MINUTE SHEET.
PRHKjHK
(M24I01 184M/205
800m  10/M 700
astS lift 210
(BEGIMIHT)
Cod* 6-84-0
We are not expected to take any action on
these suggestions from the Netherlands Government for
the time "being.    But the F.O. telegram makes it clear
that they are expecting to hear something from us
regarding the reactions of the U.S.3. to the proposal
that a joint declaration be made"by the U.S. and the
British Empire that any attack on the Iletherlands Jiast
Indies or on British possessions in the Far Kast will
involve Japan in war immediately with both our
countries"-    This suggestion was originally put forward
by the Chiefs of Staff end in referring to it in their
telegram to us No. 771 the F.O. merely said "a joint
declaration on the lines recommended by the Chief of
Staff is obviously most likely to achieve this end but
such a declaration is I fear unrealisable in present
circumstances".    This showed fairly clearly that the
F.O. hardly expected the U.S.O.  to fall in with the
suggestion, and in the communication which the
Ambassador sent to Mr. Hull on February 11th, while it
was said that "the joint declaration.....is
obviously the course most likely to achieve this end"
we added "it is realised, however, that such a proposal
may present certain difficulties from the point of view
of the U.S.".    In none of the,recent telegrams which
we have sent to the F.O. repyffllIo       g the reactions of
Mr. Hull or Mr. Welles to our suggestions that the U.S.
should take some deterrent action has there been any
reference to the possibility of the proposed joint
declaration.    Presumably, therefore, neither Mr. Hull
nor Mr. belles have ever mentioned the matter in their
conversations, and if that is so, then the inference to
be drawn is presumably 'that they do not care for the
idea.    Indeed, the President's statement on February 9th
to the Ambassador that he "did not thinK the country
would approve the U.S.O. declaring war on Japan if the
Japanese only attacked the IT.K.I. or the British
possessions* is^pretty clear indication that the U.S.O.
would not agree to make any such declaration^ Unless,
therefore, either Mr. Hull or Mr. Welles did say anything
specific on the subject to the Ambassador, it might be
enough to reply referring the F.O. to the President's
remarKs and saying that in the circumstances we do not
think that there is any point in pressing the suggestion
about the joint declaration further on the Americans,
at all events at this stage.
iruary 20th, 19U1
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