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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume III

110 — The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

110
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

13 December 1941

The following is a report prepared for our military advisers on the methods open to Japan and those likely to be adopted:

‘1. Russia's continued neutrality is, for the purpose of the report, assumed.

‘2. Japan's object is to gain complete control and freedom of movement in East Asia by eliminating Allied power in that area. The capture of Singapore and Manila are necessary, and control of the East Indies area providing vital economic resources, particularly oil, would follow.

‘3. Japan's main course of action must therefore be:

(a)

Denial to us and the Americans with a view to the easiest possible capture of:

(1)

Malaya, particularly Singapore;

(2)

The Philippines, particularly Manila, to protect sea communications;

(3)

Hong Kong.

(b)

Repetition of air attacks on Hawaii to impede the repair of naval units and dockyard.

‘4. Other operations.

(a)

Operations which might be carried out simultaneously with or independently of the above:

(1)

Attack on the Dutch submarine base at Sourabaya;

(2)

Attack on the Panama Canal by carrier-borne aircraft—difficult and risky, but prize very great;

(3)

Occupation of islands near the Equator on which air bases are being constructed, e.g., [group omitted–Christmas?] Island (Pacific) and Canton Island;

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(4)

Raid by cruisers and minelaying of ports and their approaches in the Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand and India, and attacking shipping in the Pacific and Indian Oceans;

(5)

The acquisition of a refuelling base in Madagascar is a remote possibility.

(b)

Developing from the main operations, Japan may attempt the occupation of:

(1)

Key points in Borneo.

(2)

Sumatra and Java, to close the entrance from the west to the China Seas.

(3)

Air bases in the Celebes and Halmahera.’