Documents on Australian Foreign Policy

1. SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 26 January 1937; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 26 January 1937, PERSONAL AND SECRET Herewith I forward three copies of a memorandum that I have drafted re the proposal for a Dominions capital ship based on Singapore. I thought that perhaps you might wish to send a copy to Parkhill and Casey. [1] I have not...’
2. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 2 February 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 2 February 1937, Herewi On 10 July 1936 Cabinet approved in principle the appointment of Australian Counsellors at the British Embassies in Washington and Tokyo. In a letter dated 14 October 1936 from the Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden, the United Kingdom Government agreed to the proposal, provided that...’
3. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 9 February 1937; ‘Extract n.d. [before 9 February 1937 [1]] GERMANY-QUESTION OF COLONIES The first part of this memorandum summarised a speech made by the Minister for External Affairs, Sir George Pearce, in the Senate on 13 March 1936 (Commonwealth Parliamentary Debates, vol. 149, PP. 119-123). It then went on to summarise a...’
4. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: February 1937; ‘n.d. UNOCCUPIED ISLANDS IN THE VICINITY OF AUSTRALIA 1. Until recently the question of the ownership of the small islands lying off the coast of Australia has not been of any great significance to the Commonwealth. A number of factors have, however, arisen during the past few years which have...’
5. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 11 September 1936; ‘11 September 1936 [1] REFORM OF THE COVENANT OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. The fundamental bases of the foreign policy of Great Britain have been dictated by geography, which has ever exerted a paramount influence. An island state, but the centre of a vast empire with...’
6. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 9 February 1937; ‘Extracts n.d. [after 9 February 1937] REVIEW OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY The Commonwealth has not recently had any direct relations of particular significance with Germany, nor was Australia, or any of the Dominions, a signatory of the Locarno Treaty, the renewal of which was one of...’
7. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 10 February 1937; ‘Cablegram 23 10 February 1937, For the Prime Minister Reference Officer’s [1] appointment to Washington would strongly urge desirability of his remaining in London for Imperial Conference. Position would not be prejudiced if he did not proceed to America until middle of June. BRUCE 1 Major F.K. Officer, External Affairs...’
8. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 11 February 1937; ‘Cablegram 17 11 February 1937, Your 23. [1] Appreciate that in many respects it would be of value if Officer [2] remained in London over Conference but in view of announcement made both here and United Kingdom and wide interest aroused in Australia as evidenced many leading articles on our...’
9. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 12 February 1937; ‘Cablegram 24 LONDON n.d. [11 or 12 February 1937], CONFIDENTIAL For the Prime Minister In view of wide interest aroused by announcement in Australia agree impossible keep Officer [1] London for Imperial Conference. Will require month to six weeks to make necessary arrangements but these being expedited and will leave...’
10. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 10 February 1937; ‘Extract n.d. [after 10 February 1937] THE UNITED STATES The first part of this memorandum dealt with U.S.-U.K. relations, and the second part with U.S.-Australian relations. The extract printed here is the second section of the second part; the first section dealt with trade relations between the U.S. and Australia....’
11. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 6 March 1937; ‘Extract n.d. [c. 6 March 1937] REVIEW OF RELATIONS WITH PARTICULAR COUNTRIES HAVING SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE VIS-A-VIS THE UNITED KINGDOM OR PARTICULAR DOMINIONS JAPAN The memorandum began with a detailed account of Anglo-Japanese relations from 1933 to early 1937, including negotiations for an Anglo-Japanese agreement in 1936-37. In a minute of...’
12. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 6 March 1937; ‘Cablegram 26 6 March 1937, Please communicate following to British Government. Begins. Commonwealth Government has followed with the closest attention and interest the question of Anglo-Japanese relations as indicated in various Foreign Office Memoranda and especially those conversations on the Japanese Ambassador’s memorandum of last November. [1] The Commonwealth Government...’
13. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 8 March 1937; ‘Extract MELBOURNE, 8 March 1937 THE POLITICAL AND STRATEGICAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO IMPERIAL AND LOCAL DEFENCE II. THE POLITICAL AIM IN PEACE IN THE PACIFIC REGION A definition is sought of the political aim in peace in the Pacific Region. The improvement of British relations with Japan with the object...’
14. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 8 March 1937; ‘MELBOURNE, 8 March 1937 STRATEGICAL IMPORTANCE OF PACIFIC ISLANDS 1. ITEM SUBMITTED The New Zealand Government has submitted the subject of the strategical importance of Pacific Islands. 2. OBSERVATIONS OF AUSTRALIAN NAVAL STAFF (a) Introduction Any examination of the strategical value of the Pacific Islands must start from an estimate...’
15. CABINET MINUTE: 9 March 1937; ‘Minute 1368 CANBERRA, 9 March 1937 YAMPI SOUND IRON DEPOSITS Reference was made to the fact that Japan, through an English company, was now almost ready to proceed with the exploitation of the iron at Yampi Sound. It was stated that the Commonwealth would not prohibit the export of iron...’
16. CABINET MINUTE: 9 March 1937; ‘Minute 2030 CANBERRA, 9 March 1937 RETURN OF COLONIES TO GERMANY The only statements made by Australia on this question have been made by Sir George Pearce. [1] As they were comprehensive and in accordance with the views of the Government it was agreed that Sir Archdale Parkhill [2] should,...’
17. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 10 March 1937; ‘LONDON, 10 March 1937 THE FOREIGN SITUATION-MARCH 1937 THE SITUATION A YEAR AGO At the beginning of 1936 the foreign situation might have been summarised as follows: ‘Germany is still rearming at full speed, rejoicing at the dissolution of the Stresa front of Great Britain, France and Italy, and aiming...’
18. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO DEPARTMENT: 24 April 1937; ‘Cablegram 60 LONDON, 23 or 24 April 1937 SECRET An official report has been circulated that Japanese interests have been negotiating for, and are about to conclude the purchase of a large company in Timor, the owner of which is Celestino da Silva. In view of this report instructions have...’
19. MR H. A. PETERSON, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN LONDON): 24 April 1937; ‘Cablegram 47 24 April 1937, Your telegram No. 60 Timor [1] Minister [2] authorises you to inform British Authorities that Commonwealth Government desires to associate itself with proposed representations to Portuguese Government. [3] PETERSON _ 1 Document 18.* *2 Sir George Pearce. 3 On 24 JulY 1937 A. Stirling, External...’
20. SUMMARY OF PAPERS AND QUESTIONS ON DEFENCE SUBMITTED BY DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 28 April 1937; ‘Extracts LONDON, 28 April 1937 A total of 20 defence papers was prepared for the Australian Delegation to the Imperial Conference. Extracts from Paper No. 1 and Paper No. 17 have been printed earlier in this volume (Documents 13 and 14). The paper of which the following Document is an...’
21. MAJOR B. COMBES, GENERAL STAFF, ARMY HEADQUARTERS, TO MR H. A. PETERSON, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 April 1937; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 29 April 1937 SECRET AND PERSONAL A few weeks ago, I received through the Department of Commerce a communication from Colonel Longfield Lloyd, Tokyo. [1] Lloyd, as you are probably aware, was a Military Intelligence officer before going to his post in Tokyo. The communication has the following...’
22. MR J. K. WALLER, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR H. A. PETERSON, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 May 1937; ‘Memorandum [1] 3 May 1937, The extract from Colonel Longfield-Lloyd’s note to Major Combes draws attention to two points viz:-Japanese interests in Yampi Sound, and secondly, in Northern and North-Western Australian waters with special reference to the area near Darwin. The position in regard to Yampi Sound is that, soon...’
23. MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 11 May 1937; ‘LONDON, 11 May 1937 FOREIGN SITUATION IN MAY 1937 It was noted in March that various new aspects of the foreign situation were favourable to Great Britain and the Dominions. Since then it is probable that the tendency to improvement has continued. An accumulation of evidence suggests that this is...’
24. SIR EARLE PAGE, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 11 May 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 11 May 1937, SECRET Cabinet has considered Pearce’s memorandum of 26th January [1]to you regarding question of capital ship based on Singapore contributed by Dominions. Cabinet fully appreciates importance of necessity for capital ships in East but feels that best contribution that Australia could make would be to...’
25. SPEECH BY MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO FIRST PLENARY SESSION OF IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 14 May 1937; ‘E 1st meeting (1937) LONDON, 14 May 1937 The Commonwealth of Australia is proud to be associated with this Imperial Conference, coming, as it does, immediately after the Coronation of Their Majesties, the King and Queen, for whom, in unmistakable manner, all the Dominions have shown their loyalty and affection....’
26. MINUTES OF FIRST MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 19 May 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 1 (extract) LONDON, 19 May 1937 ABYSSINIA MR LYONS suggested that the question of Abyssinia was urgent and that it should be considered at the present meeting. MR EDEN said that his information was that the problem was now more difficult than it had been last September,...’
27. MINUTES OF THIRD MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 21 May 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 3 (extract) LONDON, 21 May 1937 At the first meeting of principal delegates on 19 May 1937 the U.K. Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden, introduced the discussions on foreign affairs in a speech outlining British policy. He explained that it was undesirable to adopt an attitude of disinterest...’
28. MINUTES OF FOURTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 22 May 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 4 (extract) LONDON, 22 May 1937 At the third meeting of principal delegates on 21 May 1937, New Zealand and South African leaders were critical of aspects of British foreign policy, as indeed was R. G. Casey in regard to Central European policy (see Document 27). As...’
29. MINUTES OF FOURTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 22 May 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 4 (extracts) LONDON, 22 May 1937 NON-AGGRESSION PACT IN THE PACIFIC The question of regional pacts, initially raised by the U.K. in connection with proposals for the reform of the Covenant of the League of Nations, was considered by a Cabinet sub-committee on 11 September 1936. The...’
30. MR J. D. L. HOOD, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 May 1937; ‘Memorandum S3878 LONDON, 22 May 1937 In continuation of S.3865 [1], during a farewell conversation on 19th May between Sir R. Clive [2], the Minister for Foreign Affairs [3] and the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs [4], the Japanese Ministers referred to Mr Lyons’s suggestion of a non- aggression pact. Sir...’
31. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 May 1937; ‘Memorandum S.3897 LONDON, n.d. [after 22 May 1937] The first part of this memorandum did not relate to the Pacific Pact proposal. 4. The Ambassador at Nanking [1] now reports that the Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] seems reassured as to the possible effect of Anglo-Japanese conversations on Chinese interests;...’
32. MINUTES OF SEVENTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 26 May 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 7 (extract) LONDON, 26 May 1937 IMPERIAL DEFENCE: DEPENDENCE ON SEA POWER SIR SAMUEL HOARE expressed his regret at having been unable to attend the two previous Meetings at which defence matters were discussed. He then proceeded to make the following statement. ‘1. The Minister for Co-ordination...’
33. MEMORANDUM PREPARED BY DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE [1]: 28 May 1937; ‘Memorandum E (37) 29 LONDON, 28 May 1937 MOST SECRET (limited circulation) SUGGESTION FOR REGIONAL PACT IN THE PACIFIC At the opening meeting of the present Conference it was indicated by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Mr Lyons, that Australia would greatly welcome a regional understanding and...’
34. MINUTES OF TENTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 1 June 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 10 (extract) LONDON, 1 June 1937 MR LYONS thought at the moment by far the most important question was that of the world international situation and the vital necessity for appeasement among nations if civilization was to be preserved. The very full and highly confidential information which...’
35. MINUTES OF MEETING TO DISCUSS DEFENCE QUESTIONS: 1 June 1937; ‘2 WHITEHALL GARDENS, LONDON, 1 June 1937, 9.30 a.m. SECRET PRESENT Sir Thomas Inskip, Minister for Co-ordination of Defence (in the Chair) M. J. Savage, Prime Minister of New Zealand Walter Nash, Minister of Finance, New Zealand Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval...’
36. MINUTES OF ELEVENTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 2 June 1937; ‘E (PD) (3 7) 11 (extract) LONDON, 2 June 1937 SUGGESTION FOR REGIONAL PACT IN THE PACIFIC 2. MR CHAMBERLAIN reminded the Conference that the suggestion for a Regional Pact in the Pacific, now made in the Memorandum by the Australian Delegation (E. (37) 29) [1] before the present Meeting,...’
37. MINUTES OF ELEVENTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 2 June 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 11 (extract) LONDON, 2 June 1937 THE DEMAND FOR THE RETURN OF THE EX-GERMAN COLONIES MR LYONS said that the point of view of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia would be indicated by Mr Casey. MR CASEY said that the attitude of the Commonwealth towards...’
