SECRET
0-4-C
Exact copy of
radiogram received at the War Department Message Center, Room 3441 Munitions
Bldg., Washington, D. C.
DECEMBER 7, L84L.
7:58 P. M.
P 23 WT J
From: Melbourne, Australia, via Honolulu,
To: War Department & C. G. Hawaiian Department
Number 24. DECEMBER 6th.
Based on Dutch intelligence report unconfirmed here of Naval movements from Pelau objective Manado and or Ambon, Dutch ordered execution plan A-2 and suggested RAAF reciprocal movement be directed Laha Ambon and Keopang. So ordered pm yesterday including flight Catalina to Rabaul task reconnaissance Buka and northwest passage Australian army reinforcements Ambon Beopang subject to request Dutch East Indies. This message held 17 hours by .... government eight am Dutch reported advancing planes to be on Keopang not now considered necessary. Eleven am chief of air corps desired proceed with all aircraft forward movements Manila informed.
MERLESMITH.
(PROCEEDINGS OF CLARKE INVESTIGATION pg. 172)