390.1115A/608: Telegram
The Consul General at Singapore (Patton) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—3:10 p.m.]
376. My 375.75 Japanese treachery of December 8 and the rapid series of unexpected events which followed in the Pacific area have upset our evacuation plans in the same way as other plans have been upset. Evacuation is now obviously a question of ships but it should be frankly stated that even official opinion is divided, whether it is wiser at this moment to take the sea risk or the risk of remaining here.
We are in close touch with our entire community and with the shipping situation as it develops from hour to hour. We will keep Americans advised of ship departures but, it is our considered opinion, that as things stand each individual must weigh family and personal factors and make his own decision.
[Page 452]It is believed that before end of December transportation will be available for all American women and children who wish to leave. It is possible that men whose services can be used will be held here.
We will endeavor to keep Department advised of names and where-abouts of all who leave, but for reasons of safety specific details may [be] deleted or delayed owing [to] possibility [that] inter-office cipher may have been compromised.
Community remains calm.
- Dated December 20, noon; not printed.↩