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TO BE KEPT UNDERI OCK & KEY.

Cz

342

It is requested that special care may be taken to

ensure the secrecy of this document.

(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT).

SECRET.

C.0.S.(41) 74.

6TH FEBRUARY. 1941.

WAR CABINET.

COPY NO.

33

This document was considered at Co..(41) 44 Meeting.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.

+

THE FAR EAST.

Report.

We have considered the situation in the Far East.

A Report by the Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee is attached, from which it will be seen that, in the light of the available information, it looks as if Japan is likely to make a move either against the Netherlands East Indies or against us in the near future.

2.

We are in general agreement with the Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee's Report except that we doubt if the Japanese will necessarily time their move to coincide with the German major offensive as stated at the end of paragraph 4. The hotheads in Japan may force a move at any time irrespective of German action; on the other hand, the more cautious elements may prevail on the Japanese Government to hold their hand until the result of any action by Germany becomes known.

3.

We have considered what steps we can take to avert

is attached. The policy war with Japan and our report recommended is that we should invite the U.S.A. to take a firm line with Japan. We cannot, however, rely upon this line of approach alone and we recommend that we should make it clear to the Japanese that, if their present policy of southward expansion is continued to the detriment of our vital interests, we should be compelled to react in our self-t defence.

4.

As far as military measures are concerned, an Australian Brigade is due to leave for Malaya shortly and we

The despatch of might expedite reinforcements from India. these Naval forces to the Far East is clearly out of the question at present.

(Signed) J.G. DILL,

17

C.F.A. PORTAL. T.S.V. PHILLIPS, (for C.N.S.)

* Annex I + Annex II

Great George Street, S.W. 1.,

6th February, 1941.

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