Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 16: Australia and the Postwar World

1. BURTON TO HOOD: 17 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 283, CANBERRA, 17 June 1948, 12 noon PERSONAL Please see Lie at once and give him the following confidential message from the Minister. The matter is of great importance to Australia and you should use special care in handling it. ‘At Lake Success last year after my narrow defeat...’
2. HOOD TO BURTON: 19 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN556, NEW YORK, 19 June 1948, 3.27 p.m. PERSONAL I gave Trygve Lie the message contained in your 283 yesterday. He will send a personal reply shortly but in the meantime thinks it too early to form or give any definite opinion. His view is that for the time...’
3. BURTON TO DOIG: 7 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 20, CANBERRA, 7 July 1948, 2.45 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL It would be useful if you made short immediate unofficial visit to Argentine. You should first advise informally Brazilian authorities that you are making short personal visit. While you are in Argentine, you should make as many official contacts as...’
4. DOIG TO BURTON: 23 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 18, RIO DE JANEIRO, 23 July 1948, 1.58 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 20. Returned to Rio de Janeiro yesterday. Brief answers to your telegram are: 1. Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs undertakes to propose and strongly support Australia for Presidency in the preliminary meeting of the South American States...’
5. BURTON TO POSTS: 14 August 1948; ‘Cablegrams 136, 218, 97, 67, CANBERRA, 14 August 1948 United Nations General Assembly. Minister has been approached by a number of countries to stand for presidency General Assembly which opens in Paris on 21st September and his chances of securing fairly wide general support seem bright. Please raise with the...’
6. BURTON TO EVATT: 31 August 1948; ‘Cablegram E35, CANBERRA, 31 August 1948, 5.15 a.m. Following is a summary of the latest information re Presidency showing the attitude of member states: The three Scandinavian countries were approached in Canberra. Norway on principle will not commit its Delegation but Government views Minister’s nomination most favourably. Argentina will support...’
7. MAKIN TO BURTON: 8 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 1006, WASHINGTON, 8 September 1948, 7.17 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Your letter of 27th August. Today Raynor of State Department, who is proceeding to Paris, during conversation with Harry on Assembly Agenda, made the following observations regarding Presidency. United States have not yet determined their course, but did...’
8. HIGH COMMISSION IN OTTAWA TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 256, OTTAWA, 10 September 1948 Unofficially indicated by members Canadian Assembly delegation that delegation would support nomination of Dr. Evatt as President unless French candidate nominated in which case they anticipate election by acclamation. They indicate that only complicating factor in their minds is question whether British Commonwealth Conference...’
9. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 September 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 13, PARIS, 21 September 1948, 11.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Dr. Evatt was elected President of General Assembly. Final voting 31 Evatt, 20 Bramuglia Argentine. Since some of Arab States voted against Minister, his election represents a remarkable achievement since it means that Latin American bloc was...’
10. CHIFLEY TO BEASLEY: 25 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 14, CANBERRA, 25 January 1949, 10.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET AND PERSONAL Minister for External Affairs Dr. Evatt has received from the French Legation at Canberra the following message from the Government of France - Begins. ‘The French Government is proud that Paris had been selected as the venue of...’
11. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 2 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 32, LONDON, 2 February 1949 IMMEDIATE SECRET AND PERSONAL My immediately preceding telegram. Following is text of letter referred to - Begins - A copy of Mr. Chifley’s telegram has been laid before The King, who has given it careful consideration. As it has not recently been the policy...’
12. CHIFLEY TO BEASLEY: 4 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 21, CANBERRA, 4 February 1949, 3.45 p.m. PRIORITY IMMEDIATE SECRET AND PERSONAL In reply to your message No.32 of 2nd February I now desire you to seek an audience of the King and give him the following personal message as from myself. Message begins:- I have received the message...’
13. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 9 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 40, LONDON, 9 February 1949 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND SECRET As a result of your message No. 21 of 4th February following has been delivered to me this morning. Begins:- The King has given much thought to the message from Mr. Chifley to himself conveyed in his telegram to you...’
14. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 10 January 1948; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 10 January 1948 I desire to acknowledge your letter[1] intimating the understandings which have been reached between your Government and the U.S.A. regarding future policy in the Middle East. I do not very much favour secret understandings, but in view of all the circumstances it would appear that...’
15. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 16 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 10, CANBERRA, 16 January 1948, 5.30 p.m. SECRET Middle East. We have been interested to receive information as to treaty negotiations which the United Kingdom has been carrying out in this area with a view to a defensive system in the Middle East. It seems to us that the...’
16. NOEL-BAKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 24, LONDON, 24 January 1948, 7.40 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 16th January, No. 10. MIDDLE EAST We are grateful for the view of the Australian Government on our policy of building up a defensive system in the Middle East based on a series of bilateral agreements with Arab States....’
17. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 27 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 51, CANBERRA, 27 February 1948, 5.45 p.m. TOP SECRET We are extremely concerned at the way the Palestine situation is shaping and in particular at the way in which the Assembly decision is being undermined by the Arab States. We feel strongly that all treaty negotiations should depend on...’
18. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO GORDON WALKER: 11 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 65, CANBERRA, 11 March 1948, 5.15 p.m. SECRET Palestine. Your telegram No. 75 of 5th March. We are glad to receive the assurance that the United Kingdom has endeavoured to impress upon the Arabs their responsibility towards the Middle East as a whole and towards Palestine in particular. We...’
19. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 March 1948; ‘Cablegram UN257, NEW YORK, 19 March 1948, 6.42 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Statement to be made by Austin in the Security Council this afternoon. ‘1. The plan proposed by the General Assembly[1] is an integral plan which cannot succeed unless each of its parts can be carried out. There...’
20. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 23 March 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (extracts), CANBERRA, 23 March 1948 Following is text of statement released at 11 pm Monday by Dr. Evatt. Begins. Palestine crisis ‘Trusteeship’. Suggesti[on].[1] Comment by Australian Minister for External Affairs (Dr. H.V. Evatt). Decisions of a competent international conference should be accepted after there has been full enquiry...’
21. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO FORSYTH: 24 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 158, CANBERRA, 24 March 1948 SECRET You should oppose any new move to adjourn or postpone discussions in Trusteeship Council in Jerusalem. In every matter you should act on the assumption that the Assembly decision is to be implemented until the Assembly itself makes a contrary direction. 2. Please...’
22. GORDON WALKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 April 1948; ‘Cablegram H102, LONDON, 1 April 1948, 9.40 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram 25th March H.98. PALESTINE. The United States Representative on the Security Council has tabled two resolutions by which the Security Council would: (1) Call on Jewish Agency and Arab Higher Committee to designate representatives to meet Security Council...’
23. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO GORDON WALKER: 3 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 83, CANBERRA, 3 April 1948 SECRET Your telegram today H102. Palestine. 1. It is in our view quite wrong to assert that question of fighting was not considered by Committee and by Assembly. It was at all times fully in mind and scheme finally adopted was based on careful...’
24. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 April 1948; ‘Cablegram UN294, NEW YORK, 2 April 1948, 1.29 p.m. SECRET Palestine. Our 292. 1. Secretary-General has sent us formal notification that Special Assembly will open 11.00 a.m. Friday, 16th April. 2. Provisional agenda (apart from formal items such as election of President) will be ‘further consideration of the position of...’
25. THROSSELL TO SHANN: 6 April 1948; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 6 April 1948 PALESTINE It is suggested that in considering the United States trusteeship proposal we should proceed on the assumption that the objective is to arrive at a just and workable settlement. Consideration of possible strategic interests either in terms of future allies, military bases, or oil,...’
26. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 12 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 180, CANBERRA, 12 April 1948 SECRET Palestine. 1. Our general attitude on the question of Palestine is known to you, and you will have a copy of a statement made by the Minister when the announcement was made that the partition plan was to be reconsidered. Further instructions are...’
27. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 12 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 181, CANBERRA, 12 April 1948, 5.15 a.m. SECRET My 180. Following text begins. The Department of External Affairs present its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to refer to the Aide Memoire presented to the Minister for External Affairs on 9th...’
28. HOOD TO BURTON: 15 April 1948; ‘Cablegram UN322, NEW YORK, 15 April 1948, 10.39 p.m. SECRET CONFIDENTIAL My UN328. PALESTINE. 1. From varied discussions prior to the opening of the Special Assembly I can find little real support at this stage for the United States Trusteeship Plan or justification for American confidence that the plan would...’
29. BURTON TO HOOD: 17 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 194, CANBERRA, 17 April 1948, 12.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 322. Glad if you would suggest draft resolution. Would seem that Assembly should be asked to endorse previous recommendation and call upon Arabs specifically to desist from obstruction. __ [AA : A1838, 852/19/2, I] ’
30. NOTE BY SHANN: 19 April 1948; ‘CANBERRA, 19 April 1948 NOTE FOR FILE Draft resolution discussed with the Minister, 18/4/48. His view is that there are procedural dangers in putting forward any resolution re-affirming the decision of the last General Assembly on Palestine, as such a resolution would need to secure a two-thirds majority, and, if...’
31. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 April 1948; ‘Cablegram UN340, NEW YORK, 18 April, 1948, 8.29 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET CONFIDENTIAL PALESTINE From Hood. Reference my immediately preceding telegram. 1. After early preamble resolution would proceed. ‘Having taken note of the stated intention of the mandatory power to divest itself of administrative responsibility in Palestine after 15th May, and...’
32. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 April 1948; ‘Cablegram UN348 (extract), NEW YORK, 20 April 1948, 10.11 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Palestine. 5. We made a statement[1] of which the following are the main points. Assembly was not an abstract recommendation but provided for definite responsibilities and functions on the part of United Nations Organisation. In this way the...’
33. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 April 1948; ‘Cablegram UN370, NEW YORK, 27 April 1948, 10.29 p.m. SECRET Palestine. [matter omitted] 2. Discussion[1] then t[urn]ed to United States working paper on trusteeship. United States representative referred to proposals in very tentative fashion and invited committee to see whether it could fill in the gaps in the present draft...’
34. EVATT TO MAKIN: 1 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 428, CANBERRA, 1 May 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND TOP SECRET Please seek immediately appointment with President and hand him in person the following personal and confidential message from me. In order to receive appointment, you should state you have a most urgent personal message from me on Special...’
35. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN388 (extract), NEW YORK, 3 May 1948, 9.52 p.m. Palestine. First Committee today heard some final comments on United States Trusteeship Plan from Soviet Union and Yugoslavia and four or five other Delegations. Cuba and Greece stated they would support Trusteeship. 2. Main statement was from United Kingdom which...’
36. MESSAGE FOR BURTON: 5 May 1948; ‘Memorandum, [CANBERRA], 5 May 1948 PALESTINE In answer to a question from Dame Enid Lyons this afternoon the Minister stated that he had seen the latest development in the United Nations discussion on Palestine that there should be a standstill and ceasefire agreement, and that the UN should take the...’
37. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN401, NEW YORK, 6 May 1948, 9.19 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Palestine. The Plenary Assembly today received the report of the Trusteeship Council[1] (my UN.396). The recommendations[2] of the Council were criticised as inadequate by New Zealand, Poland, France, Soviet Union and Australia. Australia’s statement pointed out that the Trusteeship...’
38. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN402, NEW YORK, 6 May 1948, 9.19 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Palestine. 1. My UN.401. The following is the resolution adopted by the plenary session today. The General Assembly - Having asked the Trusteeship Council to study with the mandatory power and the interested parties suitable measures for the protection...’
39. MAKIN TO EVATT: 14 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 606, WASHINGTON, 14 May 1948, 7 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Your 428. Following communication received 5 p.m. today from the Secretary of State. Begins - May 14th 1948. My Dear Mr. Ambassador, I should be grateful if you would transmit the following message to Dr. Evatt -...’
40. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN441, NEW YORK, 15 May 1948, 2.31 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Palestine. My telegram UN.439. First Committee sat continuously until 3.30 p.m. Friday afternoon to conclude the debate on the recommendations of the two Sub-Committees dealing respectively with interim arrangement for Palestine and Jerusalem. 2. Debate on First Resolution[1] was...’
41. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN446, NEW YORK, 16 May 1948, 3.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Jerusalem. 1. It is regrettable that Australian amendment (paragraph 7 of my UN 441) was not carried before the Assembly arose as the only chance was thereby lost of providing at least some temporary United Nations footing in...’
42. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 18 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 140, CANBERRA, 18 May 1948 TOP SECRET Palestine. We have carefully considered your telegram[1] and fully understand your point of view. 2. As you know, Australian foreign policy is based on support for United Nations and avoidance of political decisions purely on grounds of strategy, for we are convinced...’
43. ALLEN[1] TO DESCHAMPS: 20 May 1948; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 20 May 1948 RECOGNITION OF THE JEWISH STATE The logical consequence of Australian policy to date on the Palestine question would be the recognition of the newly proclaimed Jewish State[2], the main ground for this being it would be in line with the Assembly resolution of November 1947,...’
44. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 21 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 145, CANBERRA, 21 May 1948, 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET We have noted B.B.C. report attributed to a spokesman of the Foreign Office in which it was stated that the United Kingdom was under an obligation to help with training and equipment of armed forces of Transjordan, as well as...’
45. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 4 June 1948; ‘Message, [CANBERRA], 4 June 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Palestine 1. The Minister for External Affairs and I have discussed the matter with Cabinet. The general view prevailing favours de facto recognition of the Provisional Government of Israel, providing that at the same time we made it clear that we...’
46. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN591, NEW YORK, 30 June 1948, 9.05 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL My UN.581. 1. Contrary to what was generally expected here, proposals submitted by Bernadotte[1] to Tel Aviv and Cairo go much further than preliminary approaches to attempted eventual settlement. I understand suggestions comprise the whole outline of a settlement on...’
47. HOOD TO BURTON: 6 August 1948; ‘Letter, NEW YORK, 6 August 1948 I am enclosing with this copy of another letter I have had from Comay[1] regarding recognition of the Israeli Government. I think there is no special motive in his raising the question again at this time - the letter seems to be more in...’
48. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO BERNADOTTE: 25 August 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, CANBERRA, 25 August 1948 Your cable of 16th August.[1] Australian Government has considered your request and is very glad to be able to provide the quantities of supplies you have asked for, namely, 1,000 tons of wheat, 50 tons of cheese and 50 tons of butter. It will...’
49. BERNADOTTE'S CONCLUSIONS: 18 September 1948; ‘Report to the General Assembly, [18 September 1948] CONCLUSIONS OF THE MEDIATOR (Extract from Document A/648 [Part 1]) [VIII. CONCLUSIONS] 1. Since I presented my written suggestions to the Arab and Jewish authorities on 27 June[1], I have made no formal submission to either party of further suggestions or proposals...’
50. BURTON TO EVATT: 27 September 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP13, CANBERRA, 27 September 1948, 4.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL You will have noted United Kingdom and United States comments on Count Bernadotte’s proposals for Palestine. United Kingdom High Commissioner has now approached the Prime Minister in the following terms: ‘The United Kingdom government are anxious that all...’
51. EVATT TO BURTON: 27 September 1948; ‘Cablegram E14, PARIS, 27 September 1948, 11 p.m. Your 370. I do not think we should at present make any commitments to Bernadotte’s conclusions otherwise we may not be sufficiently free to influence an Assembly decision. Last Assembly’s recommendations were proposed to be modified by Mediators in certain respects but...’
52. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 96, PARIS, [20 October 1948], 3.30 p.m. RELIEF FOR ARAB REFUGEES On the motion of the United Kingdom, the debate in the Third Committee on Human Rights was interrupted 20th October to hear a statement from Bunche[1] and Cilento[2] on the needs of Arab refugees now actually starving....’
53. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 105, PARIS, 22 October 1948, 7.55 p.m. Third Committee 21/10 decided to place item 4(A) part 3 Mediator’s Progress Report dealing with relief to Arab refugees on agenda for Friday afternoon 29th October. This was adopted with 46 votes to none with six abstentions. Both the United Kingdom...’
54. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 27 October 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP54, CANBERRA, 27 October 1948, 8.25 a.m. SECRET Palestine. Your Austdel 117. It seems to us that the Assembly should concentrate its initial effort upon establishing formal peace in the terms of the first conclusion to Bernadotte’s report. The continued presence of hostile armies in Palestine will inevitably lead...’
