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Minutes.
OP
RIC:G
November 8th, 19W-
Telegram from Former Afaval person to
President shown me to-day "by Mr. Dunn refers
to Chiang-kai-Shek's appeal to P.N.P. and
President.     Gives text of appeal (see P.O.
telegram No. )•
Points:-
1. Refers to British air situation in
Singapore "but says H.J.I.G-. would send pilots to
China and even some planes.
2. Emphasizes need for a Joint and formid-
able deterrent to Japan.     U.S.G-1 s time-gaining
policy so far "brilliantly successful hut U.S.-
British-Dutch embargo is forcing Japan to
decisions for peace or war.
3. P.N.P. thinks Japan will go into Yunnan
cutting Burma Road.     This disastrous for
Chiang whose collapse, "besides being world
tragedy, would leave Japan with large forces for
attack North or South.
U« Refers to Chiang's appeal for a warn-
ing against an attack on Yunnan.     Hopes Pre-
sident might remind Japan that an attack aimed
at China "from a region in which v/e have never
recognized that Japan had any right to maintain
forces would he in open disregard of the clearly
indicated attitude of the U.S.G.       We should
of course he ready to make a similar communica-
tion."
5. No independent British action will deter
Japan because we are so tied up elsewhere. "Bu
of course we will stand with you and do our
utmost/
urmost to "back you in whatever course
more likely to drift into v/ar than to
plunge in.
P.N.P. asks what the
President thinks of foregoing.
far as he knew no reply had "been sent
"by the President as yet and that the
matter was receiving very careful
consideration.     Incidentally he
expressed a similar view to that of
Dr. Horhbeck, i.e. that the mission .
of Mr. Kurusu was merely a time-
gaining device for Mr. Kurusu was not
an important figure.
you choose".
P.N.P. thinks Japan
Mr. Dunn told me that as