38. REPORT FOR IMPERIAL CONFERENCE OF TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON PACIFIC PACT: 8 June 1937; ‘E (37) 33 LONDON, n.d. [between 2 and 8 June 1937] SECRET MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE [1] United Kingdom The Hon. Sir Alexander Cadogan, Deputy Under-Secretary of State, Foreign Office (in the chair) Sir Harry Batterbee, Under-Secretary of State, Dominions Office R. A. Wiseman, Assistant Secretary, Dominions Office J. M....’
39. MINUTES OF TWELFTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 3 June 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 12 (extracts) LONDON, 3 June 1937 Anthony Eden’s speech was intended to deal with comments on and criticisms of British foreign policy made at earlier meetings of Principal Delegates, including remarks by R. G. Casey at the third meeting (Document 27). CENTRAL AND SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE Mr Eden...’
40. MINUTES OF THIRTEENTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 4 June 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 13 (extracts) LONDON, 4 June 1937 REFORM OF THE COVENANT OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS Anthony Eden opened the discussions by stating that ‘the views of members of the League differed very widely as to the course to be adopted, and that ‘it would seem, therefore, necessary...’
41. MINUTES OF FIFTEENTH MEETING OF PRINCIPAL DELEGATES TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 8 June 1937; ‘E (PD) (37) 15 (extract) LONDON, 8 June 1937 THE PACIFIC PACT: REPORT OF TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 3. The Meeting had before them the Report of the Technical Committee on the Pacific Pact (E. (37) 33). [1] The Report had been prepared in accordance with the arrangement arrived at at the...’
42. REPORT BY CHIEFS OF STAFF SUB-COMMITTEE OF COMMITTEE OF IMPERIAL DEFENCE ON QUESTIONS RAISED BY AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 9 June 1937; ‘Extracts LONDON, 9 June 1937 INTRODUCTION The Australian Delegation has submitted a number of defence questions for consideration at the Imperial Conference. These questions are contained in the following papers:- Paper No. 1, C.O.S. 580.-British policy in the Far East. Paper No. 3, C.O.S. 581.-Priority of provision for defence and...’
43. NOTES ON U.K. CHIEFS OF STAFF ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION TO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 9 June 1937; ‘LONDON, n.d. [on or after 9 June 1937] PART II: DEFENCE AGAINST INVASION [1] PARAGRAPH 24 It is noted from paragraph 22 that the maximum time that must be allowed for the arrival of the fleet at Singapore is 70 days, apart from political factors. In paragraph 24 it is...’
44. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 June 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 10 June 1937 SECRET For Minister for External Affairs. Personal and most secret. At opening speech of Conference [1] I indicated that Australia would welcome regional pact in Pacific and would be prepared to collaborate with other Powers to this end. Words used were precisely those of...’
45. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 14 June 1937; ‘Extract LONDON, 14 June 1937 IX-FOREIGN AFFAIRS At the Plenary Meeting of the Imperial Conference on 14th May, the Chairman [1] made the following statement in the course of his opening speech:- ‘Though we shall discuss other important subjects, we are agreed that questions of foreign affairs and defence shall...’
46. SPEECH BY MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SECOND PLENARY SESSION OF IMPERIAL CONFERENCE: 15 June 1937; ‘E 2nd meeting (1937) LONDON, 15 June 1937 THE RIGHT HON. J. A. LYONS: Mr Prime Minister and Gentlemen. First of all, let me say that what Mr Mackenzie King has said in appreciation of the great services which Earl Baldwin and yourself have rendered to Great Britain and to...’
47. MINUTES OF MEETING TO DISCUSS DEFENCE QUESTIONS: 21 June 1937; ‘Extract 2 WHITEHALL GARDENS, LONDON, 21 June 1937 SECRET PRESENT Sir Thomas Inskip, Minister for Co-ordination of Defence (in the Chair) Malcolm MacDonald, Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Sir Archdale Parkhill, Minister for Defence, Australia...’
48. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 June 1937; ‘Memorandum S4011 LONDON, 19 June 1937 CONFIDENTIAL PACIFIC RELATIONS In continuation of S.3987 [1], the print forwarded to you by the Dominions Office this week contains a record of an interview on 7th June between the Secretary of State [2] and the Japanese Ambassador [3] on the subject of the...’
49. MEMORANDUM BY MR J. K. WALLER, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 July 1937; ‘9 July 1937 SECRET PORTUGUESE TIMOR (A) STAUGHTON CONCESSIONS On 25th October, 1926, representations were made to the Commonwealth Government on behalf of Mr A. J. Staughton [1], who desired to acquire further concessions in Portuguese Timor in addition to the seven oil concessions which he held on behalf of...’
50. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 15 July 1937; ‘Cablegram 41 LONDON, 15 July 1937, 9.58 p.m. SECRET Despatch 84, Secret, from British Consul-General, Batavia, to Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [1], of which copy was sent to you. His Majesty’s Charge d’Affaires, Tokyo [2], reports that Japanese representative [3] left for Lisbon late in June to negotiate...’
51. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 17 June 1937; ‘Copies to Mr J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister, and Director of Naval Intelligence, Melbourne Dispatch 84E BATAVIA, 17 June 1937 Received in Canberra 21 July 1937 [1] SECRET According to a ‘Domei’ telegram from Tokyo published here yesterday, the Nanyo Kohatsu Kaisha (South Seas Development Company) has decided to enter...’
52. MR LONGFIELD LLOYD, TRADE COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 June 1937; ‘Memorandum 395 TOKYO, 14 June 1937 HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL REPORTED AUSTRALIAN PROPOSAL FOR PACIFIC PACT REACTION IN JAPAN I have regularly forwarded by each mail, without comment, a series of local Press cuttings setting forth or otherwise discussing, a proposal purporting to have been made, in. London, by the Right Honourable...’
53. CABINET MINUTE: 28 July 1937; ‘Minute 1368 SYDNEY, 28 July 1937 IRON ORE EXPORT FROM YAMPI SOUND It was decided to get full particulars in connection with the leasing of the iron deposits by the W.A. Government to Brasserts, and, if possible, obtain the terms of any agreement that may exist between Brasserts and the...’
54. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 2 August 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 2 August 1937, URGENT CONFIDENTIAL Your cablegram 20th January 1936 [1] relative to Yampi Sound Iron ore deposits in view of reported world shortage of high grade iron ore glad if you would consult with United Kingdom authorities with a view to ascertaining whether the position as outlined...’
55. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 4 August 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 4 August 1937, 8.34 p.m. Urgent. Your telegram 2nd August. [1] Matter has been discussed with Defence and Board of Trade Authorities who advise as follows. Although there has been a certain shortage of iron ore it is not lack of known deposits but inadequate output obtainable...’
56. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 23 July 1937; ‘Circular Dispatch B79 LONDON, 23 July 1937 Received n.d. [on or before 12 August 1937] CONFIDENTIAL I have the honour to transmit the accompanying copy of a despatch to His Majesty’s Representative at Tokyo [1] reporting upon a discussion with the Counsellor of the United States Embassy in London [2],...’
57. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON: 17 August 1937; ‘Cablegram 67 17 August 1937, Reference Staughton concessions Timor oil and recent despatches relating to possible Japanese penetration. Staughton [1] has granted option over his rights in Timor to E. J. Pascoe a past director of Oil Search Ltd a well-known Australian Company which is receiving grants from Commonwealth Government...’
58. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 14 July 1937; ‘Copies to Mr J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister, and Director of Naval Intelligence, Melbourne Dispatch 98E (copy) BATAVIA, 14 July 1937 Received in Canberra n.d. SECRET [on or before 18 August 1937] I have the honour to invite your reference to my despatch No. 84E of the 17th June [1]...’
59. SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA: 18 August 1937; ‘Letter 18 August 1937, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of copy of your despatch dated 14th July, to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [1], which you so kindly forwarded to me. On behalf of the Commonwealth Government I would like to express my appreciation of...’
60. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 August 1937; ‘Circular Dispatch B94 LONDON, 24 August 1937 With reference to my Confidential Circular despatch B No. 79 of the 23rd July [1], I have the honour to transmit the accompanying copy of a despatch to His Majesty’s Representative at Tokyo, Washington and Peking reporting upon a further conversation with a...’
61. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER [1]: 31 August 1937; ‘Letter (air mail) BATAVIA, 31 August 1937 I have the honour to invite your reference to previous correspondence regarding Portuguese Timor in general and the mining concession held there by Mr A. J. Staughton [2] in particular. 2. From information furnished to me by the Australian Trade Commissioner at Batavia...’
62. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 September 1937; ‘Letter (air mail) BATAVIA, 9 September 1937 CONFIDENTIAL I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th August on the subject of developments in Portuguese Timor. [1] 2. It is to be hoped that the steps now being taken by Mr Pascoe will lead to...’
63. SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA: 17 September 1937; ‘Letter 17 September 1937, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch of 31st August [1], relative to the Timor oil concession held by Mr A. J. Staughton [2] For your information I am enclosing copies of the letter sent to Mr Pascoe [3], who has an option...’
64. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 22 September 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered GENEVA, 22 September 1937, 10p.m. PERSONAL SECRET Advisory Committee of 23 on the Far Eastern situation, which was set up in 1933, to follow the then existing Sino-Japanese situation, to assist the Assembly in performing its duty under Article III paragraph 3 and to aid members of the...’
65. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 24 September 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 24 September 1937, Your telegram of 22nd September, Advisory Committee Sino-Japanese dispute. [1] Your proposal made in course of Assembly speech was to my mind a reasonable and practical proposal to bring about a settlement of the dispute. It, however, was unfortunately not accepted by the League, and...’
66. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 26 September 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 26 September 1937, 10 p.m. PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL In view of your telegram of 24th September [1] I have advised the Secretary-General of the League of Nations [2] without any reservation or comment that Australia accepts the invitation. BRUCE _ 1 Document 65. 2 Joseph L. A....’
67. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 27 September 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered GENEVA, 27 September 1937, 11.29 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER Attended meeting of the Advisory Committee today. After full statement by the Chinese delegate’ reiterating and amplifying the previous statement United Kingdom moved, with French support, that whilst general consideration of the position must await further meeting, question of...’
68. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR M. L. SHEPHERD, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE: 29 September 1937; ‘Memorandum 29 September 1937, I am attaching, for favour of your consideration, a copy of a despatch from the British Consul-General at Batavia [1] relative to the possibility of linking Portuguese Timor with the British system of aerial communication. I might add that the Commonwealth Government has been seized for...’
69. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 29 September 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered GENEVA, 29 September 1937, 10.52 p.m. SECRET Further meeting of the Advisory Committee held this evening. Representative of Ecuador proposed immediate declaration of Japan as aggressor but did not persist in the face of the proposal by France supported by the United Kingdom that Sub-committee be appointed to...’
70. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 30 September 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, 30 September 1937 Your telegram 29th September [1] Desire you accept any invitation for Australia to join Sub- committee. Resolution of moral condemnation on bombing of open towns by Japanese aircraft widely regarded as justifiable and feeling in Australia is hardening against ruthless nature of Japanese aggression. LYONS...’
71. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 1 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered GENEVA, 1 October 1937, 10.39 p.m. SECRET At further meeting of the Advisory Committee today, Sub-committee appointed including Australia on the understanding that the Subcommittee only instrument of full committee to facilitate and expedite work and that the Sub-committee will submit report before the rising of the Assembly...’
72. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 3 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered GENEVA, 3 October 1937, 5.31 p.m MOST SECRET For your own information only. Long meeting of Sub-committee ended midnight Saturday [1] discussed in detail memorandum by the League of Nations Secretariat on the situation under three heads:- (a) Facts with regard to the Japanese actions in China. (b)...’
73. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 October 1937; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 1 October 1937 I have the honour to invite your attention to reports appearing in the local newspapers of proposals that Japanese goods should be boycotted by the Australian public, and that waterside workers should refuse to work Japanese vessels. These proposals are the outcome of misleading newspaper...’
74. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 5 October 1937; ‘Letter 5 October 1937, In the absence of my colleague, the Minister for External Affairs [1], who is at present in the outlying districts of Western Australia, I have the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 1st October, 1937 [2], in regard to reports in the Australian press of...’
75. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 6 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered GENEVA, 6 October 1937, 12.26 a.m. Sub-committee sat Monday [1] day and night to settle the report on the facts of the situation and treaty obligations of Japan. This report indicates that Japan’s action is in breach of her treaty obligations and cannot be justified. Drafting Committee of...’
76. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 6 October 1937; ‘6 October 1937 Cablegram unnumbered Thanks your telegrams 3rd and 6th October.1 Desire you record an affirmative vote on behalf of Australia for adoption of report by Assembly. LYONS [AA: A981, CHINA 114, x] Documents 72 and 75. ↩ ’
77. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 7 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 7 October 1937, Consul General China [1] interviewed me this morning and while expressing appreciation of attitude which Australia had taken up during dispute intimated that his Government would be grateful of the friendly co-operation of Australia in an effort to end the dispute. He asked that this...’
78. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 15 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, n.d. SECRET Have received copy of invitation despatched to you by the President of the Assembly of the League of Nations inviting Australia as a signatory of the Washington Treaty to confer with the other League members parties to the Treaty with a view to a meeting...’
79. SIR ROBERT CLIVE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO BELGIUM, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 16 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BRUSSELS, 16 October 1937 I have received from Belgian Government note verbale dated October 16th addressed to His Majesty’s Government in Commonwealth of Australia regarding forthcoming Nine-Power Conference. Following is text. ‘The Belgian Government has the honour to make the following communication to the Government of the Commonwealth...’
80. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR ROBERT CLIVE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO BELGIUM: 17 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 17 October 1937, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of 16th October [1] forwarding the invitation of the Belgian Government to the Conference of the signatories of the Nine Power Treaty at Brussels on 30th October. Glad if you would inform Belgian Government that...’
81. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 18 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 18 October 1937, Commonwealth Government has accepted invitation from Belgian Government to be represented at Conference of Signatory Powers of Nine Power Treaty at Brussels on 30th October. Prime Minister [1] has announced to Press that invitation has been accepted and that you will be Australian representative. As...’
82. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 October 1937; ‘Circular Cablegram B113 LONDON, 18 October 1937, 11.23 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Following for Prime Minister:- My Circular B.112. [1] We have been considering very carefully the attitude to be adopted when the Conference relating to the 1922 Treaty meets. [2] My immediately succeeding telegram [3] contains a summary of the considerations...’
83. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 October 1937; ‘Circular Cablegram B114 LONDON, 19 October 1937, 4.01 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL Following is summary referred to in my immediately preceding telegram [2]:- First objective Brussels Conference must be to reach peace by agreement. It is still uncertain whether Japan will attend; in her absence it is doubtful whether this objective can...’
84. MEMORANDUM BY LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 October 1937; ‘20 October 1937 With reference to the attached Circular Telegram B.114 [1], the follow ing preliminary observations are made on the points raised by the British Government on which consideration by the Commonwealth Government is asked. [2] The recommendation of the Advisory Committee of the League of Nations which was...’
85. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 October 1937; ‘Cablegram 127 LONDON, 22 October 1937 H.B.M’s Ambassador in Tokyo [1] is of the opinion that the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] put up a struggle for representation at the Nine Power Conference at Brussels. The latest information from Japan indicates however that the War Ministry and the General...’
86. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 22 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 22 October 1937, 5.51 p.m. PERSONAL Your telegram of 18th October, issue of full powers. [1] Though possibly not necessary, considered desirable and being done in case of the United Kingdom delegate. Think that we should adopt similar course. _ 1 Document 81. _ [AA : A981,...’
87. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 October 1937; ‘Memorandum H25 LONDON, 13 October 1937 CONFIDENTIAL TIMOR In continuation of H.24 [1], the Ambassador at Lisbon [2], who is relin quishing his post, reports that at his farewell interview with the Minister of the Colonies [3] on 30th September, the latter questioned him about the purport of his recent...’
88. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 28 October 1937; ‘Cablegram 85 28 October 1937, Your telegrams of 18th and 19th October, Circulars B.113 and 114. [1] Following are views of Commonwealth Government on measures to be taken at Brussels Conference. It appears, that the choices mentioned and especially (c) are hardly applicable as Recommendation of Advisory Committee which was...’
89. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 28 October 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 28 October 1937, Please see telegrams from Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs Circulars B.113 and 114 of 18th and 19th October, respectively, and reply thereto telegram No. 85 of today’s date regarding measures to be taken at Brussels Conference. [1] Please regard the reply to the Secretary...’
90. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 28 October 1937; ‘Cablegram 88 28 October 1937, His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia desire His Majesty the King be moved to issue letters patent appointing Mr Bruce [1] as representative of His Majesty in respect of Commonwealth of Australia at Brussels Conference 3rd November. _ 1 High Commissioner in London....’
91. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA: 30 October 1937; ‘Cablegram 182 LONDON, 30 October 1937 Confidential. My telegram No. 75 [1] of today to Commonwealth Government. As you will no doubt have realised the position of the United States had to be kept very fully in mind in preparation of survey of position contained in our telegram Circular B.114....’
92. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 October 1937; ‘Cablegram 75 LONDON, 30 October 1937, 10.06 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram of 28th October, No. 85. [1] We are very grateful for the full expression of views of the Commonwealth Government as to the measures to be taken at the Brussels Conference. We should like to make it clear that,...’
93. CABINET MINUTE: 1 November 1937; ‘Minute 2241 MELBOURNE, 1 November 1937 COMMONWEALTH COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN Decided Longfield Lloyd at present Trade Commissioner in Japan to be called Commonwealth Commissioner. [1] _ 1 No further documentation of this decision has been found. See also editorial note in Document 2. _ [PM &C: A2694, MINUTE 2241, 1...’
94. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 October 1937; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 18 October 1937 I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th September [1] with which you were good enough to enclose copies of correspondence with Mr Pascoe, who holds an option over the concession granted to Mr Staughton. [2] 2. I note...’
95. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 4 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON [1], 4 November 1937, 7.50 p.m. MOST SECRET PRIVATE Session of Conference [2] held this afternoon. It is now almost certain that small committee will be appointed to study the Japanese reply to the Belgian invitation and to try to establish contact with Japan and China with...’
96. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 5 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BRUSSELS, 5 November 1937, 4.40 p.m. MOST SECRET As indicated in yesterday’s (Thursday) telegram [1], no agreement on the number of the Committee was reached last night. Private session of the Conference held to-day commenced with President Spaak [2] reading a draft reply to the Japanese note of...’
97. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 6 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON [1], 6 November 1937, 2.35 p.m. Reply to Japan settled today down the lines indicated yesterday. [2] Text will be given to the Press this evening. BRUCE _ 1 See Document 95, note 1. 2 Document 96. _ [AA : A981, CHINA 116] ’
98. MR J. D. L. HOOD, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 November 1937; ‘Cablegram 131 LONDON, 8 November 1937, 4-02 p.m. TIMOR Reference H 25 [1] and Canberra correspondence with Batavia August 18th [2] and September 9th [3], Portuguese Minister for Colonies [4] has repeated to British representative at Lisbon [5] that he regards Staughton concession as dead but he is quite willing...’
99. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 10 November 1937; ‘Cablegram 80 10 November 1937, Your 131. [1] Timor Oil. Understand that Staughton [2] still retains staff on concession is expending limited money and that Timor Government still accepts payment of fees. Hence cannot quite appreciate statement that concession regarded as dead. Staughton through two companies who have worked concession...’
100. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, 100 TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 October 1937; ‘Memorandum H29 LONDON, 30 October 1937 TIMOR In continuation of H.25 [1], the following is a note on three recent developments of which you will no doubt have been informed already either directly from the British Consul-General at Batavia [2] or from other sources. (A) CONSULAR VISIT TO TIMOR The...’
101. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 10 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BRUSSELS, 10 November 1937, 8.01 p.m. SECRET Further meeting of the Conference [1] held to-day, but adjourned until Saturday [2], in view of intimation that the Japanese reply would be received Friday. [3] BRUCE _ 1 The Brussels Conference on the Sino-Japanese dispute. 2 13 November 1937. 3...’
102. MR J. D. L. HOOD, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 November 1937; ‘Cablegram 135 LONDON, 12 November 1937, 5.43 p.m. Your telegram No. 80 [1] Timor Oil Presume you do not desire Staughton’s [2] case to be taken up again in Lisbon for the present. [3] HOOD _ 1 Document 99. 2 See Document 49, note 1. 3 A handwritten note, initialled...’
103. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 12 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BRUSSELS, 12 November 1937, 10.02 p.m. MOST SECRET Japanese reply [1] has been fully considered in private discussions to-day between the United Kingdom, United States, France and the Dominions. The probable procedure when the Conference meets tomorrow at the morning meeting will be speeches by the United Kingdom,...’
104. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 13 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON [1], 13 November 1937, 9.15 p.m. Today’s meeting generally followed the lines indicated in yesterday’s cablegram. [2] The draft press communique prepared and presented jointly by the United Kingdom, United States and France down the lines indicated, and concluding as follows:- ‘Whilst hoping that Japan will not...’
105. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 15 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 15 November 1937, Your telegrams of 12th and 13th November [1]: The Commonwealth Government adopted the draft declaration but points out that it had no opportunity to make any suggestions thereon before publication. Whilst admitting this was in the circumstances unavoidable, the Government asks that before any action...’
106. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 16 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 16 November 1937, 5.58 p.m. PERSONAL Your telegram of 15th November [1]: I have made it clear at Brussels that, while authorised to co-operate to the maximum extent in the work of the Conference, I could not agree to any commitment until I had consulted my Government....’
107. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 November 1937; ‘Cablegram 138 LONDON, 18 November 1937, 6.41 p.m. An indication has been received from the Japanese Ambassador in London [1] to the effect that his Government is disposed to accept an offer of good offices by the United States and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Government is prepared at...’
108. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 November 1937; ‘Cablegram 139 LONDON, 18 November 1937, 6.41 p.m. SECRET For Prime Minister: External Affairs telegram No. 138 [1]: Some doubt now exists as to whether the Japanese Ambassador at London [2] was correctly informed as to the attitude of his Government. Steps now being taken to check the position through...’
109. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 22 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BRUSSELS, 22 November 1937 Conference on resumption today considered two documents submitted jointly by the United Kingdom, United States and France after discussion with the other delegations including the Dominions. (i) Factual objective summary of the work of the Conference- This was considered and substantially approved. (ii) Following...’
110. MR J. D. L. HOOD, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 November 1937; ‘Cablegram 141 LONDON, 22, November 1937, 6.00 p.m. Sino-Japanese Dispute. With reference to telegrams No. 138 and 139 [1] the United States Government have expressed themselves as being willing to join in the offer of good offices to China and Japan. His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador in Tokyo [2] is convinced...’
111. MR LONGFIELD LLOYD, TRADE COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN, TO MR J. F. MURPHY, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: 6 October 1937; ‘Memorandum [1] TOKYO, 6 October 1937 HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL Referring to various notes upon the above subject, I now set out hereunder two brief outlines indicative of the penetrative system of Japan: (1) The use of Japanese capital for economic development is a feature of Japanese penetration and ‘special interests’. It...’
112. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 November 1937; ‘Cablegram unnumbered. BRUSSELS, 24 November 1937 Proceedings today as indicated my telegram of 22nd November. [1] Certain amendments to both documents but not material. All representatives voted in favour save Italy who said that he could not vote for the adoption of the documents. _ 1 Document 109. _ [AA...’
113. SIR GEORGE PEARCE, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA: 26 November 1937; ‘Letter (air mail) 26 November 1937, I have the honour to refer to previous correspondence in regard to the general position in Portuguese Timor and to the Staughton concessions. I have been informed by the London Office of the Department of External Affairs that you recently suggested in a despatch...’
114. MR F. G. SHEDDEN, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 December 1937; ‘Memorandum MELBOURNE, 6 December 1937 YAMPI SOUND-DEVELOPMENT OF IRON ORE DEPOSITS BY JAPANESE With reference to your memorandum of 24th November 1937 [1] on the above subject, I desire to inform you that the matter has been considered by the Defence Committee and the following observations by the Committee are...’
115. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 December 1937; ‘Memorandum 13 December 1937, SECRET THE MINISTER YAMPI SOUND IRON ORE The late Minister in charge of Development [1] requested the view of this Department on Yampi Sound. As it is understood that this question will come before Cabinet this week I am submitting herewith, for your information, a copy...’
116. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 December 1937; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 7 December 1937 I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt to-day of your letter of November 26th [1], forwarding questionnaires in regard to Portuguese Timor. 2. I greatly regret that these questionnaires have reached me too late to receive Mr Lambert’s [2] attention on his tour. Owing...’
117. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 December 1937; ‘Draft Cablegram [111] [1] n.d. [30 December 1937] His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia is of the opinion that His Excellency the Govem6r-General [2] on his approaching visit to England leaving Australia in March might with great advantage pay an official visit to the Governor-General of the Netherlands...’
118. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1937; ‘Letter (air mail), BATAVIA, 30 December 1937 CONFIDENTIAL With reference to your letter of the 26th November last [1] forwarding two questionnaires relating to Portuguese Timor, and in continuation of my letter of the 7th December [2], I have the honour to eclose herewith the answers to the questionnaire ‘Annex...’
119. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1938; ‘Letter (air mail) BATAVIA, 5 January 1938 CONFIDENTIAL As you are already aware from my despatch No. 130 of the 2nd September last [1] (of which I had the honour to send a copy to the Prime Minister of Australia), the, Governor of Portuguese Timor [2] had then informed me...’
120. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 January 1938; ‘Cablegram 9 LONDON, 24 January 1938, 9.40 p.m. SECRET My Secret telegram No. 41 of 15th July, 1937, Timor oil concessions. [1] I understand that, in accordance with request contained in telegram from you to the Commonwealth Liaison Officer [2], His Majesty’s Ambassador at Lisbon [3] made certain enquiries of...’
121. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 27 January 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B8 [1] LONDON, 27 January 1938 SECRET My telegram of 7th August Circular B. No. 63 [2] Confidential. Following for Prime Minister:- Conversations with Italian Government resulting from the Prime Minister’s 3 exchange of letters with Signor Mussolini which it was hoped to start in September last were...’
122. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 February 1938; ‘Cablegram 8 2 February 1938, SECRET My colleagues and I have read with great interest your telegram of 27th January, 1938 [1], with regard to international affairs. We agree that the present situation calls for action and we feel that the re-opening of conversations with Italy is of the utmost...’
123. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 16 December 1937; ‘Letter LONDON, 16 December 1937 PERSONAL MOST SECRET I enclose herewith a record of a long conversation which I had with, the, Prime Minister [2] on Tuesday last [3] with regard to the rearmament position in Great Britain. Attached to the record are the notes I made before my interview....’
124. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 11 February 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 11 February 1938, 6 p.m. MOST SECRET HIMSELF My most secret letter of 16th December. [1] Rearmament expenditure now being considered by the United Kingdom Government in connection with the forthcoming Budget. Think that it would be most useful and helpful if you cable me a message...’
125. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 12 February 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 12 February 1938, MOST SECRET HIMSELF Thanks for your telegram of 11th February.[1] I shall be glad if you will kindly convey to the British Prime Minister [2] the following message from the- ‘The High Commissioner has advised me personally of his conversation with you in regard to...’
126. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 15 February 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 15 February 1938, 4.36 p.m, MOST SECRET HIMSELF The Prime Minister most appreciative of your message of 12th February [1] and asked me to convey to you his sincere thanks. With his concurrence I am now discussing the position with the individual United Kingdom Ministers concerned. [2]...’
127. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 22 February 1938, 4.52 p.m. PERSONAL SECRET Eden’s resignation [1] immediately caused by difference of opinion with all his colleagues as to time for opening conversations with Italy. The Italians recently indicated that they desired conversations to be undertaken immediately. The Prime Minister’s [2] view was that...’
128. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 20 6 March 1938, In connection with the resignation of Mr Eden [1] there has been some confusion and misconception in the minds of the Australian public as to whether there had been in fact a reversal of British foreign policy and withdrawal of support for the principles of...’
129. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 20 [1] 6 March 1938, Statement made by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, [2] begins:- Comment which has been made during the last week may have caused some doubt in the minds of Australians as to the facts in regard to the resignation of Mr Eden...’
130. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 8 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 27 LONDON, 8 March 1938, 12.37 p.m. Your telegram 6th March, No. 20. [1] Following for Prime Minister:I am much obliged for your telegram quoting terms of your proposed public statement which I greatly appreciate. _ 1 Documents 128,129. _ [AA : A981, GREAT BRITAIN 8B, ii] ’
131. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 9 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 22 9 March 1938, Your secret telegram No. 9 of 24th January. [1] Timor Oil. Question has been considered by Commonwealth Government and Minister External Affairs [2] is now investigating whole position. Latest development is that entirely new group, comprising English and Australian capital, is now interesting itself in...’
132. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 10 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 10 March 1938, SECRET Condensed reports of your speech on 8th March on Defence which have appeared in Australian press indicate that the protection of oversea possessions would be only the third objective of Britain’s defence policy. The inference has been drawn by the press that in the...’
133. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 10 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B37 LONDON, 10 March 1938, 10.02 p.m. SECRET Following for Prime Minister: With a view to improving the atmosphere and also increasing the sense of responsibility here more especially at a time when an attempt is being made to bring about better relations with foreign countries generally, the...’
134. MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 11 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 11 March 1938, 8.25 p.m. [1] SECRET AND PERSONAL Your telegram 10th March. [2] The text of passage in my speech referred to in your telegram was as follows:- ‘The question arises now, what is the policy for which these programmes are designed? I will try to...’
135. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 12 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 25 12 March 1938, I have received your telegram of 10th March [1] regarding the United Kingdom Press Conference. So far as Australian publicity is concerned I propose to see the newspaper proprietors and the Australian Broadcasting Commission with a view to action being taken along similar lines. _...’
136. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 14 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 29 LONDON, 14 March 1938, 8.07 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Following for Prime Minister:- Your telegram of 12th March, No. 25. [1] Your action much appreciated. In this connection please see my telegram of today, Circular B. No. 55. [2] _ 1 Document 135. 2 Not printed. It said that it...’
137. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 16 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 16 March 1938, SECRET I am very grateful for your telegram of 11th March [1] conveying to me the text of your speech on defence and your supplementary remarks thereon which are indeed very helpful. The Press generally are cooperating in an endeavour to put the matter clearly...’
138. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 16 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B59 LONDON, 16 March 1938, 6.30 p.m. URGENT Following for Prime Minister:- In the speech to be made by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [1] in the House of Lords this afternoon, the following passage will be included:- ‘His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom are...’
139. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 17 March 1938; ‘Repeated to High Commissioner in London Cablegram unnumbered 17 March 1938 SECRET Referring to your cable regarding the proposed recognition of inclusion of Austria in German Reich [1], my Government feels doubts about so prompt a de jure recognition, having regard to a sensitive public opinion, the fact that Plebiscite...’
140. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR E. E. LONGFIELD LLOYD, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN: 17 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 17 March 1938 SECRET, Government has received report from its Geological Adviser [1] to the effect that known deposits iron ore capable of being mined economically of considerably less magnitude than hitherto believed. Report quite serious. Adviser urges Government limit or prohibit export ore pending survey resources. Government...’
141. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 17 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 17 March 1938 SECRET, Government has received report from its Geological Adviser [1] to the effect that known deposits iron ore capable of being mined economically of considerably less magnitude than hitherto believed. Report quite serious. Adviser urges Government limit or prohibit export ore pending survey resources. Government...’
142. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B63 LONDON, 17 March 1938, 6.49 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL My telegram of 16th March, Circular B. No. 59, note has been received from the German Embassy in London notifying to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [2] the text of the German law of 13th March relating to...’
143. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 43 [1] LONDON, 18 March 1938, 12.53 a.m. PERSONAL HIMSELF As a result of the German coup in Austria and the general tension which it has created, imperative in my view, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom [2] should at the earliest possible date make a declaration of the...’
144. MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 18 March 1938 SECRET AND PERSONAL Many thanks for your telegram of 16th March. [1] I am glad that the information which I gave has been of assistance and that the press are proving helpful in informing the minds of the public. I think the obscurity to...’
145. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 18 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B65 LONDON, 18 March 1938, 4.12 p.m. Following is text of reference to Austria in speech by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [1] in House of Lords on 16th March:- ‘I confess that I can see no good to be gained at this juncture for the League...’
146. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 19 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B69 LONDON, 19 March 1938, 12.08 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Following for Prime Minister:- My telegram 16th March, Circular B. 59. [1] The exact words used by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [2] in the course of his speech which was one in reply to a general debate...’
147. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 20 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 20 March 1938 SECRET AND PERSONAL, Following for Prime Minister [1]:- Your secret and personal telegram March 17th about Austria. [2] You will have seen from telegram Circular B.69 [3] of 19th March that the statement quoted was not intended to constitute an immediate ‘de jute’ recognition....’
148. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 21 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 21 March 1938, PERSONAL I need hardly tell you that we have been following the course of events with the greatest of attention and have carefully reviewed recent developments during Cabinet Meetings [1] over the last few days. My Government in the belief that an understanding with Italy...’
149. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 21 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 45 LONDON, 21 March 1938, 7.38 p.m. PERSONAL HIMSELF Prime Minister [1] probably making statement Thursday. [2] Form of statement is not yet approved but the following points are emerging. CZECHOSLOVAKIA Drafting of this portion is peculiarly difficult owing to necessity of avoiding giving the impression that Britain will...’
150. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 22 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B73 LONDON, 22 March 1938, 11.32 p.m. MOST SECRET Following for Prime Minister:- Will no doubt have seen from press telegrams Prime Minister [1] has undertaken to make in the House of Commons on Thursday [2] a comprehensive statement on the international situation. This statement must, of course,...’
151. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 23 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 23 March 1938, PERSONAL My colleagues and I have given careful consideration to matter of attitude to be adopted with regard to possibilities arising out of relations of Germany with Czechoslovakia. [1] We recognise fully the difficulties which surround this question and we realise that your Government will...’
152. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 24 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 13 24 March 1938, Please see Dominions Office Circular telegram No. 73 of 22nd March. [1] Obligation No. 2 in regard to Czechoslovakia is in conflict with our previous notions and advice to our Government. Repeated statements of British commitments have not mentioned this-e.g. Leamington. [2] They refer to...’
153. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 23 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B74 LONDON, 23 March 1938, 3.08 p.m. SECRET IMMEDIATE My Circular B. 73 of 23rd March. [1] Following for Prime Minister:- My immediately following telegram [2] contains text of Prime Minister’s statement as provisionally approved at Cabinet this morning (Wednesday). There are passages still to be inserted relating...’
154. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 23 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B75 LONDON, 23 March 1938, 3.19 p.m. [1] SECRET Circular B. 73 and 74. [2] Following for Prime Minister:- Following are provisional statements [3]:- His Majesty’s Government have expressed the view that recent events in Austria have created new situation and think it right to state conclusions to...’
155. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 48 LONDON, 24 March 1938 Your telegram No. 13. [1] You will now have had Dominions Office circular telegram No. 75 [2] of 23rd March giving fully the provisional terms of Prime Minister’s statement. Passage in telegram No.73 [3] which you queried was badly drafted. Obligation number 2 does...’
156. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR OMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B77 LONDON, 23 March 1938, 10.10 p.m. SECRET My telegram of today, Circular B. No. 75 [1] passages relating to rearmament (which will be telegraphed later) will be inserted after paragraph beginning with the words ‘to sum up’, and concluding with the words ‘adequately to fulfil them.’ _...’
157. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR OMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 23 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B78 LONDON, 23 March 1938, 10.33 p.m. SECRET Following for Prime Minister:- My telegram Circular B. 73 [1], penultimate paragraph. It will be seen from my circular telegram B. 75 [2] of today that the Prime Minister in his statement tomorrow proposes to say that His Majesty’s Government...’
158. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B79 LONDON, 24 March 1938, 2.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE Following for Prime Minister:- My telegram Circular B. 77. [1] Following are the provisional terms of the passage relating to rearmament:- His Majesty’s Government have accordingly considered proposals for increasing the production and accelerating the completion of the rearmament programme....’
159. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B80 LONDON, 24 March 1938, 2.55 a.m. SECRET Following for Prime Minister:- My telegram Circular B. No. 75. [1] It is proposed to include the following passage relating to Spain:- There is another subject which is of such great importance that the House will rightly expect me to...’
160. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 24 March 1938 Following are the more important amendments proposed in Prime Minister’s statement [1]:- 2nd paragraph. After ‘shaken confidence’ insert ‘to maintain this rule of law in international affairs’. 6th paragraph. Delete words from ‘and I cannot but feel’ to end of paragraph and substitute words...’
161. MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered [1] LONDON, 24 March 1938, 3.02 p.m. PERSONAL I am much obliged for your telegram of March 23rd in regard to Czechoslovakia [2] I am glad to think that our two Governments are in such close accord as to the policy to be pursued. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN _ 1...’
162. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 24 March 1938, 4.35 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL, HIMSELF Reference statement Prime Minister of Great Britain. [1] Draft has presented grave difficulties and my view of the result is as satisfactory as could have been expected. Paragraphs 3 and 14 are intended as an indication to Czechoslovakia that...’
163. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 25 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 25 March 1938, PERSONAL Many thanks for your cablegrams [1] regarding international situation. Your informative messages are greatly appreciated. I propose to make a statement indicating acceptance and approval of Mr Chamberlain’s statement. In my national broadcast last night, summary of which follows en clair [2], I indicated...’
164. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 25 March 1938; ‘Memorandum 25 March 1938, I would invite the attention of the Prime Minister [1] and yourself to Circular Telegram B.73, Part 2 [2], in which it says the existing obligations of the British Government in connection with a possible attack on Czechoslovakia are comprised in (1) and (2). The latter...’
165. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 25 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 34 LONDON, 25 March 1938 Please let the Prime Minister know the details of the New Australian Defence programme announced in his broadcast on 24th March [1] have been read with great interest here. We should like him and his colleagues to know our warm appreciation of this most...’
166. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 26 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 34 n.d. [on or before 26 March 1938], My colleagues and I sincerely thank you for your telegram of the 25th March No. 34. [1] Would you please tell the Prime Minister [2] I am forwarding him by air mail a copy of my statement. _ 1 Document 165....’
167. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 25 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B82 LONDON, 25 March 1938, 5.35 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL My telegram of 17th March, Circular B. 63. [1] It is now proposed to address a reply to the note from the German Embassy which, after referring to the delivery of that communication, will proceed in the following terms:- ‘I...’
168. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 25 March 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B83 LONDON, 25 March 1938 CONFIDENTIAL My telegram of 25th March Circular B 82. [1] It is proposed in the course of a few days to inform the German Government that it is our intention to replace our legation at Vienna by a Consulate- General and to ask...’
169. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 26 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 26 March 1938, PERSONAL I desire to thank you for the text of your speech in the House of Commons. [1] We welcome the determination of the United Kingdom Government to accelerate its rearmament programme. We are prepared to co-operate with His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom...’
170. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 26 March 1938; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 26 March 1938 URGENT I have the honour to bring to your notice an article appearing in the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ of March 24th [1], a cutting of which is enclosed herewith, with reference to the probability of a proclamation being issued by the Federal Government within the...’
171. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 29 March 1938; ‘Letter 29 March 1938, I desire to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 26th March [1], on the subject of iron ore, and to inform you that this matter has been exercising the minds of the Government for some time. A preliminary survey which was carried out last year...’
172. MR F. G. SHEDDEN, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 March 1938; ‘Memorandum SS42 MELBOURNE, 29 March 1938 PORTUGUESE TIMOR L. With reference to your memorandum of 12th January 1938 [1] and previous correspondence on the subject of the development of Australian influence in Portuguese Timor, it is noted from your memorandum of 29th September 1937 [2] that the Government has been...’
173. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 31 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 16 31 March 1938, Reference Circular B 84 D.O. to Prime Minister. [1] Please ascertain whether Note to be handed to German Government on 2nd April will be considered as de jure recognition of the incorporation of Austria in the German Reich. If not, please advise when recognition is...’
174. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 March 1938; ‘Cablegram 50 LONDON, 31 March 1938 Your telegram No. 16. [1] Note of 2nd April referred to in Dominions Office circular B.84 [2] will be considered as de jute recognition by United Kingdom Government of incorporation of Austria in the German Reich. It will constitute the act of recognition and...’
175. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 31 March 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 31 March 1938 MOST SECRET Your telegrams March 17th [1] and March 18th. [2] Brought proposed embargo on export of iron ore to the notice of the British Government who are a little disturbed at the possible effect on the Japanese Government of sudden cut off of...’
176. MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA: 5 April 1938; ‘Letter 5 April 1938, With reference to your air mail despatch of the 5th January, 1938 [1], concerning air communications with Portuguese Timor, I have the honour to inform you that after giving full consideration to the question raised in the seventh paragraph of your despatch, His Majesty’s Government in...’
177. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 5 April 1938; ‘Cablegram 37 5 April 1938, Your circular telegrams B. 83 [1] and B. 84. [2] I should appreciate it if you would cable full text of United Kingdom Government’s note which it is reported in the press was handed to the German Government on 2nd April. _ 1 Document 168....’
178. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 5 April 1938; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 5 April 1938 I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of March 29th [1], in reply to my letter of March 26th [2], regarding the matter of iron ore. Having noted, with appreciation, your assurance that, in considering future action by the Commonwealth Government...’
179. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA: 1 April 1938; ‘Cablegram 80 (copy) LONDON, 1 April 1938 Confidential. My telegram of 25th March Circular telegram B.83 [2] following from Harding [3] BEGINS. It occurs to us that question may be raised with you how it is that change in the status of the Legation in Vienna to Consulate and application...’
180. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 6 April 1938; ‘Cablegram 43 LONDON, 6 April 1938, 5.03 p.m. Your telegram 5th April, No. 37 [1] The following is the text of two notes in question which were delivered to the German Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] by His Majesty’s Ambassador at Berlin [3] on April 2nd. The first note:- ‘Your...’
181. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, AND TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE (AT SEA [1]): 7 April 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 7 April 1938, We have again been giving consideration to the situation arising out of the lease granted by Western Australian Government to Brasserts at Yampi Sound. [2] We think it advisable to remind you of the course of events over the last two years. Brasserts which is...’
182. CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 April 1938; ‘7 April 1938 DE JURE RECOGNITION BY HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OF THE INCORPORATION OF AUSTRIA IN THE GERMAN REICH 1. Attached hereto are copies of telegrams Nos. 83 and 84 from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister, (Annexes A [1] and...’
183. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 8 April 1938; ‘Letter 8 April 1938, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 5th April, 19381, in relation to the subject of iron ore. The various points which you have brought under notice are receiving the most careful consideration of the Commonwealth Government, and will form the...’
184. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 11 April 1938; ‘Letter (copy) SYDNEY, 11 April 1938 With further reference to my letters of March 26th and April 5th [1], regarding the matter of iron ore exports from Australia, I have the honour to communicate to you, under instructions from my Government, firstly, the very deep concern felt by the Imperial...’
185. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 11 April 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 11 April 1938, 5.52 p.m. PERSONAL MOST SECRET Your telegram April 7th Yampi Sound. [1] I am in touch with the British Government and the matter is being examined by the Board of Trade and Foreign Office. I am pressing for early advice but I am afraid...’
186. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 13 April 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered ADEN, 13 April 1938, 4 p.m. SECRET Your telegram April 8th Yampi. [1] In our understanding Cabinet decision prohibiting exportation of iron ore was of such a nature as to leave little room for any compromise and we do not consider there are any new factors introduced since...’
187. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 14 April 1938; ‘Cablegram 40 14 April 1938, Reference your Circular telegrams Nos. 83 [1] and 84 [2] of 26th and 30th March, 1938, respectively, and your telegram No. 43 of 6th April, 1938. [3] His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia desires that the German Government be informed through the diplomatic...’
188. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 19 April 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 19 April 1938, On 18 April 1938 the U.K. Ambassador in Rome, Lord Perth, and the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, signed the Anglo-Italian Agreement, which was intended to reduce tension between the two countries by ending hostile propaganda, by exchanging military information annually, and by delineating more...’
189. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 19 April 1938; ‘Memorandum 19 April 1938, SECRET At the meeting of the Committee of Imperial Defence held on March 4th, one of the major questions discussed was the provision of reserves for Singapore. The High Commissioner for Australia, Mr Bruce, submitted certain views on this question, in so far as he thought...’
190. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 19 April 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 19 April 1938, 6.00 p.m. URGENT PERSONAL MOST SECRET Yampi Sound. Have discussed the matter with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affiirs [1] who feels that Japan would keenly resent their exclusion from this source of supply and would almost certainly attribute to political motive any...’
191. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 22 April 1938, PERSONAL Reference your telegram [1] we all feel in view of our early arrival London it would be better to defer public announcement until we have had opportunity of discussing actual terms of the statement with Bruce. [2] _ 1 Document 190. 2 S. M....’
192. MR T. ELINK SCHUURMAN, NETHERLANDS CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 April 1938; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 22 April 1938 You remember the articles in the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ of 6th and 7th April 1938 regarding Anglo-Dutch defence co-operation. I telephoned to you and also had a talk since with Mathew [1] about them. I had hoped that after a disclaimer I had published in...’
193. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 28 April 1938; ‘Cablegram 23 28 April 1938, With reference to Telegram No. 40 of 14th April to Dominions Office. [1] Incorporation of Austria in German Reich. Please ascertain whether action has been taken to give effect to request of Commonwealth Government. HODGSON _ 1 Document 187. _ [AA : A981, AUSTRIA 17,...’
194. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 April 1938; ‘Cablegram 66, LONDON, 28 April 1938 Your telegram No. 23. [1] Incorporation of Austria. Ambassador in Berlin [2] was requested on April 23rd to make desired communication German Government. Dominions Office will inform you officially of reply when it is received. STIRLING _ 1 Document 193. 2 Sir Nevile Henderson....’
195. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 1 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 1 May 1938, 2.55 p.m. PERSONAL MOST SECRET Menzies [1] and Bruce [2] yesterday saw the Foreign Office who agreed that in the circumstances it might be unwise for Craigie [3] to make any preliminary or special announcement to the Japanese Government. They agreed that it would...’
196. MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 13 May 1938; ‘Letter 13 May 1938, MOST SECRET With reference to the copy of the C.I.D. Report dealing with (7) Malaya-Period before relief [1], which was sent to you for information on the 22nd April, 1938, I feel that this subject is of such vital importance to Australia that we should press...’
197. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 17 May 1938; ‘Letter [1] 17 May 1938, With further reference to your letter of 11th April, 1938 [2], and to previous correspondence on the subject of iron ore, I have the honour to inform you that this matter has now received the fullest and most sympathetic consideration of the Government. The closest...’
198. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 17 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 17 May 1938, Referring to Sir Earle Page’s telegram 1st May, Yampi Sound [1], the following statement will be made by me in Parliament on Wednesday 18th May [2]:- ‘After exhaustive consideration of the question, the Government has decided completely to prohibit the export of iron ore from...’
199. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 17 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 17 May 1938, 5.40 p.m. SECRET MOST URGENT Your Secret Telegram 17th May Yampi Sound. [1] If communication to Japanese Consul-General [2] mentioned in your telegram has been put in the post we would suggest that steps be taken to withhold delivery pending the receipt of most...’
200. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 17 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 17 May 1938 MOST URGENT Your telegram of 17th May to High Commissioner, Yampi Sound. [1] All of us [2] are disturbed by the suggested terms of the statement firstly because we think that making the only specific reference to Yampi is inconsistent with the fact that...’
201. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE: 18 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (extract) 18 May 1938, Your two telegrams of 17th May re Yampi Sound [1] received. Your suggestions have been considered in the light of representations made here by interests concerned and letters addressed to Government by Consul-General for Japan. As result statement to House [2] and letter to...’
202. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE: 18 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 18 May 1938, Following statement is to be made by the Prime Minister, in the House of Representatives on Thursday 19th May, 1938:- After exhaustive consideration of the question, the Government has decided to prohibit the export of iron ore from Australia as from 1st July next, and...’
203. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 18 May 1938; ‘Letter 18 May 1938, With further reference to your letter of 11th April, 1938 [1], and to previous correspondence on the subject of iron ore, I have the honour to inform you that this matter has now received full and careful consideration by the Government. The closest attention was given...’
204. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR H. V. C. THORBY, MINISTER FOR DEFENCE: 18 May 1938; ‘Letter 18 May 1938, MOST SECRET In connection with the question of the provision of reserves for Singapore, the Minister for External Affairs; has forwarded to me a letter in which he makes certain suggestions regarding the security of Australia as affected by British Naval co-operation. [1] I attach copy...’
205. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 18 May 1938, 6.59 p.m. MOST URGENT Your telegram 18th May, Yampi Sound. [1] Amendment proposed in my telegram 17th May [2] was directed to the specific exclusion of the words ‘claim for reimbursement of any expenditure’ as these words go much further than compensation for actual...’
206. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE: 19 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 19 May 1938, SECRET Your telegram re Yampi [1] received and carefully considered. As regards your first suggestion we think that in view of issues involved it is desirable that we should appear to be treating generously interests which are likely to be affected by our proposed action....’
207. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 April 1938; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 29 April 1938 I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th April [1], in which you were good enough to inform me that His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has decided against the establishment of an air connection with Dilli....’
208. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 May 1938; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 24 May 1938 With reference to the decision of the Commonwealth Government to prohibit the export of all iron ore from Australia, which decision I conveyed to my Government upon the receipt of your letter of May 18th [1], I now have the honour to state, under instructions...’
209. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 25 May 1938; ‘HOUSE OF LORDS, LONDON, 25 May 1938, 4.30 p.m. PRESENT Viscount Halifax, U.K. Foreign Secretary Sir Earle Page, Minister for Commerce Lt Col T. W. White, Minister for Trade and Customs W. J. Jordan, New Zealand High Commissioner in London J. W. Dulanty, Eireann High Commissioner in London Sir Earl...’
210. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 25 May 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 25 May 1938, 7.00 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL We have considered your telegram 25th May [1] containing text of letter received from the Japanese Consul-General [2] on the question of the iron ore embargo. We think that reply should not go into detailed explanation but should be limited to...’
211. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, TO U.K. FOREIGN OFFICE: 26 May 1938; ‘Repeated to U.K. High Commissioner to Australia and to J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister Cablegram 634 (en clair savingram to Australia) TOKYO, 26 May 1938, 4.40 p.m. Your telegram No. 537 and your telegram No. 543 (of May 17th and 19th: prohibition on export of Australian iron ore). [1] Press...’
212. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 May 1938; ‘Dispatch 189 LONDON, 18 May 1938 Received n.d. [on or before 2 June 1938] With reference to your telegram No. 40 of the 14th April [1], I have the honour to transmit the accompanying copy of a note addressed by His Majesty’s Embassy at Berlin on behalf of His Majesty’s...’
213. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE: 2 June 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 2 June 1938, My telegram 25th May. [1] Following is text of reply sent today to Consul-General for Japan. [2] Begins:- I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 24th May [3], on the subject of the export of iron ore from Australia, and...’
214. LORD CHATFIELD, FIRST SEA LORD AND CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE (IN LONDON): 3 June 1938; ‘Letter LONDON, 3 June 1938 In response to your telephone request of yesterday, I enclose a statement, with enclosure, which elaborates the financial aspect of the proposal regarding the acquisition of a Capital Ship by Australia. I hope very much this will give you the information you require. May I...’
215. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE (IN LONDON), TO LORD CHATFIELD, FIRST SEA LORD AND CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF: 7 June 1938; ‘Letter LONDON, 7 June 1938 I desire to acknowledge your letter of 3rd June [1] concerning the acquisition of a capital ship by Australia. The information you appended was exactly what I required. I note that you desire the details to be treated as confidential. EARLE PAGE _ 1 Document...’
216. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 14 June 1938; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 14 June 1938 With reference to your letter of June 1st [1], replying to my representations of May 24th [2], and in which you informed me that the Commonwealth Government could see no justifiable reason for altering its decision to prohibit the export of iron ore from Australia,...’
217. MR E. E. LONGFIELD LLOYD, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 15 June 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 15 June 1938, 11.40 p.m. Iron Ore. I have received a call from Baron Ito, President of the Japanese Mining Company, accompanied by a mining colleague. After brief talk they quietly informed me that they understood the situation and as the Commonwealth decision is recognisable as a...’
218. MR E. E. LONGFIELD LLOYD, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER IN TOKYO, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 17 June 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKY0, 17 June 1938 Iron Ore. Foreign Office has handed me an aide-memoire expressing the hope amelioration of embargo and in verbal amplification conveyed suggestion that the Commonwealth Prime Minister’s earlier statement [1] that survey would be continued implied conservation might not be found so immediately necessary and...’
219. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE: 22 June 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 22 June 1938 Following letter dated June 22nd, ‘With reference to your further letter of June 14th 1938 [2] on the subject of export of iron ore from Australia, I have the honour to inform you that the views of your Government in this regard have received fullest...’
220. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 23 June 1938; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 23 June 1938 I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of June 22nd [1], with further reference to the export of iron ore from Australia. In connection with this matter, I understand, from a statement which you are reported to have made in the...’
221. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 24 June 1938; ‘Letter 24 June 1938, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your further letter of 23rd June, 1938 [1], on the subject of the export of iron ore from Australia, and to forward herewith, for your information, a copy of the Statement which I made in this regard...’
222. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, TO U.K. FOREIGN OFFICE: 24 June 1938; ‘Repeated to U.K. High Commissioner, Canberra, and to Prime Minister, Canberra Cablegram 771 TOKYO, 24 June 1938, 8.00 p.m. Received (Canberra) 25 June 1938 Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs [1] spoke to me today about Australian iron ore exports. He said he desired to impress on me what a very...’
223. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, TO U.K. FOREIGN OFFICE: 25 June 1938; ‘Cablegram 77.5 TOKYO, 25 June 1938, 6.38 p.m. My telegram No. 771. [1] While I fully appreciate grave reasons which have impelled the Commonwealth Government take this step there can be no doubt but that, coming particularly at the present juncture, it has had an unfortunate effect on Japanese official...’
224. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 26 June 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 26 June 1938, 10.32 p.m. Your telegram 25th June. [1] Have seen telegram from the Ambassador at Tokyo [2] to the Foreign Office giving outline of the contents of aide memoire handed to Lloyd [3], also telegram giving summary of Ambassador’s conversation with Vice Minister for Foreign...’
225. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 June 1938; ‘Letter LONDON, 18 June 1938 I enclose herewith a note of a conversation I had with the Japanese Ambassador [1] on Tuesday last, together with a copy of a Note he handed to me on that occasion. [2] He also gave me for my information, copy of a Note Verbale...’
226. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN: 29 June 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 29 June 1938, Desire to thank you for your telegram of 24th June [1] regarding exportation iron ore from Australia. My immediately following telegram contains statement made by me today in the Parliament of the Commonwealth. [2] Shall be glad if you will communicate copy of my statement...’
227. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE (IN LONDON): 6 July 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 6 July 1938, PERSONAL AND SECRET Information recently received from despatches and cablegrams indicates a deterioration in Anglo-Italian relations which is causing grave concern to the Commonwealth Government. We feel that implementation of Anglo-Italian Agreement [1] is of paramount importance in the present international situation, and we would...’
228. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 7 July 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 7 July 1938, 7.17 p.m. PERSONAL SECRET We have interviewed the Foreign Secretary [1] reference your telegram regarding Anglo-Italian relations. [2] Foreign Secretary appreciates your views but informs us that the Government is completely bound by the Prime Minister’s [3] undertaking to the House of Commons that...’
229. MR E. E. LONGFIELD LLOYD, AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 11 July 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 11 July 1938, 3.24 P.m. Foreign Office further remarks regarding iron ore merely altered earlier request for interim supplies to hope for export about 1940. Much less pressing than before, and I simply referred to the Prime Minister’s [1] latest statement. [2] Recent trade and shipping arrangements...’
230. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 18 July 1938; ‘Cablegram 69 18 July 1938, SECRET Reference Timor Oil Concessions, Commonwealth Government would appreciate if Ambassador at Lisbon [1] be requested to inform Portuguese Government: (a) Agreement has been reached between two purely Australian Companies, namely, Oil Search and Oil Concessions to form a new operating Company for search and...’
231. MR H. V. C. THORBY, MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 20 July 1938; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 20 July 1938 MOST SECRET With reference to the questions raised by the Minister for External Affairs’ in his letter to you of 13th May [2], relating to Singapore, you will recollect that at the Council of Defence meeting of 17th December, 1937, this subject was exhaustively dealt...’
232. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 22 July 1938; ‘Cablegram 69 LONDON, 22 July 1938, 8.19 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 69 18th July, Secret. [1] Timor Oil Concessions. Wittouck [2] is now in London and is requesting the support of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom on behalf of Asia Investments Company which he claims is a...’
233. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 24 July 1938; ‘Cablegram 71 24 July 1938, SECRET Your 69 of 22nd July. [1] Commonwealth Government had no knowledge whatever that Wittouck was associated with group on whose behalf Abbot, Tout and Creer were acting. In the conversations with the Commonwealth Government [2] Creer represented he was acting for purely Australian and...’
234. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 29 July 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B185 LONDON, 29 July 1938, 11 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL (1) The most important item on the agenda at the forthcoming meeting of the League Assembly will probably be the report of the Committee of Twenty-eight on the application of the principles of the Covenant, and the Assembly will be...’
235. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 4 August 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 4 August 1938, 5.11 p.m. Reference Dominions Office cable Circular No. B.185. [1] Proposed statement by United Kingdom representative is in entire agreement with statement made on behalf of Australia at Assembly of League in 1936 and with policy agreed to at the Imperial Conference 1937. In...’
236. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 August 1938; ‘Memorandum H150 LONDON, 3 August 1938 CONFIDENTIAL GERMANY VISIT OF MR MENZIES To BERLIN, 27TH TO 31ST JULY, 1938 The Rt Hon. R. G. Menzies, K.C., M.P., Attorney-General and Minister for Industry, left London for Germany by air on Wednesday, 27th July, and remained in Berlin for four days. Mr...’
237. MR R. G. MENZIES, ATTORNEY-GENERAL, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 6 August 1938; ‘Letter (extract) LONDON, 6 August 1938 The first part of the letter referred to matters unrelated to foreign policy. The only other matter which I should perhaps mention just before leaving London is that last week I went to Berlin. My principal impressions can be stated in a few paragraphs:...’
238. CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 August 1938; ‘17 August 1938 LEAGUE OF NATIONS ASSEMBLY, SEPTEMBER 1938: PROPOSALS OF UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT REGARDING REFORM OF THE COVENANT 1. The Report of the Special Committee of Twentyeight appointed by the League Assembly, after the failure of the application of sanctions in the Italo-Abyssinian dispute, to consider proposals for the...’
239. CABINET MINUTE: 18 August 1938; ‘Minute 379 CANBERRA, 18 August 1938 W. M. HUGHES LEAGUE OF NATIONS ASSEMBLY-SEPTEMBER 1938 Discussion was adjourned until a telephone talk between the Prime Minister [1] and Bruce. [2] Discussion resumed. Decided British policy to be supported. _ 1 J. A. Lyons. 2 High Commissioner in London. _ [PM &C...’
240. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 18 August 1938; ‘Cablegram 121 LONDON, 18 August 1938 PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR HIMSELF With reference to our telephone conversation re League of Nations. [1] In view of agreement reached at Imperial Conference last year as to Empire policy (see page 9 of Minutes of 13th Meeting of principal delegates [2]) it seems...’
241. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 19 August 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 19 August 1938, Desire following view of Commonwealth Government be communicated to Dominions Office reference telegram B.185 of 30th July. [1] Application of principles of Covenant. His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has given careful consideration to proposals put forward in your telegram. As regards Articles...’
242. MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA, TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 31 August 1938; ‘Cablegram 165 (paraphrase) 31 August 1938, SECRET Your secret telegram of 29th August, Circular B.203 [1] addressed to the Commonwealth Government. The Prime Minister [2] has decided, in view of the gravity of the situation as described in your telegram, to summon an urgent meeting of the Cabinet for to-...’
243. MEMORANDUM FOR MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 September 1938; ‘1 September 1938 1. It is stated in the Dominions Office telegram of 30th August, 1938 [1], that the British Government has been forced to the conclusion that a critical point in the situation has been reached. The view of the British Government is that Herr Hitler wants a solution...’
244. CABINET MINUTE: 1 September 1938; ‘Minute unnumbered CANBERRA, 1 September 1938 INTERNATIONAL SITUATION (MR HUGHES [1]) Cables from Secretary of State for Dominions, circular B206 and also cablegram of 30 August circular B205 were both read to Cabinet. [2] Further 7 points that Dr Benes should announce also read to Cabinet. Decided that a reply...’
245. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 2 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 84 2 September 1938, SECRET For Prime Minister [1] His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia in the light of all the available information today gave further consideration to the position of Czechoslovakia and the issues involved. The Commonwealth Government strongly supports the policy of the United Kingdom...’
246. MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA, TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 167 CANBERRA, 2 September 1938 SECRET My telegram No. 166 of 1st September. [1] I learn in confidence from the Head of the Department of External Affairs [2] who was in closest touch with the Cabinet proceedings yesterday that weight of opinion throughout the discussion was heavily in support...’
247. MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 3 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 84 LONDON, 3 September 1938, 10.04 p.m. SECRET Most grateful for the views of His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia as stated in your telegram No. 84. [1] We much appreciate the expression of strong support of our policy as declared in my speech of 24th March...’
248. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 4 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 137 LONDON, 4 September 1938 Czechoslovakia. Your telegram of 1st September [1] most useful and helpful as it strengthens appreciably necessity of strongest pressure on Dr Benes [2] and Czech Government for maximum concessions to bring about settlement. As position now is that by implication in messages to Hitler...’
249. NOTE VERBALE BY MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 8 September 1938; ‘SYDNEY, 8 September 1938 RE EMBARGO ON THE EXPORT OF IRON ORE FROM AUSTRALIA Since the decision by the Commonwealth Government to impose an embargo on the export of iron ore from Australia, the Japanese Government has been studying this question from a practical point of view, with the sincere...’
250. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 141 LONDON, 9 September 1938 U.S.S.R. French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [1] recently asked Soviet Ambassador at Paris [2] what help Soviet would give in the case of a German attack on Czechoslovakia. Ambassador said he would inquire of Litvinoff [3] and later gave French Secretary of...’
251. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 12 September 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered GENEVA, 12 September 1938 PERSONAL MOST SECRET Although position at the moment shows little change and negotiations are continuing between Sudetens and Czechs, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in conference with Dominion Representatives [1] pointed out in view of possibility of immediate action being required necessity for...’
252. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 14 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 51 14 September 1938, Cabinet are sitting almost continuously next three days. [1] Appreciate your 147 [2] and desire you keep us informed every development including events in Czechoslovakia. Press are already reporting grave happenings such as Sudeten ultimatum and proclamation martial law of which we have no knowledge...’
253. MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA, TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 14 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 17614 September 1938, IMMEDIATE From long private conversation with Menzies [1] following Cabinet Meeting last Monday [2] and from short interview with the Prime Minister [3] this morning I am satisfied that the Commonwealth Government remain strongly of the opinion that almost any alternative is preferable to involvement in...’
254. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA: 14 September 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 14 September 1938, 12.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET In view of ominous reports from various sources on Czechoslovak Situation which reached London in the course of yesterday evening, Mr Chamberlain [1] felt it essential to take some immediate action in the interests of peaceful solution. His Majesty’s...’
255. MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA, TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 15 September 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 15 September 1938, IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your most secret telegram of to-day. [1] Prime Minister [2] asks me to convey the following message very urgently to Mr Chamberlain. [3] Begins. As our cables supplemented by Bruce [4] and the Acting High Commissioner [5] have from time to time...’
256. NOTE BY MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 15 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 15 September 1938 I had a talk with Mr Bruce on his return from Geneva yesterday evening, and asked him what his views were on the present situation in Central Europe. He said that it seemed that things were moving rapidly towards a plebiscite for the Sudeten Deutsch. A...’
257. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA: 15 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 196 LONDON, 15 September 1938 IMMEDIATE Please convey following personal message from Prime Minister [1] to Mr Lyons [2] immediately. BEGINS. I keenly appreciate terms of your message [3] which is a great encouragement to me and on the point of leaving for Germany I send you my warmest...’
258. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 15 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 154 LONDON, 15 September 1938, 1.38 p.m. [1] SECRET The position tonight is distinctly better than appeared probable after the incidents in the Sudeten territory yesterday which were in many quarters interpreted as engineered by Germany to justify armed intervention by Germany on the grounds of the necessity of...’
259. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 16 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 53 (extract) 16 September 1938, The first part of this cablegram is not relevant to the question of the reform of the League Covenant. Can you also ascertain whether reform of League is still on agenda, if so to what extent being discussed and whether Commonwealth view as indicated...’
260. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 155 LONDON, 16 September 1938 Your telegram No. 53. [1] League covenant reform. Item is still on agenda but has not yet been discussed. It is virtually in suspense owing to present situation. High Commissioner [2] feels whether Commonwealth view should be submitted depends on whether United Kingdom Government...’
261. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 156 LONDON, n.d. [c. 16 September 1938] SECRET My telegram No. 155. [1] Lord de la Warr [2] has now made a declaration of United Kingdom policy towards the League at a plenary session of the Assembly. Yesterday Foreign Office advised this would probably not come up until later...’
262. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 17 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 157 LONDON, n.d. [on or before 17 September 1938] SECRET For Prime Minister In my opinion Dominions Office telegram Number B.233 [2] gives somewhat false impression of Prime Minister’s [3] conversation with Hitler in that it tends to give impression that Hitler was more or less issuing an ultimatum...’
263. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 17 September 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B 233 LONDON, 17 September 1938, midnight MOST SECRET My telegram Circular B. No. 231. [1] Following for the Prime Minister- As a result of his conversation with the German Chancellor [2], Mr Chamberlain [3] feels that the position is as follows- Hitler has made up his mind...’
264. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 17 September 1938; ‘Extract LONDON, 17 September 1938, 6.15 p.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada F. T. Sandford, Secretary, New Zealand High Commission...’
265. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 19 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 19 September 1938, 2.30 p.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada F. T. Sandford, Secretary, New Zealand High Commission J....’
266. NOTE BY MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 19 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 19 September 1938 SECRET I had a talk with Mr Bruce following the meeting with the High Commissioners this afternoon. I said that I recognized that none of the Dominions-not even Australia-were likely to bind themselves beforehand to support us if circumstances required that we should carry out our...’
267. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 20 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 160 LONDON, 20 September 1938 SECRET For Prime Minister. Dominions Office Telegram 241. [1] This embodies result of conversations which lasted whole of yesterday [2] between United Kingdom and French Prime Ministers and Foreign Secretaries [3] which have today been endorsed by both United Kingdom and French Cabinets. Reason...’
268. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 21 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 55 21 September 1938, Your 141 9th September. [1] This information still regarded most important by Government, but we have not had it confirmed any other source. Do you know if this attitude still holds. HODGSON _ 1 Document 250. _ [AA : A981, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 18, ii] ’
269. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 164 LONDON, 21 September 1938 View held here is that attitude is still the same. Some days after communication reported to you in my telegram No. 141 [1] French Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] saw M. Litvinov [3] himself at Geneva. On 14th September he told British Ambassador at...’
270. MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA, TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 21 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 184 21 September 1938, My telegram No. 182, of the 20th of September. [1] Impressed by what was said to Stirling [2] in London as to the need for extreme reticence on the present state of affairs affecting Czechoslovakia Prime Minister [3] announced in the House of Representatives that...’
271. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 21 September 1938; ‘Extract LONDON, 21 September 1938, 5.30 p.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada F. T. Sandford, Secretary, New Zealand High Commission...’
272. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 23 September 1938; ‘Extracts LONDON, 23 September 1938, 12 noon MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada F. T. Sandford, Secretary, New Zealand High Commission...’
273. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 166 LONDON, 24 September 1938, 1.34 a.m. PERSONAL Dominions Office telegrams have kept you advised almost hourly of developments in the situation. This information, however, is necessarily limited owing to impossibility of using telephone from Germany for any secret communications. Obviously the issue is whether the Prime Minister [1]...’
274. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS 274 REPRESENTATIVES: 24 September 1938; ‘Extracts LONDON, 24 September 1938, 8.30 p.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada F. T. Sandford, Secretary, New Zealand High Commission...’
275. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 167 LONDON, 24 September 1938 German memorandum of Dominions Office telegram Number 265 [2] great advance on Hider’s letter, Dominions Office telegram Number 259 [3], in tone and substance particularly by inclusion of date 1st. October. Pending information from Prime Minister [4] and examination no conclusion can be formed...’
276. NOTE BY MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES: 25 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 25 September 1938 MOST SECRET Mr Bruce [1] rang me up during lunch today, between the two Cabinet meetings, to say that on further careful thought about the German memorandum [2] which the Prime Minister [3] had forwarded to Prague he was still more inclined to accept the scheme....’
277. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 26 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 168 LONDON, 26 September 1938 For Prime Minister. Personal and confidential. United Kingdom Cabinet having heard Prime Minister [1] report have sat all today [2] considering question of acceptance or rejection of German memorandum (see Dominions Office Telegram No. 266). [3] All shades of opinion recognise that rejection means...’
278. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 26 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 96 26 September 1938, SECRET Following for Prime Minister [1] We have followed with great admiration your initiative and courage in the face of extreme difficulties. As we have approved of your policy we have not thought it necessary to encumber you with our advice, but think that the...’
279. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 26 September 1938; ‘Extracts LONDON, 26 September 1938, 10.15 a.m. PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada F. T. Sandford, Secretary, New Zealand High Commission J. W....’
280. MR P. LIESCHING, U.K, ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA, TO LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 186 27 September 1938, IMMEDIATE SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for Harding [1] Begins. I saw the Prime Minister’s message this afternoon [2] (telegram No. 96 [3]) in draft shortly before he [4] telephoned first to Mr Bruce [5] and subsequently to Mr Chamberlain. [6] It is primarily the work...’
281. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 26 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 93 LONDON, 26 September 1938, 6.57 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 96. [1] Following for Prime Minister [2]:- I am most grateful for the expression of the views of the Commonwealth Government. I can assure you that the considerations set out in your telegram have been and are...’
282. MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT BRITISH EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 58 WASHINGTON, 26 September 1938 Following for Hodgson personally and very confidentially. I have had a talk this morning with Canadian officials who had no news but who were very worried about position their country will be in if worst happens. They fear that once pressure from what they...’
283. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT BRITISH EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 27 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 40 27 September 1938, Your 58. [1] Personal for Officer. Since Parliament met last week Commonwealth Government after closest consultation with United Kingdom Government and Bruce [2] have not made any statement whatever so as to preclude discussion which might aggravate present delicate situation. All parties have loyally conformed...’
284. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 27 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 27 September 1938, 11.30 p.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada F. T. Sandford, Secretary, New Zealand High Commission J....’
285. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS: 27 September 1938; ‘Representatives on 27 September 1938 LONDON, 28 September 1938 PRESENT: Mr MacDonald and the Dominion High Commissioners After last night’s Cabinet, Mr MacDonald [1] saw the Dominion High Commissioners and informed them of the latest developments of the situation. While they were waiting for Mr MacDonald to come out of...’
286. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR F. D. ROOSEVELT, U.S. PRESIDENT: 28 September 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 28 September 1938, The whole world is grateful to you for your message to those directly concerned in the European negotiations. [1] On behalf of the people of Australia I urge that you should follow this up by offering your services as a mediator in the cause of...’
287. MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT BRITISH EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 59 WASHINGTON, 28 September 1938 Press have doubtless reported fully that President Roosevelt last night followed up his general appeal of last week by a message to Hitler alone urging continuance of negotiations to end crisis and that use of force would be unjustified and unnecessary. Position here is...’
288. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 28 September 1938; ‘Repeated to Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London Cablegram unnumbered 28 September 1938 At this late hour I venture to suggest that there may be some possibility of averting war by personal appeal to Signor Mussolini. I can think of no other individual who might be able to...’
289. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 28 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 28 September 1938, 11.50 a.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand J....’
290. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 28 September 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 28 September 1938, 1.42 p.m. IMMEDIATE Reference our telephonic conversation [1] this morning, following personal messages have now been despatched by the Prime Minister [2] to Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini. To Herr Hitler- (Begins) After reading your letter [3] I feel certain that you can get...’
291. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR P. LIESCHING, U.K. ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA: 28 September 1938; ‘Cablegram 212 LONDON, 28 September 1938 IMMEDIATE Secret. My telegram of 23rd September No. 206. [1] You will have appreciated from the news today that the position is greatly eased, and the feeling here is that the possibility of immediate emergency no longer holds. [2] _ 1 Not printed. 2...’
292. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 29 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 29 September 1938, 6.50 p.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand J....’
293. LORD STANLEY, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 September 1938; ‘Circular Cablegram B-340 LONDON, 30 September 1938, 2.47 a.m. Agreement has been signed at Munich by representatives of the four Governments. _ _ [AA : A981, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 18, iii] ’
294. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 30 September 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 September 1938, IMMEDIATE My wife and I desire personally to convey our sense of the stress and anxiety which the Czechoslovak crisis has occasioned to you and Mrs Chamberlain. We are glad that you will now have at least partial relief J. A. LYONS _ _ [PRO...’
295. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 30 September 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 September 1938, IMMEDIATE Colleagues and I desire to express our warmest congratulations at the outcome of the negotiations at Munich. Australians in common with all other peoples of the British Empire owe a deep debt of gratitude to you for your unceasing efforts to preserve peace. J....’
296. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 30 September 1938; ‘LONDON, 30 September 1938, 11.30 a.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand J....’
