Cablegram unnumbered 17 November 1939,
SECRET
Representations received from Consul-General of the Netherlands in Sydney [1] asking whether you and Brodribb [2] on your return trip would be prepared to discuss with Army authorities in Java possibilities for supply from Australia of various Defence materials for Netherlands Indies. Discussions would be continuation of those held in Melbourne between Brodribb and Pellekaan. [3] Consider you should agree to request if at all possible but will await advice from you whether you can arrange and also probable date of arrival at Java before replying to Consul-General. Consul-General has suggested Sourabaya as meeting place.
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1 T. Elink Schuurman.
2 N.K.S. Brodribb, Controller-General of Munitions Supply.
3 J. van Holst Pellekaan, Netherlands Consul in Sydney.
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[AA: CP 290/6, ITEM 35]