SECRET October 11, 1940 U.S. FLEET Dispositions and Operations to meet special situation in Western Pacific. ASSUMPTIONS. 1. The Gravity of the situation existing today is intensified by the opening of the Burma Road by Great Britain. 2. The Japanese announce or indicate that the opening of the Burma Road is an act unfriendly to Japan. 3. The Japanese undertake retaliatory measures to enforce co- operation with Japan by Great Britain in the Far East. 4. Japan undertakes positive aggressive action to enforce full cooperation by the Dutch East Indies. 5. The United States proclaims complete embargo on shipments from the United States or United States possessions to Japan and non- intercourse with Japan. 6. The United States undertakes by diplomatic and naval action to prevent Japanese trade, in Japanese ships and in ships of other nations, with the Western Hemisphere. 7. The United States will support British forces in the Western Pacific,- in Australia and Singapore,- and Dutch Forces in the Dutch East Indies in stopping Japanese trade south of China Sea - Celebes Sea area. 8. The United States is prepared to accept war if the measures taken cause Japan to declare war. 9. Great Britain will prevent any naval aggression in the Western Atlantic against the Western Hemisphere by the Axis Power. l0.The situations and decisions by the United States assumed herein may arise 17 October, 1940. |