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move directed against the Netherlands East Indies, Malaya
or Thailand.
Relations between the Governments of the British Commonwealth
and the Netherlands Government are too well known for the Japanese
Government to be under any illusion as to their reaction to any
attack on territories of the Netherlands. In the interest of
peace His Majesty's Governments feel it incumbent upon them however
to remove any uncertainty which may exist as regards their attitude
in the event of attack on Thailand.
His Majesty's Governments have no designs against Thailand.
On the contrary preservation of full independence and sovereignty
of Thailand is an important British interest. Any attempt by
Japan to impair that independence or sovereignty would affect
the security of Burma and Malay and His Majesty's Governments
could not be indifferent to it. They feel bound therefore to
warn the Japanese Government in the most solemn manner that if
Japan attempts to establish her influence in Thailand by force
or threat of force she will do so at her own peril and His Majesty's
Governments will at once take all appropriate measures. Should
hostilities unfortunately result the responsibility will rest
with Japan.