762.9411/131: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
Batavia, October 18, 1940—3
p.m.
[Received October 18—9:34 a.m.]
[Received October 18—9:34 a.m.]
The only developments in the situation since my telegram of October 11, 3 p.m.28 are as follows:
- 1.
- The discussions during the past week were confined to the German-Italian-Japanese pact and resulted in a statement to the press to the effect that the tripartite agreement and its possible effect on the Netherlands Indies had been discussed. The following statement by the Japanese delegation was included therein: “In spite of the tripartite treaty recently concluded among Japan, Germany and Italy the [Page 187] strong desire of Japan for the maintenance and promotion of the friendly relations between Japan and the Netherlands Indies is not affected in the least. All what is wished for by Japan is co-existence and co-prosperity with neighboring countries”. Van Mook told me in confidence that Kobayashi had said that if Germany appeared to be losing the war Japan would go to her assistance whereupon Van Mook replied that the conference might as well conclude immediately. Kobayashi then requested a personal and intimate talk with Van Mook. The result of that conversation was the statement given to the press.
- 2.
- The Japanese have not replied to the oil companies’ memorandum and the American representatives thereof are considering returning to the United States since they are of the opinion that the negotiations will probably drag on indefinitely unless they are terminated abruptly by the Netherlands delegation. The local authorities are more optimistic than they have been at any time subsequent to May 10.
Repeated to Tokyo.
Foote
- Not printed.↩