Cablegram 505 (extract) LONDON, 28 September 1939, 8.30 p.m.
FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET
In view of possible peace offensive probably with Mussolini [1] as intermediary in my view imperative nature and form of reply should be fully considered before move takes place. Have obtained agreement to meeting with sub-committee Prime Minister [2], Halifax [3], Chatfield [4], Hankey [5], Eden [6] this evening to discuss matter.
BRUCE
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1 Benito Mussolini, Italian Head of State.
2 Neville Chamberlain.
3 Lord Halifax, U.K. Foreign Secretary.
4 Lord Chatfield, U.K. Minister for Co-ordination of Defence.
5 Lord Hankey, Minister without Portfolio in the U.K. War Cabinet.
6 Anthony Eden, U.K. Dominions Secretary.
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[AA:A1609, A41/1/1, V]