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 output from Yampi Sound and expressed the hope that the Commonwealth Government will not take the step proposed without being able at the same time to publish reasons for it which will carry conviction of its necessity. Lord Halifax [3] suggests that before the decision is announced the Commonwealth Government might wish to convey some warning and explanation of it to His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokyo. [4]
BRUCE
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1 Document 141.
2 Not printed.
3 U.K. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
4 Sir Robert Craigie.
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[AA : A981, AUSTRALIA 90]