740.0011 Pacific War/663
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Atcheson)63
Reference NE’s underlying memorandum December 2, 1941.64 As Burma is geographically removed from the area which might first be attacked in any Japanese aggressive action and as American citizens [Page 448] in Burma could in case of danger assumably move into comparatively safe areas of free China, it seems to us that this question is one largely for determination by NE in the light of the question whether the giving of advice to Americans that they withdraw from Burma would have adverse effect upon the Burmese and upon the internal political situation in Burma.
It will be recalled that when the question was raised earlier this year whether withdrawal suggestions should be made to certain categories of American citizens in Burma, British Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies, the Consul at Rangoon expressed the opinion that, as regards Burma, the making of such suggestion would tend to cause panic among the Burmese and the Consul accordingly advised against the taking of such action.65