1768 CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION PEARL HARBOR ATTACK
EXHIBIT NO. 78
DESPATCHES ON KRA PENINSULA ALERT
Despatches on KRA Peninsula alert (1941)
Date From Action Page [1] 28 Nov COM14 OPNAV 1 30 Nov OPNAV CINCAF 2 30 Nov CINCAF OPNAV 3 1 Dec CINCAF OPNAV 4 2 Dec CINCAF OPNAV 5 2 Dec CINCAF OPNAV 6 2 Dec CINCAF CXM CINC CHINA 7 3 Dec CINCAF OPNAV 8 4 Dec CINCAF OPNAV 9 [1] Pages referred to are indicated by italic figures enclosed by brackets and represent pages of original exhibit. [1] Top Secret 28 November 1941 From: Com 14 Action: Opnav Info: 280240
Following received by British Consul from usually reliable source. Japanese will attack Krakow Isthmus from sea on 1 December without ultimatum or declaration in order get between Bangkok and Singapore. Attackers will proceed direct from Hainan and Formosa. Main landing to be made at Songkhla.
[2] Top Secret 30 November 1941 From: Opnav Action: Cincaf Info: Cincpac 300419
Indications that Japan about to attack points on Kra Isthmus by overseas expedition X In order to ascertain destination this expedition and for security our position in the Philippines desire you cover by air the line Manila Camranh Bay on three days commencing upon receipt this despatch X Instruct planes to observe only X They must not approach so as to appear to be attacking but must defend themselves if attacked X Understand British air forces will search arc 180 miles from Tedta Bharn and will move troops to line across Kra Isthmus near Singora X If expedition is approaching Thailand inform MacArthur X British mission here informed X
[3] Top Secret 30 November 1941 From: Cincaf Action: Opnav Info: 301135
Only 1 small cruiser and 1 auxiliary were disclosed by today's reconnaissance in position approximately 14-00 north 110-00 east.
EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE 1769
[4] Top Secret 1 December 1941 From: Cincaf Action: Opnav Info: Cinc China 011140
Results of today's reconnaissance negative even including the close vicinity Camranh Bay: Reference Opnav's dispatch 301709.
[5] Top Secret 2 December 1941 From: Cincaf Action: Opnav Info: Cincpac 020730
Bearing 070 from Saigon distant 180 miles 3 type I-61 submarines in cruising formation headed south 15 knots. 21 transports anchored Camranh Bay with six planes patrolling overhead.
Comment: This is in position Lat 11-50 N Long 109-29E, 690 miles from
Manila. /s/ EW
[6] Top Secret 2 December 1941 From: Cincaf Action: Opnav Info: Cincpac 020345
Patrol plane sighted 9 submarines speed 10 course south at 0230 Greenwich Lat 13-10 N, Long 110-00 East.
[7] Top Secret 2 DECEMBER 1941 FROM: CINCAF ACTION: C X M CINC CHINA INFO: OPNAV 021636
No results of significance today's reconnaissance other than as reported before. The 9 subs were line abreast 5 miles spacing. Ships in Camranh are mostly large, several probably cargo only. Our planes have been sighted on Indo-China coast three successive days have discontinued search for the present of that locality.
[8] Top Secret 3 DECEMBER 1941 FROM: CINCAF ACTION: OPNAV INFO: 031400
No results from reconnaissance today.
[9] Top Secret 4 DECEMBER 1941 FROM: CINCAF ACTION: OPNAV INFO: 041315
Negative results from Dec. 4th reconnaissance.