February 26, 1942.
AND PERSONAL FOR AMBASSADOR BIDDLE, LONDON
 
     I have received your personal message and I want
 
to assure you that we are doing everything possible to get
 
more fighter planes into Java. Some are on their way there
 
directly at the present time. The problem is going to be
 
to get fighter planes from Australia to Java in view of
 
the apparent loss of Timer. My people in Australia have
 
definite orders to keep sending all possible reinforcements
 
of every and any kind that will be useful. I think the
 
Amerlcan Navy ships are operating usefully under your Admiral.
 
 
     I received word from Aruba that our planes got
 
there just in time. The coast guns had arrived two or three
 
days before the bombardment but had not yet been set up.
 
Apparently the planes prevented destruction of the refinery.
 
     In the East Indies your forces are putting up
 
a gallant fight and none of us here subscribe to the thought
 
that they will inevitably be defeated. There are signs
 
that the Japanese are mueh disturbed by their exceedingly
 
heavy losses.
 
               I send you my very warm regards.
 
                         ROOSEVELT