740.0011 Pacific War/680: Telegram
The Consul at Saigon (Browne) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 5—4:24 a.m.]
158. Japanese supply ships are still arriving at Saigon but at a reduced rate and this Consulate has no information which would lead [Page 371] it to modify the data furnished in its telegram No. 15157 as to the number of Japanese troops in southern Indochina. However, I was informed yesterday evening by a competent observer that in his opinion the Japanese force in southern Indochina was between 130 and 135,000.
At least 300 cavalry horses were landed at Saigon last week as well as more trucks, tanks and airplane parts. It is estimated that there are now in the neighborhood of 300 planes at the Saigon airport which has been closed to Air France by the use of movable obstacles. Recently there has been much night flying by Japanese military planes.
It is generally believed here that the Japanese Army is so fanatical and impervious to reason that Thailand will be attacked soon regardless of the consequences.
The local Chief of Police informed me yesterday that he expected the attack to be signalized by the simultaneous arrest of Americans and British (and certain French), occupation of their properties, and seizure of such public [facilities?] as the Postal Telegraph and Telephone services, customs, et cetera. He stated that all Americans now in Indochina were in grave danger since the French authorities could no longer protect them.
I was warned twice yesterday by police officials that I was being shadowed by Japanese and that I should not go out after dark unarmed. I shall of course not carry arms. However, I have consented to a police guard for the temporary quarters of the Consulate.
Sent to Cavite for repetition to the Department, Chungking, Peiping, Hong Kong, Shanghai. Shanghai repeat to Tokyo. Repeated to Bangkok.