55. DEPARTMENTS OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND THE TREASURY TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 28 October 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP56, CANBERRA, 28 October 1948, 5.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Your Austdel 96 and 105.[1] 1. It does seem to us necessary to take the initiative in the general discussion but it is considered that you should be guided by the following points:- (a) Steps to raise funds for...’
56. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 144 (extract), PARIS, 29 October 1948, 8.37 p.m. SECRET 3. There is strong emotional support in the Committee for adequate emergency action and considerable objection to mixing political and relief aspects of Palestinian problem although some emphasis has been laid on importance of earliest political solution in Committee One...’
57. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 169, PARIS, 4 November 1948, 12.10 a.m. IMMEDIATE PALESTINIAN REFUGEES 1. The United Kingdom draft resolution[1] and amendments thereto are still being considered in subcommittee and Committee 5. 2. Meanwhile the representative of the Secretary General has requested Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States to...’
58. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 3948 (extract), LONDON, 5 November 1948 SECRET 3. PALESTINE: Secretary of State emphasised gravity of situation in Palestine and possibility of Jews proceeding to further attacks on Jerusalem area or even attempting seizure of Palestine. United Kingdom Government was under considerable pressure to assist Arabs under terms of treaty...’
59. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 9 November 1948; ‘Cablegram E92, CANBERRA, 9 November 1948, 4.05 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Reference 3948 from London repeated 17 to Delegation Paris. We assume you are in touch with United Kingdom authorities and there is no need to send telegram from here reiterating our view that it would be most unfortunate if the United...’
60. TANGE TO BURTON: 9 November 1948; ‘Minute, [CANBERRA], 9 November 1948 ARAB RELIEF It seems to me that rejection of the Secretary-General’s request for a trivial contribution of flour worth about £25,000 for emergency Arab relief is shortsighted. In the light of the size of the problem and Australia’s capacity to assist without sacrifice, it is...’
61. EVATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 193, PARIS, 9 November 1948, 11.58 p.m. Your E92. I think that a telegram should be sent from Australia.[1] In addition I think that the Bernadotte plan as starting point is quite out of the question and that basis of territorial settlement must be the existing Assembly Resolution...’
62. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 13 November 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP76, CANBERRA, 13 November 1948, 1.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Your Austdel 169[1] and 203.[2] Palestine Relief. 1. Please inform Secretary-General that having studied the response made to Bernadotte’s original appeal we feel unable even to consider any further commitment in the absence of a general plan approved by the...’
63. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 242 (extract), PARIS, 17 November 1948 SECRET First Committee 17th November, 1948. Palestine. United Kingdom called British Commonwealth meeting before First Committee met today and stated that their policy would be to support Bernadotte proposals. Their attitude was opposed by Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and ourselves who...’
64. HOOD AND SHANN TO BURTON: 25 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 273, PARIS, 25 November 1948, 11.10 a.m. RESTRICTED PERSONAL FOR BURTON ALONE First Committee 23/11/48, Palestine. We spoke first this morning from the text telegraphed in our 264 before meeting and presented the resolution in our 261.[1] Statements were also made today by Israel, Colombia, Greece, France, United...’
65. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO BURTON: 1 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 309, PARIS, 1 December 1948, 11.40 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL FOR BURTON [matter omitted] United Kingdom called Commonwealth meeting at lunch time to indicate extent to which they were prepared to meet amendment of the United States. They have changed position almost completely and in effect accepted United States...’
66. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO BURTON: 3 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 316 (extract), PARIS, 3 December 1948, 2.05 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED PALESTINE 5. As a result of the debate initiated largely by Australian amendments[1], voting to-day on operative parts of United Kingdom resolution led to unexpected results. All three clauses laying down directive for proposed Conciliation Commission as...’
67. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO BURTON: 6 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 333 (extracts), PARIS, 6 December 1948, 1 a.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR BURTON COMMITTEE 1 PALESTINE Committee 1 consideration of Palestine ended December 4th. Final vote on United Kingdom resolution as amended was 25 - 21 with 9 abstentions, minority was composed mainly of Arab and Soviet bloc. This...’
68. STATEMENT BY HOOD IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: 11 December 1948; ‘Extracts, [PARIS], 11 December 1948 The essential purpose of the amendments is to specify, make more clear and more specific, and more practical, the intention expressed in the resolution adopted by the First Committee. That resolution, although it is by no means a short one, does, in its essence, express...’
69. BURTON TO G.P.N. WATT: 18 February 1949; ‘Memorandum, CANBERRA, 18 February 1949 RELIEF FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES You will be aware of the requests which have been made to Australia by the Director of the United Nations Relief for Palestine Refugees for 5,000 tons of what or flour.[1] By the General Assembly’s resolution of 19 November, which Australia...’
70. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 3 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 124, CANBERRA, 3 March 1949, 3.40 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL PALESTINE RELIEF Government has decided to make available 1,000 tons of flour for shipment as soon as possible.[1] Australia will pay freight to destination. For your own information enquiries from Relief Director indicated lack as yet of willingness on the part...’
71. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 17 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (extracts), LONDON, 17 December 1948, 10.32 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER ALONE 1. Yesterday I had a talk with Attlee, Bevin and Noel-Baker. They were in a somewhat gloomy mood, partly because of the atmosphere created by the Tribune of enquiry and partly because of...’
72. EVATT TO FRASER: 26 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 12[1] , CANBERRA, 26 January 1949, 3.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE You will have learned by now that at long last United Kingdom will recognise Israel and will synchronise recognition with that of Australia and New Zealand. You will also have received message from Attlee[2] indicating some perfunctory statement Bevin...’
73. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 November 1949; ‘Cablegram UN864, NEW YORK, 21 November 1949, 12.59 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Immediately following telegram contains text of resolution submitted by us on Jerusalem.[1] 2. We have discussed this with over 20 delegations representing all groups in the Assembly. Only U.S.A. and Israel were definitely opposed. Canada and New Zealand, while...’
74. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 November 1949; ‘Cablegram UN865, NEW YORK, 21 November 1949, 1.19 p.m. The General Assembly - I. Having regard to its resolutions 181(11) 29th November, 1947 and 194(111) 11th December, 1948[1]; II. Having studied reports of United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine set up under latter resolution; decided - (A) In relation to...’
75. SHARETT TO EVATT: 23 November 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, [NEW YORK], 23 November 1949 View our long tradition consultation cooperating on matters affecting Israel within United Nations I permit myself make following observations on Australian draft resolution. We fully appreciate that this resolution is animated by consistent stand on principle on behalf original partition resolution. However despite...’
76. EVATT TO SHARETT: 24 November 1949; ‘Cablegram 590[1], CANBERRA, 24 November 1949, 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Many thanks for your personal message which I have read and studied. In a public statement I made yesterday, I emphasised that our resolution was not aimed against either party but was a deliberate attempt to work out a means...’
77. STATEMENT BY HOOD IN AD HOC POLITICAL COMMITTEE: 24 November 1949; ‘Extract, [NEW YORK], 24 November 1949 I turn in more detail to the resolution now before the Committee. Its basic intention is perfectly clear; that is, that the Assembly should not accept any derogation in substance from the 1947 resolution as worked out in detail by the Trusteeship Council in...’
78. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 November 1949; ‘Cablegram UN923 (extract), NEW YORK, 29 November 1949 IMMEDIATE 3. Committee has set up sub-committee of seventeen including Australia to endeavour work out agreed resolution. Before sub-committee was set up we reserved right ask for vote on our resolution, which has considerable support, no matter what might be result of...’
79. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 December 1949; ‘Cablegram UN969, NEW YORK, 7 December 1949, 8.57 p.m. EMERGENCY Ad Hoc Committee Palestine. 1. Committee approved Australian resolution with amendments of Sub-Committee by roll call vote 35 to 13 with 11 abstentions this afternoon. Arabs, Soviet Group, majority of Western Union, France, Belgium, Denmark and Luxemburg and Latin Americans,...’
80. NOTE BY GLASHEEN: 19 January 1948; ‘, SYDNEY, 19 January 1948 INSTRUCTIONS RECEIVED FROM THE MINISTER 1. General Functions of Special Committee The Committee is the creation of the General Assembly and not of the Security Council. It is essentially a body of conciliation and arbitration and not a continuation of its fact-finding predecessors. It is...’
81. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 9, SALONIKA, 19 January 1948, 3 p.m. SECRET Over the last few days, feeling has been developed among several members of the Committee especially Mexico and Brazil that the time is approaching when the committee must seriously consider whether it can perform any useful function in the present circumstances,...’
82. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 22 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 15, CANBERRA, 22 January 1948, 2.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D.11.[1] The assumption of the Greek Ambassador in paragraph 3 of the memorandum referred to in your telegram under reference that military assistance would be provided in the event of recognition of the Markos Government raises matters of serious...’
83. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BODY: 22 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 4, CANBERRA, 22 January 1948, 3 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your No.9.[1] Glasheen has full instructions from the Minister and as far as possible you should await his arrival. Our view remains that the Committee should make persistent efforts to carry out its functions. It would appear from the interim...’
84. NOEL-BAKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 January 1948; ‘Cablegram D29, LONDON, 29 January 1948, 11.15 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 22nd January No. 15.[1] GREECE 1. Thank you for letting us have your views on the Greek Ambassador’s approach. Whilst we have ourselves been giving anxious consideration to the Greek situation including the possibility of the Greek Government invoking...’
85. GLASHEEN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 13, SALONIKA, 2 February 1948, 6.45 p.m. SECRET Arrived Athens 26th. In calls on United Kingdom Ambassador and Greek Foreign Ministry took the opportunity to expressing to the former our apprehension at the present activities of the Committee and to the latter our misgivings at the recent repressive measures...’
86. GLASHEEN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 14 (extract), SALONIKA, 8 February 1948, 3 p.m. SECRET Sub-Committee 2, political, 7th February, unanimously adopted Australian proposal to address communication to the 4 Balkan Governments[1], drawing attention to the Assembly’s recommendation to establish normal diplomatic and good neighbourly relations, stressing the view of the committee that this was...’
87. GLASHEEN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 22, SALONIKA[1], 21 February 1948, 2.15 p.m. SECRET Observation Groups. Telegram 13[2] already reported apprehensions felt by certain delegations at evolution of Observer Groups. 2. Groups were set up at the outset of Committee’s work as a result of strong United States lead when most delegates either had merely...’
88. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO GLASHEEN: 27 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 13, CANBERRA, 27 February 1948 SECRET Your 22. We agree with views in your paragraph 9 on the functions of observer groups. You should continue to take every opportunity of drawing attention of Committee to any departures from the functions of observation such as those mentioned in your paragraphs...’
89. GLASHEEN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 45, SALONIKA, 14 April 1948, 11.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 23, paragraph 2. Following positive steps have been taken, (a) Letters were delivered February 23rd through the Secretary-General to the four Governments offering the Committee’s services to assist the establishment of normal diplomatic and good neighbourly relations and...’
90. HODGSON TO GLASHEEN: 19 April 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, PARIS, 19 April 1948 PERSONAL Am arranging visit Greece soon as possible and will advise my movements when definite.[1] Do not yet know my functions or status but in meantime telegraph me short summary of set up whether Committee is going shortly to Geneva who is remaining and...’
91. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE BALKANS: 28 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 30, CANBERRA, 28 April 1948 Following matters should be given attention in drafting report to General Assembly: (i) extent of Committee’s activities in pursuance of its functions of conciliation and results; (ii) nature of evidence presented by observation groups and reliability of conclusions. We cannot be a party to...’
92. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 56, SALONIKA[1], 1 May 1948, 1.20 p.m. SECRET April 29th. Am following strong policy along the lines of conversations with the Minister and Secretary and during this week will press for definite action on frontier conventions and personal approach to the Northern Governments. Have had conversations with all personalities...’
93. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 57 (extract), SALONIKA[1], 2 May 1948, 12.32 p.m. SECRET 30th April. At yesterday’s plenary meeting, Australian views on the real mission of the Committee were forcefully put. As no other member had had any personal experience of discussions on the Security Council and the Assembly leading up to the...’
94. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE BALKANS: 11 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 33, CANBERRA, 11 May 1948, 5.45 p.m. Your 45.[1] We agree that contact must, as a first step be made with the Northern Governments. It seems unlikely however that they could now agree to receive the Committee or its representatives without reversing a publicly announced condemnation of the Special...’
95. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 60, SALONIKA[1], 13 May 1948, 11.20 a.m. SECRET Your telegram 33. I paid one day visit to [Athens][2] with a party of delegates to examine the possibility of moving there but present prospects are only fair. Took the opportunity of talks with Tsaldaris[3], also the British Ambassador and Americans....’
96. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 19 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 35, CANBERRA, 19 May 1948, 3.45 p.m. Your 61.[1] You should proceed immediately to Geneva to supervise the drafting of the report. _[1] Dispatched 16 May. Hodgson suggested that he attend the final week of the drafting committee’s work when conclusions and recommendations would be drafted, because ‘once they...’
97. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 65, GENEVA[1], 12 June 1948, 11.55 a.m. SECRET Factual survey nearing completion and Committee will proceed to discussion on conclusions next week. It has been generally agreed that recommendations should be left for final report before Assembly meets, as recommendations at this stage may prove premature in light of...’
98. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 67, GENEVA, 22 June 1948, 10.15 a.m. SECRET 1. Despite an early understanding that no recommendations would be submitted in the main report Delegations of Brazil, Pakistan and Mexico are pressing for recommendations at this stage. They believe that Governments should have the opportunity of considering concrete recommendations before...’
99. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 68, GENEVA[1], 1 July 1948, 9.45 a.m. SECRET 1. Report has now been completed and general conclusions agreed on. The report followed generally the outline given in Geneva telegram No. 1.[2] 2. We abstained from adoption of Part III and have put in a general reservation as an Appendix...’
100. GLASHEEN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 71, SALONIKA, 24 July 1948, 1.30 p.m. SECRET July 23rd. Committee has been confronted with many technical difficulties in resuming work in Athens. Although decision in principle to maintain headquarters at Salonika but to hold meetings in Athens was taken in Geneva a month ago and immediately communicated to...’
101. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE BALKANS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 87, LONDON[1] , 14 September 1948 PRIORITY SECRET Our immediately preceding telegram.[2] Following is text of conclusions and recommendations.[3] Begins. A. CONCLUSIONS. I. Events which have come to the knowledge of the Special Committee between 17th June and 10th September, 1948, have served to confirm the conclusions expressed in...’
102. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 7 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 31, CANBERRA, 7 October 1948, 4.35 p.m. SECRET Greece. The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations in an appreciation in telegram H. No. 237 of 16th September of Soviet intentions and tactics in Greece has given the opinion that ‘only when the threat from the North has ceased can...’
103. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 29 October 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP59, CANBERRA, 29 October 1948, 5.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your Austdel 128.[1] Greece. It is suggested that time might be appropriate to introduce a resolution proposing establishment of purely conciliatory body along the lines of the Australian proposal[2] circulated to Member Governments as UN Document A/574/ADD1. _[1] Dispatched 27 October...’
104. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 146 (extract), PARIS, 30 October 1948 SECRET 3. Reference your UNP.59. We have been working for the past week along lines of your suggestion but have found it impossible to get much support. Countries which are in general in sympathy such as New Zealand and India insist that some...’
105. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 202 (extract), PARIS, 3 p.m.[1] 3. Committee [One] unanimously adopted the Australian resolution that Greece, Albania, Bulgaria meet to seek agreement on methods and procedures for solving their difference. Two amendments were adopted by Committee. First adds Chairman and Rapporteur of the First Committee to the convenors. Second...’
106. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 223, PARIS, 15 November 1948, 10.50 p.m. RESTRICTED Greece. After individual talks Minister today convened joint meeting of Representatives of Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Yugoslavia. Following eight point programme which has not yet been publicly released was handed to them, and will be used as basis of discussion...’
107. GLASHEEN TO BURTON: 2 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 312, PARIS, 2 December 1948, 5.30 p.m. RESTRICTED PERSONAL 1. See separate cable for report on discussion of Greek question in plenary sessions. 2. Had presumed Minister was keeping you informed of progress of conciliation talks. There is nothing further of a definite nature to report subsequent to...’
108. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 369, PARIS, 15 December 1948, 12.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE PRIORITY RESTRICTED Balkan Talks. 1. Minister tonight issued following press statement. ‘The conciliation Committee working to secure a system of mediation between Albania, Greece, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia has made very substantial progress and a draft agreement had been prepared after...’
109. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 372, PARIS, 1.50 p.m.[1] CONFIDENTIAL Balkan Talks. See AUSTDEL 369. 1. Draft document which would have been signed by 4 Conciliators in addition to 4 Balkan Plenipotentiaries recited Australian resolution which originated the talks and set out text of the appropriate agreements. 2. Main point common to each...’
110. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO ATYEO: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 7[1] , CANBERRA, 7 January 1949 Begins. 1. Your functions in Greece should centre solely round the activities of UNSCOB[2] and should in no way be concerned with work of conciliation committee which it is expected will continue its work in New York when Assembly reconvenes. 2. In connection...’
111. UNITED NATIONS PRESS RELEASE: 19 April 1949; ‘SC/931, NEW YORK, 19 April 1949 BALKAN CONCILIATION COMMITTEE For the purpose of facilitating methods of agreement between the Governments of Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia and with a view to resolving existing disputes and establishing good neighbourly relations, the Paris meeting of the General Assembly, which was presided over...’
112. UNITED NATIONS PRESS RELEASE: 19 May 1949; ‘BAL/480 (extract), NEW YORK, 19 May 1949 STATEMENT BY DR. HERBERT V. EVATT, PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY At New York, it became apparent that if Albania and Greece would agree as to the territorial question so far as it was linked up with the question of boundaries, all four...’
113. HEYDON TO BURTON: 23 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 2067, LONDON, 23 May 1949, 7.40 p.m. SECRET The Minister has addressed a personal letter to each of the four Foreign Ministers in Paris re conciliation in the Balkans.[1] The letter is being treated as entirely secret and no information is being given about it here. 2. Summary as...’
114. ATYEO TO EVATT: 16 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 36, ATHENS, 16 June 1949 TOP SECRET UNSCOB realising the futility of being unable to get agreement with Albania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia is preparing to write its report without attempting any conciliatory moves on its own behalf. 2. Based on the assumption that the Greek Army is slowly winning...’
115. ATYEO TO BURTON: 14 July 1949; ‘Letter (extract), [ATHENS], 14 July 1949 By the time you get this letter we hope to have given you all the significant part of the Report.[1] It is going along slowly. Our role is a moderating one. The Committee would not stand any new ideas nor a statement of the...’
116. ATYEO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 July 1949; ‘Cablegram 42, ATHENS, 23 July 1949, 2.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The Committee has considerably modified the first draft of the report which now approximates to that of last year. We have succeeded in toning down the excesses. The first three chapters will probably be classical in their approach i.e....’
117. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO ATYEO: 26 July 1949; ‘Cablegram 25, CANBERRA, 26 July 1949, 9 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED As you yourself propose, conclusions should be confined as far as possible to statements of facts and should avoid judgments and recommendations which are properly the prerogative of the Assembly. Your efforts should in general be directed to securing moderate...’
118. ATYEO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 46, ATHENS, 1 August 1949 PRIORITY - IMPORTANT SECRET In most respects Report as adopted last night is now orthodox in form. We told Committee we could not subscribe to Chapter III (Aid to Guerrillas) unless all statements therein were explicitly related to supporting evidence. We also insisted on...’
119. ATYEO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 52, ATHENS, 14 September 1949 RESTRICTED Committee started drafting recommendations yesterday. The following text approximates what will probably be adopted on 17th September. I am strongly resisting paragraphs (3) and (4) as only repeating conclusions and not likely to bring any positive results. Paragraph eleven still depends on approval...’
120. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO ATYEO: 17 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 34[1] , CANBERRA, [17] September 1949 CONFIDENTIAL Your 52. Any recommendations drafted by U.N.S.C.O.B. should not be in form of resolution to be adopted by Assembly but should be Committee’s own resolution addressed to Assembly and drawing attention to more important points in report. 2. Such resolutions should be...’
121. ATYEO TO EVATT: 22 September 1949; ‘Letter, ATHENS, 22 September 1949 Your telegram No. 34 arrived too late, as the recommendations had been signed the previous day, but your instructions were pretty much what I had been following out. I did succeed in modifying some of the paragraphs, although on the whole the Committee’s mind was...’
122. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 26 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 455, CANBERRA, 26 September 1949, 9 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your UN.528.[1] Greece. We agree that you should make early move in Assembly to continue conciliation efforts initiated by Minister. Discussions could be undertaken either by group similar to last year, or by Heads of Delegations of Big Four. 2....’
123. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 September 1949; ‘Cablegram UN546 (extract), NEW YORK, 28 September 1949, 3.40 p.m. PRIORITY Discussion on Greece began in Committee One. Australia, after referring to work of Conciliation Committee under Dr. Evatt, introduced resolution to establish a similar Committee as quickly as possible. Resolution seconded by United States.[1] _[1] The resolution was carried...’
124. REPORT BY ATYEO: 10 December 1949; ‘, [NEW YORK, 10 December 1949[1]] CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL REPORT ON THE CONCILIATION COMMITTEE[2] The Conciliation Committee, composed of General Romulo, the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Pearson, the Chairman of the First Committee, Mr. Sarper, Vice President of the First Committee, and Mr. Lie, the Secretary-General, had every opportunity...’
125. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HEYDON AND EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 1 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 3776, 473, CANBERRA, 1 September 1949, 6 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL We have been advised by Lee[1] in Canton that it is possible China may raise in Assembly question of Soviet breaches of Sino-Soviet Friendship Treaty of 1945. Please advise whether U.K/U.S. authorities have any confirmation of this and attitude likely...’
126. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 20 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 444, CANBERRA, 20 September 1949, 6 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL In event of China seeking to include on Agenda breaches of Sino-Soviet Treaty you should support move and indicate that matter should be discussed on its merits. When discussion takes place on substance further direction should be sought from here as...’
127. HILL TO TANGE: 16 November 1949; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 16 November 1949 RESOLUTION ON CHINA The United States has suggested that we should become joint sponsors along with India, Pakistan, Philippines, United States, Belgium and Mexico, of a resolution dealing with the Chinese complaint against the Soviet Union. The draft resolution is general in character. Under it...’
128. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 November 1949; ‘Cablegram UN904, NEW YORK, 28 November 1949, 10.15 a.m. PRIORITY RESTRICTED Following is the text of the Joint Resolution in its latest form. [matter omitted] Paragraph 1 substitute ‘to respect the political independence of China and to be guided by the principles of the United Nations in their relations with...’
129. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 December 1949; ‘Cablegram UN954, NEW YORK, 5 December 1949, 5.25 p.m. China Item. Cuba, Ecuador and Peru today proposed reference of China question to the Interim Committee. U.S.A., Australia and Mexico spoke in opposition. Vote tomorrow. __ [AA : A1838, 3107/40/52/1, I] ’
130. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 7 December 1949; ‘Cablegram 617, CANBERRA, 7 December 1949, 6.16 a.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Your UN954. CHINA: Unless there are special circumstances of which we are unaware you should not intervene in debate and it is preferable that you take passive attitude on all resolutions.[1] _[1] Australia voted against the resolution to refer the...’
131. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 December 1949; ‘Cablegram UN970, NEW YORK, 8 December 1949, 12.39 p.m. PRIORITY China Item. 1. Australian United States etcetera Joint Resolution adopted today by Plenary 45 votes to 5 (Soviet Group), no abstentions. 2. Resolution for reference to Interim Committee adopted by 32 votes, 5 against (Soviet) with 17 abstentions. Pakistan and...’
132. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SPENDER: 20 December 1949; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 20 December 1949 CHINA [matter omitted] 5. The adoption of the resolution referring the question to the Interim Committee means that the whole question is likely to be further debated. The original Chinese draft resolution stated ‘that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has persistently obstructed the efforts...’
133. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SPENDER: 30 December 1949; ‘Minute (extract), CANBERRA, 30 December 1949 4. The Notes from the Chinese Embassy[1] argue that recognition of the Communist Regime would prejudice the implementation by the Interim Committee of the Assembly’s assignment. This argument was rejected at the 4th Session of the Assembly, by many representatives (including Australia) who pointed...’
134. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JACKSON: 28 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 33, CANBERRA, 28 January 1948, 11 a.m. SECRET Your telegrams re Korea. 1. Our view remains that the resolution makes it clear that elections are to be conducted on a national scale and that the National Government resulting therefrom will assume authority for the government of both North and...’
135. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 February 1948; ‘Cablegram Department 73, TOKYO, 12 February 1948, 9.30 a.m. My telegram 7. Following is summary of Jackson’s broadcast from Seoul on February 10th. He spoke as Chairman of the Sub-Commission set up to interview Korean political personalities of all shades of political opinion. Committee had already interviewed a large number...’
136. JACKSON TO BURTON: 16 February 1948; ‘Memo KJ7 (extract), TOKYO, 16 February 1948 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUPPLY OF INFORMATION ON KOREAN SITUATION Korea is under strict censorship which is likely to extend to all types of communications. I discovered this on arrival at Seoul and decided to communicate only through the British Consul General by British special...’
137. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 18 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 99, CANBERRA, 18 February 1948, 12.10 p.m. SECRET INTERIM COMMITTEE MEETING ON KOREA Following basic considerations should govern attitude of Australian representative:- (1) The Korean Commission operates by virtue of a resolution of the General Assembly. While the Commission may ‘consult with the Interim Committee with respect to the...’
138. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN155, NEW YORK, 20 February 1948, 12.31 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Korea Interim Committee. Our 153. 1. Before Committee adjourned Jessup[1] intervened to state that, although agreeable to adjournment United States was convinced that commission should ‘proceed to implement assembly resolution’, and would explain reasons on Tuesday. 2. We understand...’
139. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN170, NEW YORK, 24 February 1948, 8.43 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Interim Committee. Korea. 1. At the opening today Jessup stated the United States position and advanced the proposals quoted in our UN.167.[1] He argued that the Assembly when it passed the resolution had known U.S.S.R. would not co-operate....’
140. BURTON TO JACKSON: 5 March 1948; ‘Memorandum (extract), CANBERRA, 5 March 1948 Our opposition to elections in Southern Korea at the discussions of the Interim Committee was based upon the conviction that a recommendation of such a nature by the Interim Committee would be a distortion of the Assembly resolution and, therefore, in excess of the...’
141. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 6 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 325, CANBERRA, 6 March 1948, 12.40 p.m. SECRET KOREA Please discuss Korean situation with State Department along the following lines. 1. Our understanding of the functions of the Temporary Korean Commission is that it should be able to exercise full supervision of elections. We are concerned that the announcement...’
142. BURTON TO JACKSON: 12 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 92, CANBERRA, 12 March 1948 SECRET Your K.19.[1] In circumstances reported in your paragraphs 1 and 3 we feel that Commission could not lend itself to observation of election, which apparently will not result in a genuine reflection of the people’s will (please see my memorandum of 5th March[2]...’
143. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 March 1948; ‘Cablegram Department 139, TOKYO, 13 March 1948, 10.30 a.m. Jackson reports that Korean Commission resolved this morning the following - ‘To observe the election announced by the Commanding-General, American Force, to be held May 9th, 1948, provided that the Commission has ascertained that the election will be held in a...’
144. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JACKSON: 3 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 131[1] , CANBERRA, 3 April 1948, 12.55 p.m. 1. We do not think Commission should, in any event withdraw. 2. First attempt should be to postpone elections until the conditions referred to in our 92[2] paragraph 2 are fulfilled. 3. If authorities will not agree with postponement, commission should...’
145. NOTE BY MCINTYRE: 12 April 1948; ‘, [CANBERRA, April[1] 1948] KOREA It is difficult to determine what are the objectives of our present policy in Korea. The language of telegrams Nos. 131[2] and 141[3] conveying our latest instructions to Jackson is ambiguous, and contains such a mixture of broad generalisation and apparently unrelated particularisation, that it...’
146. MISSION IN TOKYO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 240, TOKYO, 4 May 1948, 4.40 a.m. SECRET Your 159. Korean Commission decided to observe elections by five votes to nil; France, Canada and Syria abstaining. Jackson voted in favour of observing elections, which decision was arrived at on the grounds that, ‘there exists a reasonable degree of free...’
147. MCINTYRE TO SHANN: 7 May 1948; ‘Minute, [CANBERRA], 7 May 1948 KOREA I agree that Jackson’s vote was, in the circumstances, a little surprising, and that his best course would have been to abstain and thereby retain his freedom of action. On the other hand I do not think a negative vote would have been warranted...’
148. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JACKSON: 10 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 165[1] , CANBERRA, 10 May 1948, 10.30 a.m. In view of the conditions which have been outlined by you in your telegrams, and especially in Despatch KJ. 17, in which you not only point out that the majority of political parties will refuse to participate in the elections, but...’
149. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 May 1948; ‘Departmental despatch 107/1948 (extract), TOKYO, 19 May 1948 Elections 4. General Hodge has claimed that well over 90% of the South Koreans voted at the elections. Perhaps a more accurate description would be to say that it is claimed that at the election 92% of those voters registered did in...’
150. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JACKSON: 28 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 38[1] , CANBERRA, 28 May 1948 SECRET The time seems appropriate to introduce a resolution pointing out that since candidates elected by 10th May ballot cannot constitute National Government the Commission cannot, at this stage, carry out paragraphs 3, 4 of the Assembly’s second resolution.[2] The Provisional Assembly resulting...’
151. JACKSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 329, TOKYO, 26 June 1948, 1 p.m. SECRET Korean Commission report to General Assembly is not yet completed. Attitude of delegates to the formation of Korean National Government from the present Korean assembly have altered since commission’s return to Seoul. They are now as follows China, Philippines and El...’
152. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JAMIESON: 16 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 271[1] , CANBERRA, 16 July 1948 IMMEDIATE Your 329[2] and 330.[3] It is not for Commission to refer to Government elected as government either for whole or part of Korea. Commission’s mandate is clear, and it is now required to report factually to the Assembly in terms of that...’
153. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JAMIESON: 4 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 319[1] , CANBERRA, 4 August 1948, 5.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE KOREA Your K.R.11 has crossed our 314 which should have made clear our views on some of the points you raise. 2. The main thing which you should bear in mind is that we do not think Commission should take...’
154. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 447, TOKYO, 14 August 1948, 4.30 p.m. IMPORTANT KOREA Contents of your telegram 342[1] were telephoned to Jamieson this afternoon 14th August. I emphasized instructions to return to Tokyo as soon as possible. Jamieson said that the Commission this morning voted 4 to 2, India, Australia, against with Canada...’
155. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO UNITED STATES EMBASSY: 16 August 1948; ‘Note, CANBERRA, 16 August 1948 The Department of External Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to refer to its Note No. 27 dated 12th August, 1948, concerning the proposed announcement by the Department of State on American policy in...’
156. JAMIESON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 456[1] , TOKYO, 18 August 1948 IMPORTANT On August 14th the Commission concluded its lengthy discussion of letter[2] from Syngman Rhee referred to KR12. The Chinese and French, El Salvador and Philippine delegates favoured entering into consultation with Rhee’s Government ‘with reference to paragraph no. 4 of resolution 2...’
157. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 303, PARIS, 1 December 1948, 12.10 a.m. RESTRICTED Korea. We have been working with the United States in drafting a Resolution on Korea which we might possibly join with them and China in presenting to the Assembly. 2. Following is summary - Approves conclusions of the Korean Commission’s...’
158. STATEMENT BY PLIMSOLL: 7 December 1948; ‘Extract, [PARIS], 7 December 1948 KOREA Statement in the First Committee (Political) of the General Assembly I think that the members of this Committee will agree that this resolution has been drafted in a manner which keeps open the door for the unification of Korea. We do not slam the...’
159. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 363, PARIS, 12 December 1948, 8.50 p.m. RESTRICTED Korea. General Assembly on 12th December by 48 votes to 6 adopted resolution on Korea recommended by First Committee. Text as originally proposed by Australia, China and United States. Members of new Commission are Australia, China, El Salvador, France, India,...’
160. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SHAW: 31 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 25, CANBERRA, 31 January 1949, 1 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED PERSONAL Korean Commission was due to meet today, 31st January. Please make immediate arrangements to attend for one or two weeks according to how it develops and in order to report fully on the position as you see it. You...’
161. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 46, TOKYO, 1 February 1949, 6.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 25. KOREA. [matter omitted] 2. I am concerned at my lack of background on Australia’s attitude to the Korean question. We have not been able to secure copies of United Nations Assembly discussions on Korea, see your memorandum No....’
162. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SHAW: 2 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 26, CANBERRA, 2 February 1949 IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED [matter omitted] 2. The Minister is considering question of recognition of South Korean Government, which need not in any event raise the question of appointment of diplomatic or consular representative in Seoul. 3. Australian participation in sponsorship of the Assembly resolution succeeded...’
163. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SHAW: 3 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 28, CANBERRA, 3 February 1949, 9 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL KOREA 1. Section of report of Delegation on Korean Question and speech[1] of Australian delegate to first committee are being forwarded by air. 2. We feel that Australian representative should endeavour to concentrate attention of the commission on the attainment of...’
164. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 54[1] , TOKYO, 10 February 1949, 5 p.m. KOREA At a meeting on 10th February, Australia was elected Chairman of the Commission for the first month. I shall, therefore, deliver an address at the public meeting of the commission on Saturday 12th February. Australia, India and Syria appointed members...’
165. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 67[1] , TOKYO, 17 February 1949, 12 noon SECRET Sub-Committee one interviewed Syngman Rhee and his Cabinet Friday to ask his suggestions for Commission to contact the North. The President made it clear that he expected the only approach of Commission to be through Soviet Russia. This would be...’
166. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 76, TOKYO, 24 February 1949, 4.10 p.m. SECRET Following are some conclusions reached as a result of my work with the United Nations Commission on Korea in Seoul from 5th February to 23rd February, 1949. Fuller documentation follows. 1. As a result of the elections in South Korea in...’
167. JAMIESON TO BURTON: 20 June 1949; ‘Memorandum 16, SEOUL, 20 June 1949 Subject: Korea-Australia Relations On June 18th my wife and I were invited to tea with the President and Mme. Syngman Rhee. [matter omitted] The President then took up the subject of possible trade with Australia. He said that there would be many things that...’
168. BURTON TO MISSION IN TOKYO: 4 July 1949; ‘Memorandum 401, CANBERRA, 4 July 1949 You may have seen a copy of Memorandum No.16 dated 20th June from Mr. Jamieson in Seoul on the subject of Korean-Australian relations.[1] It appears from this that President Syngman Rhee has recently broached with Mr. Jamieson the question of possible trade between Korea...’
169. SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 July 1949; ‘Cablegram 282 (extract), TOKYO, 12 July 1949, 7.40 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED (D) CONCLUSIONS[1] 1. The original source of disunity was the U.S.A. - U.S.S.R. division and both these powers continue to exercise influence in Korea. 2. Neither the United States nor the U.S.S.R. wish to make Korea an issue of...’
170. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SHAW: 19 July 1949; ‘Cablegram 221, CANBERRA, 19 July 1949, 3.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Korea. Your telegram 282 has been most helpful 2. At this stage we feel that report should confine itself to conclusions. Recommendations, if any, might be contained in a supplementary report to be circulated to member Governments early in...’
171. MAKIN TO EVATT: 9 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 684, WASHINGTON, 9 August 1949, 11.15 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL The Ambassador for Korea has addressed a communication asking the Australian Government to accord full recognition to the Republic of Korea and desiring, if possible, that this might be done by 15th August when they are celebrating the first anniversary...’
172. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 September 1949; ‘Cablegram UN527, NEW YORK, 24 September 1949 RESTRICTED Korea. United States Delegation is exploring with us the possibilities of Joint Australian - United States resolution on Korea on the lines of Washington cable of 16th September. __ [AA : A1838, 250/8/3/4, I] ’
173. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 September 1949; ‘Cablegram UN533, NEW YORK, 25 September 1949, 3.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Korea. Reference telegram 16th September from Washington and our 527 following is text of operative part of United States resolution - ‘Resolves that the United Nations Commission on Korea shall continue in being with the following membership - -...’
174. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 October 1949; ‘Cablegram UN567 (extract), NEW YORK, 3 October 1949, 7.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED 2. Korea. Australian joint resolution adopted by committee by 44 votes to 6 with 5 abstentions. All Commonwealth voted in favour. Commission consists of all seven previous members except Syria which is replaced by Turkey. United States with...’
175. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1948; ‘Despatch 1, PARIS, 5 January 1948 I have the honour to submit the report of the Second Session of the Commission on Human Rights[1], along with Appendices A (Declaration), B (Convention), and C (Implementation), covering the reports of the three Working Groups established during the Session. [matter omitted] 8. The...’
176. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 13 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 183, CANBERRA, 13 April 1948, 4.30 p.m. SECRET HUMAN RIGHTS Please pass following general comments on draft Declaration and draft Covenant to Secretariat : 1. Declaration The Australian Government considers that the draft Declaration in the form proposed by the Second Session of the Commission is not satisfactory and...’
177. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN411, NEW YORK, 7 May 1948, 6.50 p.m. SECRET HUMAN RIGHTS DRAFTING COMMITTEE[1] 1. The United Kingdom proposes following additional wording to Article 13 of declaration ‘married persons shall have the right to reside together in any country from which they cannot be lawfully excluded’. This is aimed at...’
178. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN429, NEW YORK, 12 May 1948, 7.42 p.m. SECRET Human Rights. 1. Drafting Committee considered additional Australian Articles[1] for the Convention. Main arguments used against us were the fact that thorough drafting of [economic][2] and [social] rights would delay covenant too long, and that fewer states would sign if...’
179. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 231, CANBERRA, 14 May 1948, 2.25 p.m. SECRET Your UN411.[1] The Minister for Immigration has directed that United Kingdom proposal should not be supported and you should abstain from speaking or voting if its intention can in any way be construed as implying that married couples have the right...’
180. REPORT BY HEYWARD: 26 May 1948; ‘, NEW YORK, 26 May 1948 REPORT OF AUSTRALIAN ALTERNATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS DRAFTING COMMITTEE, SECOND SESSION MAY 3-21, 1948 [matter omitted] Implementation The Drafting Committee discussed the Covenant first (against Soviet objections), got somewhat more than half way through the Declaration, and had to put implementation off to the...’
181. HEYWARD TO BURTON: 11 June 1948; ‘Memorandum, NEW YORK, 11 June 1948 RE: AUSTRALIAN PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONS TO COVENANT ON HUMAN RIGHTS Addition of Economic and Social Rights Amongst our proposals, the addition of articles giving economic and social rights are the most controversial. As the Covenant will not be effectively discussed at the present session...’
182. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN555 (extract), NEW YORK, 19 June 1948, 3.27 p.m. SECRET HUMAN RIGHTS 1. The Commission finished its session last evening, 18th June, with the adoption of draft International Declaration of Human Rights. The vote was twelve in favour with four abstentions (Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Ukraine, Byelorussia). The minority view...’
183. LOOMES TO BURTON: 29 June 1948; ‘Minute, [CANBERRA], 29 June 1948 HUMAN RIGHTS One of the items on the agenda of the seventh session[1] of the Economic and Social Council is the consideration of the draft Covenant and Declaration on Human Rights. 2. This matter was considered at the last session of the Human Rights Commission,...’
184. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 October 1948; ‘Cablegram AD37, PARIS, 3 October 1948, 9.55 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Committee 3 Human Rights.[1] 1. General debate is likely to conclude 4th October. Many countries have spoken and majority appear to favour action on declaration at this Session. New Zealand made short statement urging that declaration should not be approved...’
185. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 71 (extract), PARIS, 13 October 1948, 1.35 a.m. COMMITTEE 3 HUMAN RIGHTS 1. After the conclusion of the general debate the Committee decided (a) to examine only the draft declaration transmitted by ECOSOC with a view to preparing the text for adoption at this session of the Assembly,...’
186. EMBASSY IN PARIS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 299, PARIS, 28 November 1948, 11 p.m. RESTRICTED Human Rights. 1. Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Denmark put forward separate proposals to include in the Declaration an Article dealing with the rights of minorities. Soviet Union made most strenuous efforts to secure approval of the following text. ‘All persons...’
187. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 361, PARIS, 11 December 1948, 2.45 p.m. RESTRICTED Human Rights. 1. On 10th December Assembly in Plenary Session adopted Declaration of Human Rights[1] by 48 affirmative votes and [no] negative votes and 8 abstentions. Countries abstaining were Eastern Europe, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Plenary Session deleted so-called...’
188. WATT TO BURTON: 22 December 1948; ‘MemorandumLONDON, 22 December 1948, UNITED NATIONS ASSEMBLY, PARIS, 1948 : COMMITTEE THREE 1. I enclose herewith draft sections of the report of the Australian delegation to the United Nations Assembly dealing with certain subjects which I handled personally, namely - (a) Declaration of Human Rights (b) Freedom of Information (c)...’
189. REPORT BY HOOD: 13 July 1949; ‘Extract, [NEW YORK], 13 July 1949 REPORT OF THE AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS [matter omitted] Item 5: Draft International Covenant on Human Rights and Measures of Implementation 4. This was the main work of the Commission at its Fifth Session and occupied...’
190. STATEMENT BY EVATT: 25 August 1948; ‘, [GENEVA], 25 August 1948 STATEMENT BY DR. EVATT ON GENOCIDE[1] Plenary Session 25 August, 1948 Genocide is a Crime The Council has before it a draft convention declaring genocide to be a crime under international law. Genocide is a deliberate act committed with the intent of destroying a group...’
191. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 353 (extract), PARIS, 9 December 1948, 10.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE Genocide. 1. Assembly today unanimously approved convention on genocide by 55 votes. There were three abste[ntion]s (including South Africa). A resolution referring question of an international judicial organ for the trial of genocide to the International Law Commission for...’
192. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER, FRASER AND AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION AT THE UNITED NATIONS: 11 February 1948; ‘Cablegrams 34, 27, 78, CANBERRA, 11 February 1948, 3.10 p.m. SECRET TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL 1. It appears likely that on resumption of discussion on New Guinea report particular attention will be given to the provisional administrative union of Trust Territory of New Guinea and Territory of Papua which was effected during...’
193. FRASER TO EVATT: 16 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 28[1], WELLINGTON, 16 February 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET BEGINS:- TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL Thank you for the comments contained in your telegram No. 27 on the attitude which you propose to adopt in the event that the administrative union between New Guinea and Papua comes under discussion at the next Session of...’
194. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO FORSYTH: 26 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 122, CANBERRA, 26 February 1948, 4.10 p.m. SECRET TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL Following message has been communicated to New Zealand Prime Minister from the Minister. Your attention is drawn particularly to final paragraph. BEGINS - ‘Thank you for your message through your Acting High Commissioner regarding administrative union between New Guinea...’
195. BURTON TO HALLIGAN: 18 March 1948; ‘Memorandum, CANBERRA, 18 March 1948 Further to my memorandum of 11th March concerning the Administrative Union of Papua and the Trust Territory of New Guinea, and in response to your verbal requests for the views of this Department on the matters to be covered in the proposed legislation it is...’
196. FORSYTH TO BURTON: 15 April 1948; ‘Memorandum, NEW YORK, 15 April 1948 NEW GUINEA AND PAPUA: ADMINISTRATIVE UNION With reference to your memorandum No. 82 (File P47/72/2) dated 25th March, the following are general and preliminary comments on the note[1] on international consideration attached to your memorandum: (1) General comments: In general it is felt that...’
197. FORSYTH TO TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL: 3 July 1948; ‘Letter, NEW YORK, 3 July 1948 In answer to questions concerning the administration of the Trust Territory of New Guinea asked by representatives in connection with the preliminary examination of the Annual Report on that territory for 1946-1947 at the Second Session of the Trusteeship Council[1], the Australian Delegation supplied...’
198. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN631, NEW YORK, 15 July 1948, 12.03 p.m. SECRET Trusteeship Council 14th July. NEW GUINEA. (Further to our 630.) 1. Introductory statement by Australian representative indicated contents of official statement on Administrative Union circulated as Document T/138/ADD.1[1], to which copy of Bill is annexed (see our 592). Paragraph 2(f)...’
199. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN636, NEW YORK, 15 July 1948, 8.39 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET New Guinea. 1. Report on meeting 15th July follows in separate cable. 2. Indications of today’s meeting are that following will be against Administrative Union as proposed in Bill. 3. We can probably defer any definite conclusion until Monday...’
200. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN637, NEW YORK, 15 July 1948, 11.28 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Trusteeship Council 15th July. Reference our immediately preceding telegram, following were main points raised during continued examination of political aspects of New Guinea Report. 2. Sayre (U.S.A.) asked whether Bill involved political as well as administrative union in view...’
201. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 19 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 329, CANBERRA, 19 July 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.636 and 637. New Guinea. Further to telephone conversation with Forsyth you may if necessary agree to additional clause along lines of paragraph 12 of your 637. Objective should be a resolution along lines of (a) in your 636, which might...’
202. SUMMARY BY FORSYTH: 6 August 1948; ‘Extract, [NEW YORK], 6 August 1948 REPORT OF TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL ON ADMINISTRATION OF NEW GUINEA (Report of Drafting Committee amended from notes made during 38th Meeting of Trusteeship Council, 2nd August 1948.) PART III CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS [matter omitted] 2. Administrative Union (a) The Council, having devoted a prolonged and...’
203. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 22 September 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP5, CANBERRA, 22 September 1948, 3.20 p.m. SECRET TRUSTEESHIP : NEW GUINEA 1. Minister for External Territories[1] made statement in House 21st September regarding Trusteeship Council report on New Guinea. Statement reviews arguments advanced concerning administrative union with particular reference Australian representative’s reply to points of criticism and objection...’
204. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 91, PARIS, 19 October 1948, 11.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE Fourth Committee 19th October began debate on report of Trusteeship Council. 2. Liu Chieh in presenting the report to the Committee spoke of the spirit of co-operation in the Council between the administering and non-administering authorities and warned that the...’
205. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 21 October 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP42, CANBERRA, 21 October 1948, 1.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your Austdel 91 paragraph 6. Fourth Committee. As regards point (a) in paragraph 3 of our UNP5, whilst we consider that the final clause of the preamble clearly expresses our intention to preserve status of trust territory, you may...’
206. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 113, PARIS, 25 October 1948, 6.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE India has shown us text of Draft Resolution concerning Administrative Union which they propose to introduce in Fourth Committee shortly. Following is summary. 2. The General Assembly, mindful of the basic objectives of the Trusteeship system, noting that some of...’
207. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 26 October 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP50, CANBERRA, 26 October 1948, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Your 113. Administrative Union. Proposed Indian resolution may be regarded as reflecting fact that India is not a member of the Trusteeship Council and accordingly has taken insufficient account of discussion on Administrative Union in Third Session of the...’
208. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 153, PARIS, 2 November 1948 Our Austdel 141 paragraph 5.[1] Consolidated resolution on Administrative Union has been submitted to Fourth Committee by Cuba, India, Iraq, Philippines and Venezuela. 2. Preamble now contains no direct reference to New Guinea. Portion beginning ‘endorses’ in original Indian resolution (paragraph 2 Austdel...’
209. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 185, PARIS, 8 November 1948, 3.03 p.m. Following is text of resolution on Administrative Union adopted by Fourth Committee 6th November by 25 to 12 with 10 abstentions. The General Assembly, 1. Mindful that one of the basic objectives of the trusteeship system is to promote the political,...’
210. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 9 November 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP69, CANBERRA, 9 November 1948, 6.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 184, 185 and 186. Administrative Union. Committee resolution is acceptable except for paragraphs 4 and 11(a). Paragraph 4 is in our view unnecessary and misleading. The main thing is that nothing contained in any plan for administrative union should...’
211. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 247, PARIS, 19 November 1948, 11.30 a.m. RESTRICTED REPORT OF TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL [matter omitted] 2. Resolution on administrative union adopted unanimously after rejection by roll call vote of paragraphs 4, 9(a) and (b) and 11(a) and (b). (Austdel 185) Paragraph 4 rejected by 29 for with 23 against....’
212. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 69, PARIS, 12 October 1948, 11.20 p.m. 1. In Committee One[1] today, Australia proposed that a subcommittee be established to examine principles governing disarmament taking account of the work of the United Nations up to date in this field in particular Commission for Conventional Armaments and to recommend...’
213. GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION ON REDUCTION OF ARMAMENTS: 19 November 1948; ‘Resolution 192 (III) extract, PARIS, 19 November 1948 PROHIBITION OF THE ATOMIC WEAPON AND REDUCTION BY ONE-THIRD OF THE ARMAMENTS AND ARMED FORCES OF THE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL The General Assembly, [matter omitted] Recommends the Security Council to pursue the study of the regulation and reduction of...’
214. HILL TO TANGE: 28 June 1949; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 28 June 1949 CONVENTIONAL ARMAMENTS COMMISSION This Commission has again commenced work on the basis of the Assembly resolution of 19th November, 1948. This resolution asked the Security Council to report to the Assembly not later than the next regular session, on effect given to the recommendation that...’
215. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 November 1949; ‘Savingram 28, NEW YORK, 21 November 1949 Ad Hoc Committee[1] - Reduction of Armaments. Following is text of resolution adopted 19th November 42 - 5 - 5. ‘The General Assembly, 1. Recalling its resolution 192 (iii) of 19th November 1948[2], … [matter omitted] 3. Approves the proposals formulated by the...’
216. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 January 1948; ‘Cablegram UN4, NEW YORK, 6 January 194[8] SECRET 1. Assembly Interim Committee held inaugural meeting today. U.S.S.R., Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Ukraine and Byelo-Russia not represented. 2. Committee elected Nervo (Mexico) chairman, Langenhove (Belgium) Vice-Chairman, Entezam (Iran) Rapporteur. 3. After brief general discussion of Assembly Resolution creati[ng] Committee, sub-committee was appointed...’
217. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 6 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 8, CANBERRA, 6 January 1948 SECRET LITTLE ASSEMBLY[1] In the present state of international affairs, Little Assembly may be improperly used as a propaganda platform. It is important that the Little Assembly should move slowly at the beginning. 2. You should attend all meetings but not stand for any...’
218. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 13 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 184, CANBERRA, 13 April 1948, 5.45 a.m. SECRET THE VETO Following principles are set out for your guidance during consideration by the Interim Committee of the Sub-Committee’s report on the veto proposals[1]; 1. Australia’s primary objective is to make the United Nations work. As one method of improving the...’
219. SECOND REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE: 24 June 1948; ‘Document A/AC.18/66, NEW YORK, 24 June 1948 INTERIM COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The Problem of Voting in the Security Council Second Report of Sub-Committee 3 [matter omitted] PART V CONCLUSIONS The Sub-Committee presents the following conclusions for the approval of the Interim Committee and subsequent recommendation to the General...’
220. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 6 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 318, CANBERRA, 6 July 1948 SECRET Your UN 587 and 567.[1] You should review position from time of San Francisco debates[2] pointing out Australia has always pressed for elimination of veto on conciliation and that main difficulty of Security Council have arisen out of misuse of veto in relation...’
221. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN616 (extract), NEW YORK, 10 July 1948, 3.14 p.m. SECRET Interim Committee my telegram 605. 1. Committee on July 9th concluded discussion on the report of sub-committee 3 and it was agreed to pass to the General Assembly recommendations contained in document A/AC/18/66 part 5[1] with minor amendments.[2] 2....’
222. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN674, NEW YORK, 28 July 1948, 8.44 p.m. SECRET 1. Interim Committee have for two days been discussing the report of Sub-Committee 4 which contains analysis of work carried out during the year by the Interim Committee and recommendations regarding the future of the Committee. With reference to your...’
223. UNITED NATIONS DIVISION TO EVATT: 29 July 1949; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 29 July 1949 INTERIM COMMITTEE [matter omitted] 4. In its two years of existence the Interim Committee has done little, beyond giving advice, from which Australia dissented, to the Korean Commission in connection with the holding of elections in Korea. It has done some useful work in connection...’
224. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 6 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 373, CANBERRA, 6 August 1949, 10.15 a.m. RESTRICTED Your 438 and 444.[1] 1. It would seem undesirable for Interim Committee to which several member states have not appointed representatives to make recommendations as to its own continuance. 2. It might be useful if at next session of Assembly President...’
225. EVATT TO DEDMAN: 28 January 1948; ‘Cablegram G23, 41[1] , CANBERRA, 28 January 1948, 6 p.m. SECRET SIXTH SESSION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL Detailed statements as to the agenda items for the Sixth Session are being forwarded to the Australian Delegation to the United Nations, New York. The following notes should, however, be of...’
226. APPRAISAL BY TANGE: 30 March 1948; ‘, [NEW YORK], 30 March [1948] AN APPRAISAL OF THE SIXTH SESSION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL [matter omitted] ECOSOC and outside international economic activity The major policies of international economic co-operation of the day are being shaped outside the United Nations - in the Committee of Economic Co-operation,...’
227. REVIEW BY TANGE: 4 June 1948; ‘, NEW YORK, [4 June 1948][1] REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION MEASURES The Growth of Discrimination The present stage of international reconstruction measures contains three elements which should cause concern to Australia and to all members of the United Nations - (a) the tension caused by discrimination against Eastern Europe in...’
228. MELVILLE TO BURTON: 18 May 1948; ‘Letter, SYDNEY, 18 May 1948 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL 1. I enclose a copy of the report of the Sub-Commission on Employment and Economic Stability prepared at its 2nd Session from 22nd March to 7th April, 1948. Most of the proceedings of the Sub-Commission are adequately covered by the report. The...’
229. REPORT BY WILSON: 7 July 1948; ‘, WASHINGTON, 7 July 1948 REPORT OF THE AUSTRALIAN MEMBER OF THE ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION On the work of the Third Session, 19th April to 6th May, 1948 The Third Session of the Economic and Employment Commission was held at Lake Success, New York, from 19th April to 6th...’
230. MEMORANDUM BY TANGE: 10 March 1949; ‘, CANBERRA, 10 March 1949 ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, AND SUB-COMMISSIONS First draft[1] Introduction 1. By Resolution 146 (VII) the Economic and Social Council decided that it should consider at a future session ‘the question of the most effective way to fulfil the purposes for which...’
231. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, HAVANA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE[1]: 2 January 1948; ‘Cablegram W18, HAVANA, 2 January 1948, 8.24 a.m. SECRET Sub-committee 1 is considering terms of possible resolution on employment which might be adopted by Conference replacing draft resolution adopted by first session of Preparatory Committee in London.[2] There appears little real opposition to the idea of passing some resolution though...’
232. DEDMAN TO BROWN AND CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 9 January 1948; ‘Cablegram G23, HAVANA, 9 January 1948, 8.43 p.m. SECRET At a meeting of the Committee dealing with chapter VI of the draft Charter on employment and economic activity under the Chairmanship of J.J. Dedman, it was today decided to submit the following resolution on employment to the Economic and Social...’
233. STATEMENT BY MAKIN: 19 February 1948; ‘, NEW YORK, 19 February 1948 STATEMENT BY MR. NORMAN MAKIN TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL ON HAVANA EMPLOYMENT RESOLUTIONS 19th February, 1948 Mr. President It is a significant fact that, following upon a discussion of a survey of world economic trends which demonstrates a high level of employment...’
234. MELVILLE TO BURTON: 7 June 1949; ‘Letter, SYDNEY, 7 June 1949 PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL 1. I enclose a copy of the report of the Sub-Commission on Employment and Economic Stability prepared at its 3rd Session from 11th to 22nd April, 1949. 2. The report covers the general proceedings of the Sub-Commission and the following comments are...’
235. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 1 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 114, GENEVA, [1] August 1949, 11.14 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED 1. France has approached us suggesting joint resolution drawing attention to declining effective demand leading to unemployment in certain countries and noting existence of national plans to maintain employment recommending consultation between government[s] to co-ordinate action and inviting Economic and...’
236. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL: 3 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 87, CANBERRA, 3 August 1949, 8.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 114. 1. Our view is that Council should adopt resolution noting danger of international spread of fall in employment, production and demand already evident in some countries, including consequent intensification of balance-of-payments difficulties. In view of the importance...’
237. WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 3 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 122, GENEVA, [3] August 1949, 11.34 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED 1. Your 86. The French resolution mentioned in my 114 has now been revised as a joint resolution with the United States and the United Kingdom and we have again been invited to share sponsorship. The resolution is now so...’
238. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL: 5 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 90, CANBERRA, 5 August 1949 IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Your 122. Presume you have now seen our 87.[1] Minister is most anxious that Council’s resolution should recommend that question be discussed by Assembly at next session as set out in our 87. Economic and Employment Commission has proved ineffective body and,...’
239. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 9 August 1949; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 9 August 1949 You will be aware of the leading part which Australia has played in various international conferences over recent years in writing into agreements reached both the principle and the obligation that participating Governments should adopt policies designed to promote full employment in their own countries....’
240. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 136 (extract), GENEVA, 9 August 1949, 10.55 a.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Unemployment. The French, while disliking reference to the General Assembly, are prepared to accept it in order to get Australian joint sponsorship but only if the United States agree. United Kingdom position is somewhat similar to the French. The...’
241. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 October 1949; ‘Cablegram 509, CANBERRA, 14 October 1949, 6.30 p.m. RESTRICTED Full Employment. Please put forward following draft resolution during debate.[1] Explanatory telegram following. GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTES the discussions which have taken place at the Ninth Session of the Economic and Social Council on problems of employment and economic stability; APPROVES the...’
242. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 21 October 1949; ‘Cablegram 524, CANBERRA, 21 October 1949, 6.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Agenda Items on Full Employment. In handling this item the objective should be to draw attention to the significance of articles 55 and 56 of the Charter, which state that principle of full employment and record the pledge of all...’
243. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 October 1949; ‘Cablegram UN703, NEW YORK, 24 October 1949, 7.49 p.m. RESTRICTED Full employment. 1. Australia opened debate to-day[1], spoke along the lines of your 524[2] supplemented by brief. Also said that no unemployment existed in Australia to-day. Referred to Australian plans to forestall depression and to public works reserve, basing it...’
244. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 October 1949; ‘Cablegram UN713, NEW YORK, 25 October 1949, 7.59 p.m. RESTRICTED Full Employment. 1. U.S.A. spoke supporting an Australian resolution. Outlined recovery in U.S.A. and plans for meeting any further decline. ‘Current economic outlook for E.I.A.[1] gave reasons for assurance and not for alarm’. Said question had been given admirable setting...’
245. STATEMENT BY PLIMSOLL: 27 October 1949; ‘, NEW YORK, 27 October 1949 FULL EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT MADE IN THE SECOND COMMITTEE BY THE AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE (MR. J. PLIMSOLL) on 27th October, 1949 (Stenographic Transcript) I should like, if I might intervene again in this debate, to say something about the amendments that have been presented by the...’
246. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1949; ‘Cablegram UN757, NEW YORK, 1 November 1949, 5.22 p.m. IMMEDIATE Full employment. 1. During the debate underdeveloped countries have continued to insist on special problems of underemployment in their countries. Many amendments to this end were introduced which were likely to distort the resolution.[1] However, we have now reached agreement...’
247. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 November 1949; ‘Cablegram UN770, NEW YORK, 3 November 1949, 7.49 p.m. RESTRICTED 1. Second Committee adopted Australian Resolution 3[9][1] to 5 (Soviet Group). [matter omitted] 3. Czechoslovakia proposal [vo]ted on paragraph by paragraph. We abstained throughout and voted against Resolution as a whole which was defeated 6-21-2[1]. 4. Debate has been useful...’
248. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 November 1949; ‘Cablegram Saving 23, NEW YORK, 10 November 1949, 11.20 a.m. RESTRICTED Following is text of resolution on full employment adopted by Second Committee of General Assembly on 3 November: ‘THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1. Notes the discussions which have taken place at the ninth session of the Economic and Social Council...’
249. WALKER TO BURTON: 23 December 1949; ‘Memorandum 979, PARIS, 23 December 1949 UNITED NATIONS REPORT ON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEASURES TO ACHIEVE FULL EMPLOYMENT The Economic and Social Council, in its resolution of 11th August, 1949[1], requested the Secretary General to arrange for a small group of experts, to prepare, in the light of the current...’
250. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 February 1949; ‘Cablegram UN146, NEW YORK, 25 February 1949, 4.38 p.m. IMMEDIATE ECOSOC. Following is text of United States resolution on economic development. The economic and Social Council - (1) Taking into account the resolutions of the General Assembly in respect to economic development (198-III) and technical assistance for economic development (200-III),...’
251. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 28 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 119, CANBERRA, 28 February 1949, 7.45 p.m. RESTRICTED MOST IMMEDIATE Your UN. 146[1], 147 and 148. 1. Subject to what follows you should support United States resolution, stressing our prime interest in Asian and Pacific areas and neglect of these areas in past. 2. Any financial commitment by Australia...’
252. BURTON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS: 6 May 1949; ‘Memorandum, CANBERRA, 6 May 1949 CONFIDENTIAL The attached document, of which two copies are provided, contains suggestions as to the policy to be adopted by Australian representatives in considering expanded economic development programmes submitted to forthcoming meetings of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Labour Organization, World...’
253. NOTES ON INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEETING: 24 May 1949; ‘, [CANBERRA], 24 May 1949 NOTES ON MEETING 24TH MAY 1949 Item 17.[1] International Economic Development Programme (1)[2] The Treasury representative stated that Australia’s resources are such as to make Australia an importer rather than an exporter of capital and services so that any contribution made would be likely to...’
254. CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY: 10 June 1949; ‘Agendum 1608, CANBERRA, 10 June 1949 CONFIDENTIAL INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 1. The United Nations and five other associated international organisations of which Australia is a member are planning an expansion of operational work during 1950 in under-developed, backward countries. The programme would include technical missions, demonstrations, and arrangements for...’
255. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY, EVATT AND LEMMON: 11 July 1949; ‘Cablegram 127, CAIRO[1], 11 July 1949, 6.17 p.m. PERSONAL 1. Examination with Tange of certain documents relating to the forthcoming meeting of E.C.O.S.O.C. indicates to me that there may be strong reasons why cabinet should deal with the submission on International Economic Development programme as a matter of urgency. If...’
256. TANGE TO BURTON: 12 July 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, LONDON, 12 July 1949, 7.30 p.m. RESTRICTED PERSONAL Telegram[1] which you have received concerning Economic Development discussions arose out of discussion of the brief which was circulated to Departments. With regard to recommendations made I stressed the large amount of inter-departmental consultation which was initiated by us and...’
257. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL: 14 July 1949; ‘Cablegram 64, CANBERRA, 14 July 1949, 4.15 p.m. RESTRICTED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME When this matter comes up for discussion you should welcome the initiative of the United States and express general agreement with the idea behind the programme. 2. We are willing to consider a contribution to a satisfactory scheme...’
258. STATEMENT BY WALKER: 14 August 1949; ‘, GENEVA, 14 August 1949 AUSTRALIA’S POSITION ON THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RESOLUTION Verbatim Report of statement by Dr. E.R. Walker in the Plenary Session of ECOSOC on 14th August 1949 [matter omitted] Mr. President, I think several of the Governments represented on the Committee, the Economic Committee[1], have felt grave...’
259. WALKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 154, GENEVA, 16 August 1949, 10.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED 1. ECOSOC Plenary Session adopted the resolution on technical assistance embodying many minor amendments. Australia voted for this resolution after making a statement that the resolution contained only proposals submitted to Assembly for decision and that Australian Government was not...’
260. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO WALKER: 28 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 181, CANBERRA, 28 September 1949, 5.25 p.m. RESTRICTED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1. If T.A.B. is to be effective in co-ordinating activities of participating organisations it would appear that considerable discretion will have to be left with the Directors-General. On the other hand Governments through the Executive Boards...’
261. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 October 1949; ‘Cablegram UN591, NEW YORK, 6 October 1949 IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Technical assistance. 1. Following is draft of amendment to ECOSOC resolution 222 (IX)[1] to give effect to paragraph 3 of your 454. In fourth paragraph of Annex II[2] add after ‘development’ the words - ‘to be available to those agencies which...’
262. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 27 October 1949; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, [27][1] October 1949 The General Assembly of the United Nations is currently discussing a recommendation that six international organizations together give technical assistance to under-developed areas, by way of fellowships, visiting missions, demonstration of agricultural and scientific methods, etc. A large part of the work will be carried...’
263. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 31 October 1949; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 31 October 1949 I desire to acknowledge your letter of 27th October in connection with Australia’s contribution to the United Nations scheme to provide technical assistance to under-developed countries. I note that you recommend that the Australian Delegation should be authorised to support the establishment of a definite...’
264. MACKAY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 202, NEW DELHI, 17 May 1948, 4.40 p.m. SECRET The Indian Government have approached us regarding the establishment of the regional organisation of the World Health Organisation which will come up for discussion before the first session of the Organisation commencing at Geneva on June 24th. 2. After expressing...’
265. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO MACKAY: 22 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 169, CANBERRA, 22 June 1948, 5 p.m. Your 202. We have replied to a note from the High Commissioner for India, who raised the same question with us, to the following effect:- (1) We support the Indian proposal in principle, provided the working of the Singapore Bureau as an...’
266. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY[1], TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 30 June 1948; ‘Cablegram WHO4, GENEVA, 30 June 1948, 9.30 a.m. Reference your 2222.[2] India has submitted to Assembly a formal resolution under Article 44 of Constitution that a Regional Organisation be established as soon as possible with headquarters in India. Resolution adds that this Organisation might serve countries such as Iran, Afghanistan,...’
267. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY, TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 2 July 1948; ‘Cablegram WHO (E)5, GENEVA, 2 July 1948, 9.25 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference your 15.[1] For article 50 (B) of our WHO.4 please read article 50 (F) of W.H.O. Constitution. 2. India proposes much regional activity, nature and ultimate extent of which cannot be foreseen. We must emphasise possible result...’
268. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO REDSHAW: 2 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 5, CANBERRA, 2 July 1948, 12.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your WHO (E) 5. We had envisaged that whole of South East Asia from India eastward would have comprised one region and accordingly prefer original Indian proposal. If however, some countries within area are not willing to be included...’
269. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY, TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 22 July 1948; ‘Cablegram WHO (E)9 (extract), GENEVA, 22 July 1948, 10.38 a.m. SECRET Your (C).[1] Six Regional Offices are intended and approximately [$US] 50,000 have been allocated to Western Pacific Area for 1949. This area as delineated by Assembly includes the following W.H.O. members - China, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand with probably...’
270. REPORT BY AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION: 3 August 1948; ‘[3 August][1] 1948 REPORT OF THE FIRST WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY [matter omitted] With reference to regional organizations, much discussion was occasioned. It became evident from early in the discussions that there was a strong body of opinion in favour of de-centralisation of the activities of the World Health Organization, with...’
271. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION[1]: 4 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 11 (extract), CANBERRA, 4 November 1948, 16.55 p.m. 1. No approach has been received from China or Philippines regarding Australian participation in proposed Western Pacific Regional Organization as envisaged at First Assembly v. Redshaw’s report. Matter is, however, under consideration. _[1] At Geneva. _ [AA : A1838, 362/1/2] ’
272. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY, TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 20 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 2, ROME, 20 June 1949, 11.50 p.m. RESTRICTED Philippines stated in the Assembly[1], Australia and New Zealand not disposed to collaborate in the establishment of regional organisation. Have now requested that establishment consideration be placed on the Agenda. Informally approached by Director-General if we object to establishment of Manila...’
273. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY: 24 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 5, CANBERRA, 24 June 1949, 2.30 p.m. RESTRICTED Your No. 2. Regional Organisation. 1. We should like further particulars of Philippine proposal before considering whether we would join region formed in this area. In case deferment on the lines you suggest fails, please advise exact terms of proposal. We...’
274. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY, TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 25 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 3, ROME, 25 June 1949, 10.30 a.m. The Philippines today raised the question of the Western Pacific region and asked Australia and New Zealand to state their views. The Australian Representative said Australia would co-operate fully with the Philippines along with other neighbours in matters of common concern in...’
275. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 14 June 1948; ‘Agendum 695F, CANBERRA, [14] June 1948 CONFIDENTIAL POST-UNRRA RELIEF Cabinet decided in May 1947[1] that Australia should join the International Refugee Organisation, and accordingly £8[6]0,000 was paid to cover our contribution for the financial year 1st July 1947 to 30th June 1948. Our contribution for 1948/49 is now becoming due...’
276. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 17 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 38, CANBERRA, 17 February 1948, 3 p.m. SECRET Germany. Your D. 79[1] and preceding telegrams. We share your appreciation of the high importance of rehabilitating economy of Western Germany, as we feel this must be achieved if there is to be any prosperity in Europe and a breeding ground...’
277. NOEL-BAKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 February 1948; ‘Cablegram D103, LONDON, 23 February 1948, 6.35 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 17th February 38. GERMANY We are glad that Australian Government agree with our proceeding with tripartite conversations. We shall keep you informed of their progress and if Australian Government desire to offer any comment on the information which we...’
278. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 26 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 50, CANBERRA, [26 February] 1948 SECRET Your H.20. Germany. With reference to participation of Benelux countries in tripartite discussions, we note from composition of agenda that there is possibility of these countries being associated in discussions on other local economic questions, notably items (d) Security against Germany; (e) reparations;...’
279. NOEL-BAKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1948; ‘Cablegram D211, LONDON, 28 February 1948, 12.05 a.m. SECRET Your telegram 26th February No. 50. Germany. 1. When invitations were handed to Benelux representatives by leader of United Kingdom Delegation on behalf of United States, France and United Kingdom Delegations, the Netherlands Ambassador speaking for all three Benelux Governments asked...’
280. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 4 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 1125, CANBERRA, 4 April 1948, 4.25 p.m. SECRET Germany - tripartite talks. United Kingdom have asked us through Garnett, for comments on recent discussions as reported in cables. You will have noted (e.g. in D.103[1]) that United Kingdom have not admitted our right to genuine consultation on ground that...’
281. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 23 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 1402, CANBERRA, 23 April 1948, 2.25 p.m. SECRET Germany. Reference Q65 and your 1129.[1] While United Kingdom have always maintained that London talks now resuming have not been concerned with decisions other than of administrative nature, and that they still wish to keep the door open to Russia with...’
282. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRIPARTITE CONFERENCE: 7 June 1948; ‘File note (extract), [CANBERRA, 7 June 1948][1] RECOMMENDATIONS 1. ASSOCIATION OF BENELUX COUNTRIES IN POLICY REGARDING GERMANY Close association between military governments and Benelux representatives in Germany, on matters affecting Benelux interests. 2. ROLE OF THE GERMAN ECONOMY IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY AND CONTROL OF THE RUHR (a) Association of...’
283. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 18 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 2181, CANBERRA, 18 June 1948, 5.45 a.m. TOP SECRET Ref Q Nos. 122 and 121. It is apparent that United Kingdom now regard co-operation with Russia over Germany as impossible unless there is change in ‘basic principles’ of Russia’s policy. Presumably United Kingdom has fully considered future implications of...’
284. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY MISSION, BERLIN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 June 1948; ‘Cablegram AMM633, BERLIN, 18 June 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The Soviet Commander in Chief informed today that currency reform will be introduced in Western Zones on Sunday June 20th. Will not apply to Western sector Berlin. Sixty old Mark may be exchanged at parity, remainder blocked and to be...’
285. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 2053, LONDON, 22 June 1948 SECRET Your telegram 2181.[1] Germany. In United Kingdom view following factors are regarded as important in present situation: i) Meeting of Ministers, President and Allied Commandants should take place as quickly as possible, despite French delaying tactics. ii) Implementation of currency reform and harvest...’
286. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY AND EVATT: 28 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 115, LONDON, 28 June 1948 TOP SECRET 1. Bevin saw High Commissioners this afternoon and went over the situation in Germany leading up to the present impasse in Berlin. The following are the main points he made emphasising the secrecy of the first [and fourth]:[1] (i) For some time...’
287. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 7 July 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, CANBERRA, 7 July 1948, 7.15 p.m. The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs (Dr. H. V. Evatt) commented today on the cutting off by the Soviet authorities of all surface methods of supplying Allied Occupation Forces and the German population in the three Western Sectors of...’
288. WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 231, MOSCOW, 8 July 1948, 7.12 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. The following comments are submitted on the British note to Moscow.[1] I assume that the United States and French notes are identical in substance. 2. The three Western Powers in a most arduous manner have not jointly placed...’
289. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 20 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 2662, CANBERRA, 20 July 1948, 5.30 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET Glad of appreciation on Berlin position including the following points:- (a) How effective is air lift? Assuming Russians do not lift blockade, how long can sufficient supplies be flown into Berlin to prevent not only starvation but disruption of...’
290. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 2430, LONDON, 21 July 1948, 6.35 p.m. TOP SECRET Your telegram 2662. [matter omitted] 3. Generally it seems that while airlift is maintaining food supplies there is cumulative displacement of people from regular employment. Effect of Soviet offer of food and coal cannot yet be seen from here. It...’
291. WATT TO BURTON: 2 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 263, MOSCOW, 2 August 1948, 10.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET AND PERSONAL BERLIN Despite fairly frequent and sometimes hearty contact the plain fact is that there is a complete three Power shut-down on any information regarding the current negotiations[1] here which would give venture to the slightest idea of what...’
292. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE: 3 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 198, CANBERRA, 3 August 1948, 11.35 p.m. The Commonwealth Government decided today to offer to the British Government the use of 10 Douglas Dakota aircraft to assist in the air lift to Berlin if required. If this offer is accepted by your Government the aircraft will be flown by...’
293. WATT TO BURTON: 5 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 270, MOSCOW, 5 August 1948, 7.46 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. Request permission to leave Moscow by air about September 11th for Paris and London, involving maximum absence from Moscow of 14 days. Primary purpose is the opportunity for consultation with Dr. Evatt while he is in Europe...’
294. BURTON TO BEASLEY: 7 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 2967, CANBERRA, 7 August 1948 TOP SECRET MOSCOW TALKS ON GERMANY We have had no information from the United Kingdom as to progress or subjects discussed. Since these discussions are of utmost importance, it would seem most extraordinary that Australia has not been kept informed and an opportunity given...’
295. BURTON TO WATT: 10 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 128, CANBERRA, 10 August 1948 PERSONAL Your personal letter 23rd. The reason why you have received no information is that I do not know the answers, which makes all the more important, if he is agreeable, a conversation in person with the Minister. I do not think you can...’
296. BEASLEY TO BURTON: 9 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 2680, LONDON, 9 August 1948, 6.55 p.m. TOP SECRET Your 2967.[1] I raised this matter informally here about 30th July and was told that the talks would be reported in a series of Top Secret messages to the Prime Minister through the United Kingdom Office, Canberra. I understand that...’
297. NOEL-BAKER TO CHIFLEY: 13 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 216, LONDON, 13 August 1948, 10.04 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 3rd August No. 198.[1] We are most grateful for the generous offer by the Australian Government of 10 Dakotas to help in the air lift to Berlin and we have been considering with our service authorities how best we...’
298. CHIFLEY AND DRAKEFORD TO NOEL-BAKER: 21 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 222, CANBERRA, 21 August 1948, 12 noon MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your cablegram No.216 dated [13th] August. Berlin Airlift. In view of the position stated by you, Commonwealth Government has approved of 10 R.A.A.F. Dakota aircrews comprising 40 personnel with Commanding Officer being provided. Arrangements accordingly are being made for...’
299. WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 283, MOSCOW, 28 August 1948, 5.15 p.m. TOP SECRET I have sent no comments upon the Berlin negotiations since my telegram 261 of August 1st, because, in the absence of precise knowledge of the facts, comment would be futile, particularly when Canberra already has them[1] actually mislead. Some comments...’
300. BURTON TO WATT: 7 September 1948; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 7 September 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Thank you for your telegram 283 setting out your views on the implications of the procedure being adopted during the Moscow talks. You raise two separate, though related, issues - first, the whole question of intra-commonwealth consultation and, second, the value...’
301. WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 292, MOSCOW, 7 September 1948, 8.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. Before leaving Moscow for Paris it may be of some use to sum up my impressions of the Four Power negotiations regarding Berlin situation. In view of my lack of official information, however, I desire to emphasise that...’
302. BURTON TO EVATT: 5 October 1948; ‘Cablegram E74 (extract), CANBERRA, 5 October 1948, 6 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL Reference to Berlin issue to Security Council[1] is not likely to bring agreement among major powers or effect a settlement. Moreover it cannot be claimed that all avenues of discussion have been exhausted until Peace Conference is held. Whole...’
303. BURTON TO EVATT: 6 October 1948; ‘Cablegram E75, CANBERRA, 6 October 1948, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Press, in particular Sydney Herald, today carried front page streamer of possibility of mediation by you and Lie on Berlin. This is in line with statement also reported by Fraser broadcasting with Prime Minister that Australia and New Zealand...’
304. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 109, PARIS, 24 October 1948, 11.15 p.m. On 22nd October Committee One unanimously adopted a resolution appealing to the Great Powers to renew their efforts to compose their differences and establish a lasting peace. It had been amended slightly by a sub-committee but is substantially the same as...’
305. EVATT TO BURTON: 12 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 208, PARIS, 12 November 1948, 9.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Recently the Assembly unanimously carried[1] a Mexican resolution requesting the great powers immediately to re-establish attempts to make peace. Since the failure of Security Council to settle the Berlin dispute, the Secretariat has been making an examination of the...’
306. EVATT TO QUEUILLE[1], STALIN, ATTLEE, TRUMAN: 13 November 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, PARIS, 13 November 1948, 4 p.m. The Secretary-General and I are handing to the Chairman of your Delegation at the Third Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly, for transmittal to you, a communication urging implementation of the resolution of the General Assembly unanimously adopted on 3...’
307. JOINT COMMUNICATION BY EVATT AND LIE: 13 November 1948; ‘, [PARIS, 13 November 1948] Sir, we have the honour to address this communication to the Chairman of the Delegations of the powers signatory to the Moscow Agreements of 24 December 1945 and to request that it be transmitted to the respective chiefs of Government for their urgent consideration. On...’
308. HEYDON TO BURTON: 15 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 219, PARIS, 15 November 1948, 6.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL BERLIN QUESTION Action by Minister and Lie was taken in their official capacity on implementation of the Assembly resolution regarding Four Power co-operation and on the whole the reactions of Delegations in the Assembly is quite favourable. Of course the...’
309. GALLEGHAN TO DEPARTMENTS OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND IMMIGRATION: 2 September 1949; ‘Cablegram EB73, BERLIN, 2 September 1949, 5.30 p.m. PRIORITY RESTRICTED Since the last meeting in Berlin the Western Military Governors decided to accept a British memorandum regarding the future of missions. Political advisers were instructed to draft a letter to be sent to Missions. What will probably be the finally...’
310. BURTON TO KIMBER: 5 September 1949; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 5 September 1949 I refer by direction to circular telegram No. Q.9 concerning the Berlin dispute, addressed to you from the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, a copy of which you were kind enough to forward to me on 29th August, 1949. The original complaint lodged with...’
311. HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 3775, LONDON, 9 September 1949, 8.16 p.m. RESTRICTED Your 3907.[1] Representation in Germany. Foreign Office do not consider arrangement you suggest, of replacing Military by Civilian Head while maintaining his Headquarters at Berlin (but presumably with dual functions at Bonn), would present any great difficulties. They will advise shortly...’
312. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 14 January 1948; ‘Message[1] , [LONDON], 14 January 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Cabinet have considered the situation confronting us in Europe as a result of the deadlock over Germany in the Council of Foreign Ministers last month. We shall be sending you separately an account of our conclusions as to the line...’
313. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 22 January 1948; ‘Message, [CANBERRA], 22 January 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. I have received your very secret message of 14th January conveyed to me by the High Commissioner. We fully appreciate the great difficulties you have experienced in all negotiations with the Soviet Government. We, too, have been giving very anxious...’
314. BURTON TO HEYDON: 26 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 299, CANBERRA, 26 January 1948, 12.55 p.m. PERSONAL Very frankly, I must say that I am very surprised and disappointed that you gave us no hint of the new move by United Kingdom indicated in Bevin’s speech.[1] This must have been matter of negotiation with other governments for some...’
