Cablegram 644 LONDON, 10 November 1939
Your telegram No.85. [1] Personal for Hodgson. Have discussed matter at both Foreign Office and War Cabinet Secretariat. View taken here is that on all present evidence Dutch would resist a German attack on Holland and would co-operate with Great Britain as allies. This would include if necessary co-operation in every way in dealing with German interests in Netherlands East Indies e.g. over seizure of German shipping. Presumably Dutch would have no difficulties in dealing with Germans in this sphere.
It is assumed here that if the emergency arose immediate collaboration would be initiated between local naval commanders, and that Australian Government Commissioner would advise you regarding movements of German shipping in Netherlands East Indies ports.
War Cabinet Secretariat would be glad to have details of specific questions which you had in mind.
STIRLING
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1 Document 343.
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[FA: A2937, NETHERLANDS-POLITICAL]