756.94/135
Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a Conversation With the British Ambassador (Lothian)
I said to the Ambassador that I desired to propound a question—not a request or a suggestion even—to his Government as to the idea of this Government approaching the Government of Japan and saying to it that the British Government advises me that it stands unequivocally for the maintenance of the status quo of the Dutch East Indies just as it did before the invasion of Holland; that the United States Government likewise stands unequivocally for the maintenance of the status quo of the Dutch East Indies just as this Government along with the Government of Japan some days ago announced this as their definite and unequivocal position and attitude; that in these circumstances I desired to inquire of the Government of Japan if it is disposed to continue its position as heretofore announced by it some days ago of maintaining the status quo of the Dutch East Indies and its integrity in every way. The Ambassador seemed to be favorably disposed to this idea and made note of it to place before his Government.