740.0011 Pacific War/655: Telegram
The Consul at Saigon (Browne) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29—5:45 a.m.]
151. Arrivals of Japanese troops at Saigon were heavy during the past week and their numbers in southern Indochina are now estimated as follows: Cambodia 55,000, Saigon area 10,000, Cochin-China apart from Saigon area 20,000, southern Annam 5,000, total 90,000. These figures may be far from accurate; the most competent observers admit that they now have no reliable data. Statements from government sources are no longer considered trustworthy.
It is widely felt that if the Japanese threat against Thailand has so far been a bluff such is no longer the case. Factors contributing to this feeling are the efficient appearance of the recent arrivals, their superior equipment, the taking over by the Japanese of the large hospital in Cholon and the increase in air activity.
Sent to Cavite for repetition to the Department, Chungking, Peiping, Hong Kong, Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo. Repeated to Bangkok.