315. HEYDON TO BURTON: 27 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 318, LONDON, 27 January 1948, 6.15 p.m. PERSONAL Your 2[9]9. After Attlee’s speech of 3rd January which I thought indicated trend which Bevin’s speech would take in promised debate on foreign affairs High Commissioner and I discussed whether we could at that stage usefully offer any comments. Idea of...’
316. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 30 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 26, LONDON, 30 January 1948, 6.10 p.m. SECRET At High Commissioners meeting 30th January McNeil said in answer to question from myself that at present stage no Commonwealth discussions were necessary on Bevin plan for closer co-operation with Western Europe. At present discussions were proceeding on basis that first...’
317. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 2 February 1948; ‘Message, [LONDON, 2 February 1948] TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. I have now been able to consider with the Foreign Secretary your message of the 22nd January[1] about foreign policy which was conveyed to me by our High Commissioner. I must thank you for your frank comments but I am...’
318. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 10 February 1948; ‘Message, [CANBERRA], 10 February 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. Thank you for your message of 2nd February[1] conveyed to me by your High Commissioner. I have read carefully the comments you made on my message of 22nd January.[2] 2. It is important that we should express ourselves frankly on...’
319. AUSTRALIAN LEGATION IN MOSCOW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 44, MOSCOW, 10 February 1948, 8.08 p.m. TOP SECRET 1. The House of Commons debate of 22nd and 23rd January (full text just available here) seems to require re-assessment of the general situation from this post. 2. Bevin’s bold public challenge to Russia is surprising. It contrasts with his...’
320. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 577 (extract), LONDON, 17 February 1948, 7.20 p.m. SECRET Western Union your telegram 519.[1] Conversations have been proceeding on political aspects of Western Union and I understand that a personal and secret telegram has gone to Prime Minister. 2. It is claimed that United Kingdom’s emphasis has been not...’
321. OFFICER TO EVATT: 15 April 1948; ‘Dispatch HAG21/48, THE HAGUE, 15 April 1948 TOP SECRET I have the honour to enclose a short note on the general situation based on the talks in the course of my recent visit to London. Enclosure GENERAL SITUATION I crossed to London in the latter part of March after 15...’
322. GORDON WALKER TO GARNETT: 24 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 258, [LONDON], 24 April 1948 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Your tel 16th April No. 228. Following from Machtig.[1] We suggest that you should take an early opportunity of speaking to Dr. Evatt on following lines which have been approved by Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary. For your own...’
323. GARNETT TO BURTON: 3 May 1948; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 3 May 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL I enclose a note of the verbal communication which the High Commissioner made to the Prime Minister and Dr. Evatt last week. Enclosure The High Commissioner spoke to the Prime Minister and Dr. Evatt on 28th April on the following lines:-...’
324. BURTON TO EVATT: 3 May 1948; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 3 May 1948 TOP SECRET I attach a summary of the communication made by the High Commissioner to you and the Prime Minister. 2. The whole suggestion is preposterous, and the following are some of the worst aspects:- (a) It is alleged in the second paragraph that the...’
325. WATT TO EVATT: 10 June 1948; ‘Dispatch MU4/48, MOSCOW, 10 June 1948 TOP SECRET FOREIGN POLICY OF THE SOVIET UNION AND ITS INTERNATIONAL CONSEQUENCES Since my return from the United Nations Conference on Freedom of Information at Geneva on 10th May I have been in close touch with other members of the diplomatic corps in Moscow,...’
326. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 19 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 173 (extract), LONDON, 19 October 1948, 8.20 p.m. PERSONAL Bevin outlined the European phase of British Government policy, stressing mainly the German situation in relation to Berlin and establishment of Western German Government. The debate that followed was by far the best yet at the Conference.[1] Canada, opening the...’
327. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 19 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 188, CANBERRA, 19 January 1948, 11.20 a.m. SECRET 188. Your 137. Marshall Aid. We agree with Walker’s suggestion that we should keep more directly in touch with proceedings under Marshall Aid proposals. We should be pleased, therefore, if you would take the matter up with United Kingdom authorities, and...’
328. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 734, LONDON, 1 March 1948, 5.26 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 188 19th January. Commonwealth Relations Office telegraphing, probably 1st March regarding sixteen nation meeting on 15th March.[1] After discussion with Walker, I have raised again question of facilities for observation and have been assured that United Kingdom Delegation will...’
329. NIMMO TO DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY: 11 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 827 (extract), LONDON, 11 March 1948, 1.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Bevin’s talk yesterday to the High Commissioners on the organisation and functions of the Continuing Committee for European Co-operation followed closely argument of telegram 78 9th March from Commonwealth Relations Office. In effect he said:- ‘1. Britain is extremely...’
330. MIGHELL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 830 (extract), LONDON, 11 March 1948, 6.06 p.m. SECRET At my suggestion Nimmo has telegraphed Treasury details of talk by Bevin to High Commissioners including Eire and Ceylon on 10th March re continuing organisation for E.R.P.[1] I would stress two points which emerged - 1. Impossibility of having any...’
331. GORDON WALKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 12 April 1948; ‘Cablegram H115, LONDON, 12 April 1948, 9.30 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Our telegrams of 9th March dealt with United Kingdom attitude towards the then forthcoming meeting of C.E.E.C. to discuss the setting up of a Continuing Organisation and stated that it was our firm intention that there should be full consultation...’
332. MINUTES OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEETING: 13 April 1948; ‘, CANBERRA, 13 April 1948 WESTERN UNION AND E.R.P. Interdepartmental Study Group 10.30 a.m. Friday 9th April, 1948 Present: - External Affairs:Dr. Burton, Mr. Deschamps, Mr. Plimsoll, Mr. Cumes, Mr. Quinn. Treasury: Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Woodrow. Trade and Customs: Mr. Hicks. Commerce & Agriculture: Mr. Moroney. Post War Reconstruction: Mr....’
333. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO GORDON WALKER: 21 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 102, CANBERRA, 21 April 1948, 1.55 a.m. SECRET Your H 115. E.R.P. We have given careful consideration to proposal for setting up Commonwealth Committee and appreciate the invitation to participate. We do not believe, however, that in this matter, in which we are not directly concerned, a formal committee...’
334. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 28 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 73, LONDON, 28 April 1948, 6.40 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL I have noted from your telegram to the Commonwealth Relations Office that you have decided against participating in proposed informal Committee on E.R.P. in London. I can readily appreciate that you have doubts about taking any steps which might appear...’
335. NIMMO TO DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY: 28 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 1345 (extract), LONDON, 28 April 1948, 1.45 p.m. During unofficial discussion with Commonwealth Relations Officer yesterday, I was informed they are considering repeating invitation to Australia to join informal E.R.P. Committee. Stressed that this Committee is designed to work on informal basis at Officers level and to be merely...’
336. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HEYDON: 3 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 1503, CANBERRA, 3 May 1948 Please see 1345 from Nimmo to Treasury. This is a matter of great political concern. Convenience in gathering information is secondary consideration to matter of policy in respect of our position in E.R.P. and Customs Union. All these Western European moves have been made...’
337. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 10 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 136, LONDON, 10 May 1948, 8.30 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 102[1] and my telegram H. No. 179. E.R.P. Commonwealth Liaison Committee. You will have seen from my telegram H. No. 179 that in view of the interest shown by other Governments concerned we are anxious to go ahead...’
338. CHIFLEY TO BEASLEY: 11 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 46, CANBERRA, 11 May 1948, 5.25 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL Your 73.[1] I agree with you that we should take all steps necessary to ensure that we are fully informed on E.R.P. and related questions. I would have preferred the establishment of informal liaison arrangements between officials to obtain the...’
339. G.P.N. WATT TO MCFARLANE: 19 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 492, CANBERRA, 19 May 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL AUSTRALIA AND E.R.P. 1. After examining material available here, including your letters of April 13 and 24 and telegrams 468 and 538[1] from Embassy, Treasurer has authorised despatch of this telegram in order to obtain considered opinion from you after consultation...’
340. WILSON TO CHIFLEY: 23 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 876, WASHINGTON, 23 July 1948, 8.33 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET I have made contact with Arthur Smithies who has just taken temporary charge of ECA[1] Division of Fiscal and Trade Policy which is responsible for policy and decisions regarding off shore purchases. Smithies (now a naturalised citizen) used to be...’
341. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 28 July 1948; ‘Cablegram H319 (extract), LONDON, 28 July 1948, 11.07 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL 2. One other important subject discussed between the Chancellor and Mr. Hoffman[1] and between United Kingdom and United States officials concerns the treatment of the rest of the sterling area deficit in connection with E.R.P. programming. Both Mr. Hoffman in...’
342. WHEELER TO WILSON: 3 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 707, CANBERRA, 3 August 1948, 5.35 p.m. SECRET Reference my 691 following is advice now received through United Kingdom High Commissioner’s Office in Canberra: Begins. With reference to the telegram from the Secretary of State to the Prime Minister, No. H.319[1], we have learned from London that in discussion...’
343. CHIFLEY TO WILSON: 4 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 709, CANBERRA, 4 August 1948, 6.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 876[1] - E.R.P. Rest of Sterling Area Deficit. 1. At time of London visit position was that Americans seemed likely to insist that E.R.P. Aid to United Kingdom should be determined after taking into account dollar earnings of United...’
344. MCFARLANE TO CHIFLEY: 7 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 2664, LONDON, 7 August 1948, 3.40 p.m. SECRET Your 2915.[1] 1. Vital factors in recent developments which affect prospects of off-shore purchases or sale of surplus commodities to E.C.A. direct are:- (a) E.C.A. has refused off-shore purchases of jute from India for France therefore unlikely they would agree to...’
345. MCFARLANE TO CHIFLEY: 9 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 2675, LONDON, 9 August 1948, 6.45 p.m. SECRET After further reflection on all circumstances suggest you consider approach along following lines. (1) Gesture in paragraph 15 of your 2915[1] might take form of sharing sterling area contribution to other countries under clearing scheme which would likely involve grants but...’
346. MINUTES OF COMMONWEALTH LIAISON COMMITTEE: 10 August 1948; ‘CLC(48)7th meeting, LONDON, 10 August 1948 CONFIDENTIAL EUROPEAN RECOVERY PROGRAMME COMMONWEALTH LIAISON COMMITTEE MINUTES of a Meeting held in Conference Room ‘C’, Cabinet Office, Great George Street, S.W.1., on TUESDAY, 10TH AUGUST, 1948, at 11 a.m. [matter omitted] 2. INTRA-EUROPEAN PAYMENTS SCHEME The Committee had before them a Note by...’
347. CHIFLEY TO MCFARLANE: 12 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 527, CANBERRA, 12 August 1948, 10.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. You will have seen my telegram No. 2722 from Nimmo advising that United Kingdom will be announcing almost immediately contribution of £50m. sterling to participating countries and suggesting that if Australian Government wishes to make joint contribution with...’
348. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO POSTS: 30 August 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, CANBERRA, 30 August 1948, 10.45 p.m. The Prime Minister made the following statement tonight (30th August). (Begins.) The Government has decided to include in its budget proposals a gift of £A10 million to the Government of the United Kingdom. The United States, the United Kingdom, and European countries...’
349. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO FORDE: 7 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 277 (extract), CANBERRA, 7 October 1948, 2.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 211 and 274. E.R.P. No approach has been made to us from any source regarding off-shore purchases in Australia. Whole question is bound up with the negotiations between the United Kingdom and the United States authorities on...’
350. NOEL-BAKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 February 1948; ‘Cablegram D82, LONDON, 6 February 1948, 11.31 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET ITALIAN COLONIES 1. We have hitherto hoped that with conclusion of Italian and other satellite peace treaties international situation generally and relations between the great powers would settle down and an atmosphere would develop which would permit of an...’
351. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NOEL-BAKER: 20 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 45, CANBERRA, 20 February 1948, 6.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D.82 Italian Colonies. In absence of full information regarding conditions in ex-Italian territories, which we had expected Commission of Investigation to provide, we find it impossible to offer any endorsement of or even comment[1] on assessment of situation outlined...’
352. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 1561, LONDON, 18 May 1948, 4.30 p.m. SECRET My telegram 1515. Italian Colonies. Following letter has been received from the Secretary General of Deputies. ‘In reply your letter 28th October 1947 I am instructed by Conference of Deputies of Foreign Ministers of U.S.S.R., United Kingdom, United States and France...’
353. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 30 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 1886, CANBERRA, 30 May 1948 ITALIAN COLONIES My immediately preceding telegram. Your reply to Secretary-General of Deputies should include the following:- ‘The Australian Government has already, in its letter of 28th October, 1947, notified its willingness to accept an invitation from the Conference of Deputies, to state its views...’
354. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON: 26 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 2782, CANBERRA, 26 July 1948, 5.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Understand C.R.O.[1] intend to discuss Italian Colonies with Minister on 27th July. Please see that Minister knows more recent developments of which you are aware. 2. The issue is one in which strategic interests of United Kingdom and possibly...’
355. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON: 5 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 2917, CANBERRA, 5 August 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET ITALIAN COLONIES My immediately following telegram contains points for inclusion in written statement for submission to Deputies. 2. Statement should be cleared with Minister before presentation. In view of likelihood that Foreign Ministers will disagree and will refer whole question to United...’
356. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON: 5 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 2918, CANBERRA, 5 August 1948, 11.50 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. Statement should include following: 1. Introduction. (a) Refer to previous Australian disapproval of restriction of decision to Four Powers which does not take sufficient account of rights of other belligerents. Australia also concerned that certain powers...’
357. BEASLEY TO DEPUTIES OF COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS: 6 August 1948; ‘Letter, [LONDON], 6 August 1948 With reference to your letter of 17th July 1948 regarding the presentation of views to the Deputies of the Council of Foreign Ministers on the disposal of the former Italian Colonies, I have been instructed by the Australian Minister for External Affairs to express the...’
358. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HEYDON: 12 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 3501, CANBERRA, 12 September 1948, 5.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Italian Colonies. Please discuss urgently with Minister telegrams D.163 and 165 from Secro[1], which he may wish to discuss with Bevin or McNeill. 2. Australian statement of 6th August has already recorded our request for Minister or another representative...’
359. HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 3206, LONDON, 14 September 1948, 6.20 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 3501 - Italian Colonies. Minister decided that we should formally register our position with the Council of Foreign Ministers and accordingly the following telegram was, last night, despatched by the High Commissioner who has signed all correspondence regarding Italian...’
360. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 7 April 1948; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 7 April 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL CONTROL OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT Sir Percy Sillitoe, Head of M.I.5 of the War Office, recently came to Australia on the direction of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to acquaint the Prime Minister with information,...’
361. BURTON TO SHEDDEN: 22 April 1948; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 22 April 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL CONTROL OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT With further reference to your letter of 7th April, I have now had an opportunity to examine our files. The files concerned do not form part of our normal records, and have...’
362. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 7 June 1948; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 7 June 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL SECURITY OF SECRET DEFENCE INFORMATION I would refer to the visit of Sir Percy Sillitoe and Mr. Hollis of M.I.5. As you are aware, Sir Percy was unable to return to Australia from Malaya for a final discussion on the matters...’
363. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY: 3 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 38, WASHINGTON, 3 July 1948, 12.15 p.m. TOP SECRET I advised you in personal cable about a year ago[1] that we had been briefed by the State Department as to Australia’s position re receipt of information by Australian Services from U.S. Services. This was to the effect that the...’
364. NOTE OF CONVERSATION: 12 July 1948; ‘Extract[1] , LONDON, 12 July 1948 SECRET MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA Note of Conversation Between Mr. Chifley and the Minister of Defence, at the Ministry of Defence, on Monday, 12th July, at 10 a.m. In Attendance:Lt.-General Sir Leslie Hollis. Mr. Richard F. Wood. 1. Australian Security Measures...’
365. BOASE TO SHEDDEN: 21 July 1948; ‘Letter 88 (extract), LONDON, 21 July 1948 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL PROPOSED REVISION OF CHARTER OF COMBINED COMMUNICATIONS BOARD 8. The U.S. Chiefs of Staff have proposed that the Dominions should be excluded from the Combined Communications Board. The reason for the proposal is that the Board discloses various highly...’
366. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY: 19 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 953, WASHINGTON, 19 August 1948, 2.30 p.m. TOP SECRET Senator Armstrong[1] has suggested that he should take opportunity while in United States to have discussions with Forrestal[2] on question of security of information and U.S. attitude. He is very concerned about the position as it appears from London. 2....’
367. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY AND DEDMAN: 10 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 226, WASHINGTON, 10 March 1949, 12.49 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL In my telegram 203 I suggested that resignation of Forrestal might have a bearing on Sir Frederick Shedden’s visit to Washington. General Chapman has been informed by his United Kingdom colleagues that a high level of approach...’
368. NOTES BY SHEDDEN: April 1949; ‘Extract, WASHINGTON, April 1949 TOP SECRET NOTES OF OFFICIAL DISCUSSIONS ON RESTORATION OF FLOW OF INFORMATION TO AUSTRALIA AND AUSTRALIAN SECURITY MEASURES Washington, April, 1949 1. INTRODUCTION On arrival in Washington on 7th April, I was met by Gordon Gray, the Assistant Secretary of the Army, who informed me that...’
369. BRIEF ON SECURITY BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE: April 1949; ‘Report[April 1949][1], TOP SECRET BRIEF ON ASPECTS OF SECURITY IN AUSTRALIA [matter omitted] MEASURES TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY 16. The following is a summary of the more important recommendations of, or action taken by the Defence Department over a number of years to strengthen security in Australia with special reference...’
370. SHEDDEN TO CHIFLEY AND DEDMAN: 29 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 396, WASHINGTON, 29 April 1949 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. I have completed discussions in Washington but, after full presentation of the Australian case, which is still under consideration, the United States authorities have not (repeat not) been able to agree to my request for restoration of flow of...’
371. DEDMAN TO SHEDDEN: 4 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 82, CANBERRA, 4 May 1949 IMPORTANT TOP SECRET 1. Advice contained in your 396 from Washington while disappointing was not unexpected as Prime Minister when in London was advised of personal reactions of certain high United States officials to the purpose of your visit. 2. Action requested under para...’
372. SHEDDEN TO CHIFLEY: 10 May 1949; ‘Letter, NEW YORK, 10 May 1949 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL RESTORATION OF FLOW OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION [matter omitted] 4. As indicated in the attached notes my initial conference on 11th April was with the Assistant Secretary of the Army, who was deputizing for the Secretary of Defense in my detailed...’
373. SHEDDEN TO CHIFLEY: 10 May 1949; ‘Letter, NEW YORK, 10 May 1949 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL I saw Dr. Evatt, the Minister for External Affairs, at his hotel in New York, and showed him copies of my cablegram No. 396[1] of 29th April and the reply of 4th May (No. 82)[2] from the Minister for Defence....’
374. SHEDDEN TO GRAY: 30 June 1949; ‘Letter, [LONDON], 30 June 1949 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL I am forwarding herewith an official letter enclosing a progress report on the brief relating to security measures in Australia which was submitted by me in Washington.[1] 2. I very much hope that you can now see your way to lift...’
375. SHEDDEN TO CHIFLEY: 1 July 1949; ‘Letter, [LONDON], 1 July 1949 TOP SECRET The United Kingdom Defence Research Policy Committee through its representative in Washington, has been in consultation with the United States Authorities on the general question of disclosure of United States technical information. This subject relates both to Western Union countries and members of...’
376. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 1 July 1949; ‘Letter, CANBERRA, 1 July 1949 SECRET & PERSONAL I refer to your letter dated 20th June, 1949, regarding the security of secret Defence information. All persons in my Department whose duties might involve the handling of secret Defence documents and information have been security checked. Action has now moved to...’
377. CHIFLEY TO SHEDDEN: 15 July 1949; ‘Cablegram 3004, CANBERRA, 15 July 1949, 12.35 p.m. SECRET AND PERSONAL Desire to acknowledge your letter of July 1st.[1] I agree views expressed by you in para.5 in answer to question 4 and also with views expressed in para.8. If parties concerned are not, repeat not, prepared to enter into...’
378. SHEDDEN TO SILLITOE: 21 July 1949; ‘Letter, [LONDON], 21 July 1949 TOP SECRET I am forwarding herewith the following documents:- (i) The papers on security measures in Australia which were the basis of the Australian representations to the United States Authorities and which were passed to the United States Secretary of Defense for detailed examination -...’
379. SILLITOE TO SHEDDEN: 22 August 1949; ‘Letter, LONDON, 22 August 1949 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Thank you very much for allowing me to see the papers which you sent to me with your letter of 21st July and which I am now returning. You invite me in your second paragraph to express an opinion on the...’
380. SHEDDEN TO SILLITOE: 30 August 1949; ‘Letter, [LONDON], 30 August 1949 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Thank you for your letter of 22nd August, and your comments on the adequacy of the security measures in the brief and progress report on Australian security submitted by me to the United States Authorities. [matter omitted] 4. I have been...’
381. SHEDDEN TO CHIFLEY: 7 September 1949; ‘Letter, LONDON, 7 September 1949 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL As advised in my cablegram I am leaving by sea on 9th September and will arrive in Melbourne on 8th October, when I shall seek a convenient opportunity for a talk with the Minister and yourself. 2. Mr. Alexander told me...’
382. HEYDON TO BURTON: 22 September 1949; ‘Letter, LONDON, 22 September 1949 PERSONAL AND SECRET I think I ought to let you know a few things about Shedden’s visit for your own personal information. I was anxious to find out as early as I could what he was doing but except for casual meetings socially I was...’
383. BURNS[1] TO SHEDDEN: 10 November 1949; ‘Letter, WASHINGTON, 10 November 1949 TOP SECRET The Secretary of the Army, Mr. Gordon Gray, has received your letter of 6th September in which you enclosed a Progress Report on Aspects of Security in Australia for the period 1st June to 1st August 1949. I understand that Mr. Gray is...’
384. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 2234, LONDON, 6 July 1948, 1.45 p.m. TOP SECRET Canadian Government has recently suggested to Commonwealth Relations Office that there should be very informal talks in which other Commonwealth Governments might be associated regarding instructions to be given to diplomatic and consular officers overseas in the event of emergency....’
385. UPTON[1] TO BURTON: 8 July 1948; ‘Minute, CANBERRA, 8 July 1948 External, London, have advised that the Canadian Government has recently suggested to C.R.O. that there should be informal talks between British Commonwealth Governments regarding instructions to be given to diplomatic and consular officers overseas in the event of emergency. It seems probable that the immediate...’
386. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, LONDON: 8 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 2487, CANBERRA, 8 July 1948, 3.45 p.m. TOP SECRET Your 2234. We would be glad if you would inform the Commonwealth Relations Office that the Australian Government is willing to participate in informal talks regarding instructions to overseas representatives in event of emergency as suggested by the Canadian Government....’
387. BURTON TO HEYDON: 22 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 3185, CANBERRA, 22 August 1948, 7.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Galleghan reports approach by United Kingdom Authorities in Berlin regarding plans for evacuation of British subjects in event of emergency and has requested advice as to policy to be adopted by mission in the event of deterioration of present...’
388. EMBASSY IN MOSCOW TO BURTON: 28 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 317, MOSCOW, 28 September 1948, 8.20 p.m. TOP SECRET 1. Harrison[1] has been instructed by London to discuss with heads of British Commonwealth Missions (not including India) instructions for war emergency which British Embassy has now received. 2. These instructions provide for action, if required, in marked stages as...’
389. BURTON TO EMBASSY IN MOSCOW: 2 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 143, CANBERRA, 2 October 1948 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 317. Co-ordination of arrangements with British and other Commonwealth missions is desirable throughout, but as far as we are concerned, we would not go beyond Stage One which is in any case routine in any situation. Stage Two in view...’
390. BURTON TO MAKIN: 23 August 1948; ‘Dispatch 1/48, CANBERRA, 23 August 1948 SECRET I have the honour to inform you that the Australian Government has decided recently to strengthen its Service Representation abroad. In accordance with this decision, Australian Defence Representatives are being appointed in London, Washington and Wellington. The officers who have been chosen to...’
391. MAKIN TO BURTON: 9 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 1007, WASHINGTON, 9 September 1948 SECRET Your despatch No.1. After discussing with Chapman, Spurgeon and Watson the best method of approach I saw Lovett[1] yesterday and requested concurrence of United States with appointment of Defence Representative to be accredited to Secretary of Defense, etc. 2. Lovett said he personally...’
392. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 1094, WASHINGTON, 8 October 1948, 10.38 a.m. SECRET My 1085. Defence Representative. State Department note today makes following comments ‘based on careful consideration by the Department of Defense and the Department of State of the proposed appointment’. Begins. ‘At the present time, no defence representatives are accredited to the...’
393. BURTON TO MAKIN: 1 June 1949; ‘Dispatch 1/49, CANBERRA, 1 June 1949 SECRET I have the honour to refer to your cablegram No. 1094 of 8th October, 1948, conveying the State Department’s objection to the appointment of an Australian Defence Representative and Staff in the United States of America, suitably accredited to the office of the...’
394. CHIFLEY TO DEDMAN: 2 January 1948; ‘Cablegram H7[1] , CANBERRA, 2 January 1948, 1.40 a.m. IMMEDIATE Your W.14.[2] 1. While I appreciate the arguments put forward by you as to the real significance of the respective roles of I.T.O. and the Fund, I still strongly believe that we should maintain our proposed amendment or one of...’
395. DEDMAN TO BROWN: 3 January 1948; ‘Cablegram G21, HAVANA, 3 January 1948, 9.21 p.m. SECRET A summary follows of a statement made by me today in Committee 3 regarding Australian amendment to paragraph 2 of Article 24 of the Charter. Please see that appropriate publicity is given to this statement. ‘This Article requires the Organisation in...’
396. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 6 January 1948; ‘Cablegram W26, HAVANA, 6 January 1948, 5.46 p.m. SECRET Reference your No. 1.[1] Clayton[2] is not due in Havana until tomorrow but Wilcox[3] repeated, when I told him we intended to go ahead with the amendment, his statement that if they were defeated on this issue they would not put...’
397. CHIFLEY TO DEDMAN: 12 January 1948; ‘Cablegram H12, CANBERRA, 12 January 1948 SECRET Reference your W26. While a compromise along the lines suggested in your telegram would make a useful advance on the hitherto negative attitude of the United States, I would hope for a rather more positive contribution to the alleviation of the political embarrassment...’
398. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 15 January 1948; ‘Cablegram W41, HAVANA, 15 January 1948, 8.58 p.m. SECRET Clayton is not in Havana and will not be in Washington until weekend. My discussions with Wilcox indicate that he has no discretion to vary previous attitude. I have therefore made arrangements to go to Washington Sunday and expect to see...’
399. CHIFLEY TO DEDMAN: 20 January 1948; ‘Cablegram H22, CANBERRA, 20 January 1948, 4.55 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your W.41. I have examined the compromise texts cabled in your W.41 and would be reasonably satisfied with something along these lines. Your revised text of Article 21(2)(b) is regarded as meeting our position very satisfactorily. Your revised text...’
400. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 20 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 87, WASHINGTON, 20 January 1948, 11.12 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET I received your Washington 60 before Makin and I went to lunch with Clayton today. At the meeting I again put to him the strongest possible case that the words ‘accept the determination’ be replaced by ‘give special weight to...’
401. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, HAVANA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 25 February 1948; ‘Cablegram W122, HAVANA, 25 February 1948, 6.58 p.m. SECRET Interpretative note to Article 89.[1] See your No. H45 of 1[3]th February and earlier cables. It has been difficult to secure United States agreement to interpretative note in the form we had suggested and they have refused to agree to exchange...’
402. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, HAVANA: 4 March 1948; ‘Cablegram p0, CANBERRA, 4 March 1948, 12 noon Your W.119, 122. Ministers take a serious view of the progressive deterioration of our position in regard to the connection between the employment provisions of the Charter (Chapter II) and Article 89. Until recently it was clear (subject to the footnote to...’
403. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, HAVANA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 7 March 1948; ‘Cablegram W137 (extracts), HAVANA, 7 March 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Since our cable of 25th February[1] was despatched Committee has concluded consideration of Chapter VIII but report still requires formal adoption. We shall try to have an amended note incorporated. We have discussed the suggested amendment with U.S. who feel that...’
404. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, HAVANA: 11 March 1948; ‘Cablegram p6, CANBERRA, 11 March 1948, 4.50 p.m. Your W137. In view of the position the Conference has reached and the apparent impossibility at this stage of securing any further improvement the Government does not insist on the matter being re-opened but this does not mean that the text is...’
405. COOMBS TO DEDMAN: 29 April 1948; ‘Brief, [CANBERRA], 29 April 1948 The papers which are being submitted for consideration at the Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday May 4th and which relate to the Charter for an International Trade Organisation consist of - 1. Cabinet Agendum - which was approved at the meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee held...’
406. CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY, EVATT, DEDMAN, POLLARD, LEMMON AND COURTICE: 4 May 1948; ‘Agendum 1019G, CANBERRA, [4 May 1948][1] CHARTER FOR AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE ORGANISATION INTRODUCTION Cabinet Agendum No. 1019E[2] reviewed the proceedings in Geneva of the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Employment. That section of the Committee’s work dealing with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade...’
407. COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 2 March 1948; ‘Cablegram H43, LONDON, 2 March 1948, 10.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your Delegation at I.T.O. Conference Havana have no doubt informed you that United States Delegation there moved an amendment to Article 99 of Draft Charter which would have the effect of extending the rights and obligations conferred by the Charter...’
408. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE: 5 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 59, CANBERRA, 5 March 1948, 5.30 p.m. SECRET Your H43. H.44. OCCUPIED COUNTRIES We opposed at Havana the United States proposal for amendment to Article 99 of the draft Charter, on the ground that we could not support any proposal which would oblige us to give most-favoured-nation treatment to...’
409. WALKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 441 (extract), LONDON, 6 February 1948, 11.02 a.m. SECRET Brussels 1. Customs Union Study Group met 2nd attended by fourteen member countries with seven observers namely Norway, Sweden and Dominions including Pakistan but India not yet represented. 2. Report of Tariff Committee was presented dealing with problems involved in...’
410. BURY TO COOMBS: 11 February 1948; ‘Letter (extract), CANBERRA, 11 February 1948 During the week I had about half an hour with Chif[ley] after going to see him for a supposed two minutes about the parliamentary programme. He talked of many things. He is rather worried over the Charter and thinks it is going to be...’
411. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE: 20 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 74, CANBERRA, 20 March 1948, 12.40 p.m. SECRET European Customs Union and Preferences. Our Delegation at the Havana World Trade Conference recently took up with your Delegation the question of an agreed minute covering the repercussions of a possible European Customs Union on preference in the United Kingdom market....’
412. REPORT BY LINFORD[1]: 22 December 1948; ‘, CANBERRA, 22 December 1948 SECRET EUROPEAN CUSTOMS UNION STUDY GROUP Report of Observer to Fourth Plenary Session 1st-6th December 1948 [matter omitted] II. THE ATTITUDES OF COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES In extra-conference discussions, an attempt was made to find to what extent the Dominions could show a united front should the...’
413. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT MINUTE: 3 August 1948; ‘Decision 290, CANBERRA, 3 August 1948 MODIFICATION OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE OTTAWA AGREEMENT BY THE G.A.T.T. It was noted that the United Kingdom had recently made informal approaches to conclude the proposed agreements setting out the modification of the Ottawa obligations between the U.K. and Australia caused by the obligations...’
414. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE: 9 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 23, CANBERRA, 9 February 1949, 4.40 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL GENTLEMEN’S AGREEMENT We have again considered the position in respect of commitments under Ottawa and subsequent agreements arising out of the application of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which Commonwealth delegations discussed at Geneva in 1947.[1] In this consideration,...’
415. COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 1 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 24, LONDON, 1 March 1949, 5.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram No.23 of 9th February. Gentlemen’s Agreement. We greatly appreciate the readiness of the Commonwealth Government to avoid, if possible, any alteration in the text proposed at Geneva and we have carefully considered the two points of interpretation which...’
416. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE: 16 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 42, CANBERRA, 16 March 1949, 4.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Gentlemen’s Agreement. Your telegram No.24 of 1st March, 1949, replying to our 23 of 9th February. In view of interpretation given in your telegram under reply, the Commonwealth Government accepts the text of the Gentlemen’s Agreement proposed by your Delegation to...’

Documents on Australian Foreign Policy

Volume 16: Australia and the Postwar World – Beyond the Region, 1948–1949

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