PARAPHRASE
     of Telegram no. 45, January 17, 1942 
          from Rangoon.
 
     A small percentage of Americans residing in Burma are departing
from the country at present.  A much greater problem will be presented
subsequently in case of an evacuation of a major character.  Observers
who are well informed have expectations of an attack by the Japanese
on Burma by sea and by land from the south, and on land from the east
at the same time.  They are doubtful that the defense forces available
will be able to carry on resistance very long.  The closing of the
port of Rangoon will result.  The sole avenue for escape then will be
a difficult journey overland fraught with danger by launches on the 
river and by trail over to India (no highway exists here), or by
airplane.  Japanese forces are now making an advance in some degree
of force in Tavoy, Mergui, and to the east of Moulmein.  Probablly a
stronger attack is not very far in the future.
 
               Schnare
Schnare