Cablegrams P277, 1015, 4938 CANBERRA, 21 December 1948, 2.15 p.m.
IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL
Cabinet to-day discussed position and affirmed basic approach in our 273. [1]
It is noted from telegram from Beasley [2] that United Kingdom is chary of action under Article 41 at the moment. Government does not wish to make a firm decision until United States and United Kingdom views become clearer, but would favour supporting United States in some form of sanctions and would hope that United Kingdom would join if United States took the lead.
Press statement which includes reference to sanctions issued today is contained in immediately following in clear telegram.
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1 Document 396.
2 Document 406.
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[AA:A1838, 403/3/1/1, xx]