Top Secret
3 DECEMBER 1941
FROM: SPENAVO LONDON
ACTION: OPNAV
INFO
031411

Part 1 of 2: I have kept Admty informed regarding my 221122 and your 222040 as Admty has discussed same subject with Dutch authorities. Further suggested to Admty that it might now be necessary for Dutch authorities to declare area south and west of Davao-Waigeo-Equator line to be dangerous to shipping in order that Dutch forces might be free to take prompt action against suspicious vessels crossing from north and east. Admty informed declaration from naval point of view would constitute useful defense measure. Essential for political reasons that one should be declared in as unprovocative form as possible and should further be represented as a defense one rather than dangerous one. Admty informed Furstner they also doubt accuracy of this info. In view Dutch proposal involved matters of high policy, it was recommended Dutch take question up with Foreign Office thru Dutch Foreign Minister. When Foreign Minister visited Eden, his proposal went beyond that of Furstner as it invited joint declaration of defense.

(See page two)

Top Secret
3 DECEMBER 1941
FROM: SPENAVO LONDON
ACTION: OPNAV
INFO:
031411

(Page Two) One by A or B Powers. After consulting Admty Eden replied to Dutch Foreign Minister as follows; A. That during the continuance of the present negotiations between Japan and the US in Washington, it was undesirable that any declaration should be made unless there was the plainest evidence that Japanese were preparing an expedition against Netherlands territory. The State Department would be particularly likely to be influenced by this consideration. Part Two follows.

(PROCEEDINGS OF THE HART INQUIRY EXHIBIT NO. 79 DESPATCHES ON  DUTCH ALERT )