297. NOTE OF MEETING OF U.K. AND DOMINIONS REPRESENTATIVES: 1 October 1938; ‘Extracts LONDON, 1 October 1938, 11.30 a.m. MOST SECRET PRESENT Malcolm MacDonald, acting for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia C. T. te Water, High Commissioner for South Africa Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand...’
298. MR M. J. SAVAGE, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 23 September 1938; ‘Letter WELLINGTON, 23 September 1938 SECRET I have to inform you that the New Zealand Council of Defence at a recent meeting discussed the question of co-operation in Defence matters between Australia and New Zealand. It appeared to the Council that while our liaison with the United Kingdom is completely...’
299. MR CORDELL HULL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 4 October 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WASHINGTON, 4 October 1938 The President [1] has asked me to tell you how grateful he is for your telegram of September 28 [2] which arrived at a time when we were all doing what we could to contribute toward a peaceful solution of the crisis which was...’
300. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 12 October 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 12 October 1938, Reference reform of League Covenant. Commonwealth Government has decided that you ask for telegram of 29th August [1] to Dominions Office to be cancelled. Views of Commonwealth Government being communicated my immediate following telegram. _ 1 This should read ‘19 August’. See Document 241. _...’
301. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 12 October 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 12 October 1938, Reference reform of League Covenant. If and when you consider it becomes necessary to state the attitude of Commonwealth Government on Article 16, sanctions, you should communicate to League that Commonwealth Government supports the proposals of the United Kingdom Government as submitted to Assembly by...’
302. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 21 October 1938; ‘Cablegram 198 LONDON, 21 October 1938 MOST SECRET Relations with Italy. Understand Cabinet here will be asked at its next meeting on 26th October to take decision on question of bringing into force Anglo-Italian agreement. [1] Prime Minister [2] himself is in favour of application of agreement without further delay...’
303. DR R. ASMIS, GERMAN CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 24 October 1938; ‘Letter (copy) SYDNEY, 24 October 1938 PRIVATE AND PERSONAL Referring to the talk we had at the Wentworth Hotel some months ago regarding public statements made by the Right Honourable Minister of External Affairs [1] vis-a-vis Germany, I beg to enclose herewith a cutting from the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ of...’
304. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 7 October 1938; ‘Letter LONDON, 7 October 1938 PERSONAL SECRET You have been kept so fully informed of all the happenings and developments during the recent crisis that there is little need for me to add anything now that the tension has relaxed and we have run into a period of comparative calm....’
305. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 25 October 1938; ‘Letter 25 October 1938, PERSONAL I have your personal and secret letter of 7th October [1] in which you gave me a historical resume of the events leading up to the recent European crisis, and the happenings during the critical September weeks. Naturally I have read your account with the...’
306. MEMORANDUM FOR CABINET: 25 October 1938; ‘25 October 1938 1. On 4th October, the Commonwealth Government was informed by the British Government that the Italian Government had decided to withdraw 10,000 troops from Spain on its own initiative and without reference to the withdrawal of foreign volunteers by the Barcelona Government, and that the Italian Government...’
307. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 26 October 1938; ‘Cablegram 106 26 October 1938, SECRET Commonwealth Government strongly of opinion that, as a contribution to peace, Anglo-Italian agreement should be brought into operation forthwith and de jure recognition accorded to Italian Empire in Abyssinia. Italian withdrawal of 10,000 troops from Spain seems a real contribution and in present condition...’
308. MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 27 October 1938; ‘Cablegram log LONDON, 27 October 1938, 6.46 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 26th October No. 106. [1] Following for Prime Minister from my Prime Minister. [2] I am very grateful for your message. You will have seen from telegram Circular B.396 of October 26th [3] that the United Kingdom Government are...’
309. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 28 October 1938; ‘Cablegram 113 28 October 1938, SECRET Following for P.M. [1] Your telegram 27 October No. 109. [2] Commonwealth Government agreeable to your quoting substance of my message of 26 October [3] regarding Anglo-Italian Agreement. It is proposed to make statement here at first opportunity and I should be glad to...’
310. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 28 October 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 28 October 1938, PERSONAL AND SECRET There have been recent confidential exchanges between Chief of Naval Staff [1] and Fourth Sea Lord [2] regarding capital ship for Royal Australian Navy, and Government will be glad if you will fully explore possibilities with Admiralty and submit a review as...’
311. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 28 October 1938; ‘Memorandum 28 October 1938, In regard to the letter of 21st October [1]’ from the Consul- General of Germany on the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, I feel that there are several recent features in connection with the German agitation for the return of colonies to which the attention of...’
312. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR R. ASMIS, GERMAN CONSUL- GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 29 October 1938; ‘Letter 29 October 1938, PRIVATE AND PERSONAL With reference to your letter of 24th October, 1938 [1], in regard to certain public statements made by my colleague, the Minister for External Affairs [2] on the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, I would invite your attention to the statement made by...’
313. MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 31 October 1938; ‘Cablegram 112 LONDON, 31 October 1938, 9.41 p.m. SECRET Following from Prime Minister for Prime Minister. [1] Much obliged for your message in your telegram No. 112 [2] October 28th. Present idea is that the matter should be debated in the House of Commons here in the afternoon of Wednesday...’
314. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 31 October 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 31 October 1938, 11.32 p.m. PERSONAL HIMSELF SECRET Your telegram of28th October [1]: Matter has now been fully examined with the First Lord of the Admiralty [2] and the Board of the Admiralty. Admiralty’s attitude with regard to a capital ship for the Royal Australian Navy is...’
315. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 1 November 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 1 November 1938, 9.03 p.m. PERSONAL HIMSELF MOST SECRET Had a long conference today with the First Lord of the Admiralty [1] and the First Sea Lord. [2] I put to them your anxieties with regard to the position in the event of the Empire being engaged...’
316. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 7 November 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 7 November 1938, 6.14 p.m. PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF SECRET Since our telephone conversation [1] I have exhaustively discussed with the First Lord of the Admiralty [2] the question of a capital ship in Eastern waters and have put forward a formal request that the British Government should...’
317. CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR W. M. HUGHES, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 November 1938; ‘15 November 1938 DE JURE RECOGNITION OF THE ITALIAN ANNEXATION OF ABYSSINIA 1. It will be recalled that a memorandum dated 25th October [1], was submitted to Cabinet concerning the proposed implementation of the Anglo-Italian Agreement by the United Kingdom Government. It was pointed out in the memorandum that the...’
318. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 21 November 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 21 November 1938, 7.44 p.m. SECRET HIMSELF From 6 to 16 July 1938, on the initiative of U.S. President Roosevelt, the Evian Conference met to consider the problem of the increasing numbers of refugees from Germany and Austria and to try to devise schemes for resettlement. Australia...’
319. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 21 November 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 21 November 1938, 10.00 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL Reference to my telegram today’s date [1] suggested statement begins. The Government of the Commonwealth has been invited with the Governments of the other Dominions, His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and the Governments of other Powers to consider...’
320. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 23 November 1938; ‘Letter 23 November 1938, I desire to refer to your Note Verbale of 8th September, together with a report by the Chief Geologist, Nippon Mining Company, dated 20th August [1], on the subject of the prohibition of the exportation of iron ore from Australia, and to inform you that I...’
321. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 30 November 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 November 1938, Today’s cables [1] indicate that plan is being prepared for presentation to President Roosevelt to amend United States Neutrality Law to enable President to apply embargo against any nation deemed to be aggressor. [2] Cables further state that Canada will be included in list of...’
322. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 2 December 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 2 December 1938, 5.14 p.m. Refugees. Minister’s statement [1] received widespread publicity London and provincial press. ‘Times’ leading article: ‘Australia has made characteristically generous contribution to solution of refugee problem. Conditions on which they are to be admitted show that Government have forestalled objections of Australians who...’
323. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 2 December 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 2 December 1938, 7.10 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL Have now received a letter from the First Lord of the Admiralty [1] with regard to a Capital Ship being stationed in the Far East. Am forwarding copy by air due Australia 13th December. [2] BRUCE _ 1 Earl Stanhope....’
324. MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 3 December 1938; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 3 December 1938 I desire to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of November 23rd [1], in which you stated your views-based on the result of preliminary reconnaissances by the Commonwealth Geological Adviser [2] of some of the iron ore deposits in Australia-on some technical points contained in...’
325. CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 5 December 1938; ‘Cablegram 14 OTTAWA, 5 December 1938, 12.33 p.m. I understand that the Commonwealth Government has indicated recognition of the Italian sovereignty of Ethiopia. I should be much obliged to receive details of action taken. _ _ [AA : A981, ABYSSINIA 20] ’
326. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 December 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered6 December 1938, CLEAR THE LINE Reported here that Prime Minister [1] in House of Commons Stated:(begins) It was for each member of the British Commonwealth to decide the extent to which it would participate in any war in which another member was engaged but I am sure I...’
327. MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TORAO WAKAMATSU, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SYDNEY: 6 December 1938; ‘Letter 6 December 1938, I desire to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 3rd December, 1938 [1], on the subject of the prohibition of the exportation of iron ore from Australia, and to inform you that the views which you have expressed have been noted for consideration when the...’
328. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH LORD HALIFAX, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE: 6 December 1938; ‘LONDON, 6 December 1938 MINISTER WASHINGTON I spoke to Lord Halifax with regard to the question of Australia having a Minister in Washington and found he had not given very much thought to the general question of separate Dominion representation in foreign countries but on the whole was inclined to...’
329. MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 December 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 7 December 1938 CONFIDENTIAL A representative of Asiatic Investment Company named Buchan has just been to see me in regard to Timor oil position before leaving for Sydney by air today. He professes to desire to negotiate with the Australian Government with a view to his Company...’
330. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 December 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 7 December 1938, Your telegram 5th December. [1] Commonwealth Government on 16th November [2] requested Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [3] to instruct British Ambassador at Rome [4] to inform the Italian Governmerit that His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia accorded de jure recognition of...’
331. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 December 1938; ‘Cablegram 120 LONDON, 7 December 1938, 2.12 p.m. Your telegram 6th December. [1] Following question was addressed to the Prime Minister [2] in the House of Commons on 5th December:(begins) To ask the Prime Minister, whether he is aware of the recent declaration of General Hertzog, the Prime Minister of...’
332. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR H. FITZMAURICE, U.K. CONSUL-GENERAL IN BATAVIA: 8 December 1938; ‘Draft Cablegram unnumbered 8 December 1938 Your Cable 7th December. [1] Timor Oil. Appreciate your information. Position generally is that representative of Oil Search received favourable reception Lisbon authorities and is hopeful obtaining concessions. On other hand Wittouck [2] appears to have made no progress and cannot obtain Lisbon confirmation...’
333. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH SIR RONALD LINDSAY, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES: 8 December 1938; ‘Extract LONDON, 8 December 1938 [1] Sir Ronald Lindsay came to see me. I asked him how Officer [2] was doing in Washington and he said admirably. He indicated that Officer had made quite a good position for himself and that he got on excellently with both the Embassy staff...’
334. MEMORANDUM BY MR J. D. L. HOOD, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON: 1 November 1938; ‘LONDON, 1 November 1938 Received n.d. [due 10 December 1938] GERMANY Between the end of 1933 and the end of 1936 there were constant exchanges with the German Government designed to bring about a ‘European settlement’. They all failed, for various reasons of which the chief and the singly sufficient,...’
335. MR M. J. SAVAGE, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 22 December 1938; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 22 December 1938 SECRET With reference to my secret letter of 19th May, 1938, referring to the suggestion to hold a conference on the Pacific Islands matter, and your secret letter Z.15/1/1 undated in reply thereto [1], the New Zealand Government have now received a secret telegram...’
336. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR J. A. LYONS, PRIME MINISTER: 2 December 1938; ‘Letter (airmail) LONDON, 2 December 1938 After considerable delays and under constant pressure, I have now received a reply from the First Lord of the Admiralty [1] to my request for an assurance as to the intentions of the United Kingdom Government to base a Capital Ship on the Far...’
337. MR M. MACDONALD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 December 1938; ‘Cablegram 126 LONDON, 24 December 1938, 3.00 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET (1) The position of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom resulting from their accession in 1931 to the General Act for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, has recently been examined by a Sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial...’
338. MR W. L. MACKENZIE KING, CANADIAN SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 29 December 1938; ‘Cablegram 15 OTTAWA, 29 December 1938, 5.18 p.m. December 29th 15 your telegram 7th December. [1] Much obliged for your full statement of Australian action. We have requested the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [2] to instruct the British Ambassador in Italy [3] to inform the Italian Government that...’

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