711.94/2513: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 4—9:19 a.m.]
220. War Department at Bandoeng claims intercepted and decoded following from Ministry Foreign Affairs, Tokyo:
“When crisis leading to worst arises following will be broadcast at end weather reports: (1) east wind rain war with United States, (2) north wind cloudy war with Russia, (3) west wind clear war with Britain including attack on Thailand or Malaya and Dutch Indies. If spoken twice, burn codes and secret papers.”
Same re following from Japanese Ambassador, Bangkok, to Consul General, Batavia:
“When threat of crises exists, following will be used five times in texts of general reports and radio broadcasts: (1) Higashi east America, (2) Kita North Russia, (3) Nishi west Britain with advance into Thailand and attack on Malaya and Dutch Indies.”
Thorpe and Slawson cabled the above to War Department. I attach little or no importance to it and view it with some suspicion. Such have been common since 1936.