staff talks. The conversations with the United States should not be held up pending the arrival of an American naval force at Singapore.
Cabinet War Room,
4th October, 1940.
(Signed) C.L.N. NEWALL.
#!
DUDLEY POUND.
-2-
R.H. HAINING.
(V.C.I.G.S.)
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