756.94/147: Telegram
The Consul General at Singapore (Patton) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 22—4:30 a.m.]
Conferences now being held in Singapore by military, naval, and government officials in view of the critical situation which may result from Japan making further efforts to develop her new order in Asia. One of the chief subjects under discussion is the disposition of oil fields and refineries at Miri and Sandakan as well as in Netherlands Indies which it is not feasible at the present time to protect. It is understood that preparations have been made to destroy all refineries in the event that the Japanese attempt to occupy them. Naval authorities believed that Japan will attempt some such action if the United States curtails oil supplies to Japan.