~T,-
I have reoeived reports during-the past/days of
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continuing Japanese troop movements to southern. Indo-
Ghina.   These reports   indicate a very rapid and
material Increase In the forces of all kinds stationed
by Japan In Indo-China•
It was my clear understanding that by the terms of
the agreement      and there is no present need to discuss
the nature of that agreement — between Japan and the
French Government at Vichy that the total number of Jap-
anese forces permitted by the terms of that agreement to
be stationed in Indo-China was very considerably less
than the total amount of the forces already there.
The stationing of  these Increased Japanese forces
in Indo-Chlna would seem to Imply tixe utilization of
these forces by Japan for purposes of further aggres-
sion, since no such number of forces could possibly be
required for the policing of  that region.   Such aggrae-
slon could conceivably be against the Philippine Islands;
against the many islands of the Kast Indies; against
Burma; against Malaya or either through coercion or
through the actual use of force for the purpose of under-
taking the ooouja tion of Thailand*   Such new aggression
would, of course, be additional to the acta of aggression
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already undertaken agalnat China, our attitude towards
whioh la well known, and has been repeatedly atated to
the Japaneae Government.
Pleaae be good enough to request the Japaneae Ambas-
sador and Ambassador Kuruau to inquire at onoa of the
Japaneae Government what the actual reasons may be for
the steps already taken, and what I am to consider la
the policy of the Japanese Government as demonstrated by
this recent and rapid concentration of troopa In Indo-
china*   This Government has seen in the last few years
in Europe a policy on the part of the German Government
whioh has Involved a oonatant and ateady encroachment
upon the territory and rights of free and independent
peoplea through the utilization of military steps of the
same character.     It is for that reason and because of
the broad problem of American defense that I should like
to know the intention of the Japanese Government.
u