Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 3: January

1. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 3 LONDON, 1 January 1940, 6.51 p.m. SECRET TIMOR My telegram 716. [1] Ambassador at Lisbon [2] has now reported as follows: ‘Oil Concessions have an exclusive concession covering 4,000 square miles. The company have undertaken to negotiate with Wittouck [3] for payment of compensation in respect of expenditure...’
2. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF MEETING OF DOMINION HIGH COMMISSIONERS: 2 January 1940; ‘Extract LONDON, 2 January 1940 After we had dealt with the ordinary questions which arose, I raised the question of the alteration in the instructions to Lothian [1] with regard to his attitude towards the Zionists in the United States of America. I pointed out that very definite instructions had...’
3. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 9 LONDON, 3 January 1940, 8.08 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET War Cabinet has today been considering the question of German iron ore supplies from Sweden, only source still open. German stock unquestionably short probably not more than three months. Supplies are shipped from Narvik and Lulea...’
4. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 11 LONDON, 5 January [1940], 7.10 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET CZECHOSLOVAKIA. Dominions Office have forwarded by official despatch [1] which should reach you about 15th January letters exchanged on 20th December between Halifax [2] and Benes [3] with regard to the formation of a Czechoslovak national...’
5. MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT U.K. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 6 (extract) WASHINGTON, 5 January 1940, 11.17 p.m. Information: Legation will of course be devoid of all information except from sources one has opened up and the press unless some arrangement is made with the Embassy. [1] Suggest I arrange to continue to have access to press reports done...’
6. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN LONDON: 8 January 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 8 January 1940, Your telegram 20th December. [1] Production of Foodstuffs War Time and Post-War requirements. The circumstances stated in your telegram under heading War Situation is [sic] certainly of interest to Australia, and we wish you to continue to explore on lines you indicated and advise as...’
7. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT U.K. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 8 January 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 8 January 1940, Following message to be released to Press at 10.30 p.m. Australian time 8/1/40. Broadcast by the Prime Minister [1] regarding the appointment of a Minister to Washington. ‘I am taking this opportunity as Prime Minister of Australia to tell you that arrangements have just been...’
8. MR M. AKIYAMA, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 8 January 1940; ‘Telegram n.d. [on or after 8 January 1940] I heartily congratulate you on the widely significant appointment of an Australian Minister to Washington which indicates the positive attitude of the Commonwealth of Australia for the maintenance of peace in the Pacific and forms a momentous contribution towards the betterment of...’
9. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 22 LONDON, 9 January 1940 MOST SECRET TIMOR My H524 [1] and telegrams Nos. 616 [2] and 3. [3] Further information now available from ‘secret but entirely trustworthy source’ referred to in previous telegrams. (1) In a telegram to the Japanese Minister at Lisbon [4] on 24th November the...’
10. DR C. J. PAO, CHINESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 9 January 1940; ‘Letter 9 January 1940, I read with great interest of the appointment of Mr. Casey as the first Australian Minister to Washington, and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for your unprecedented leadership in building this necessary bridge across the Pacific. Co-prosperity among the nations in the...’
11. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 27 LONDON, 11 January 1940, 6.27 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF MOST SECRET My telegram No. 9. [1] In view of strong reaction by Norway to communication (Dominions Office No. 7) [2] and change of attitude by Sweden, who now strongly opposed, stopping of Narvik iron...’
12. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 28 LONDON, 11 January 1940, 8.35 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF MOST I had strongly represented to the United Kingdom Government points included in My telegram No. 27 [1] and had been led to believe that the War Cabinet this morning would decide against...’
13. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 12 January 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 12 January 1940, URGENT AND MOST SECRET In view of the importance and possible repercussions of any decision to take action in Norwegian territorial waters to cut off German supplies of iron ore I earnestly request that no decision should be taken by the United Kingdom Cabinet until...’
14. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 36 LONDON, 12 January 1940, 7.10 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram [1], which arrived in time for the Prime Minister [2] to read at the commencement of the War Cabinet this morning, was invaluable. After full discussion it was decided to abandon the contemplated action....’
15. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 January 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D18 LONDON, 12 January 1940, 10.55 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister, begins:- Consideration has recently been given to the desirability of issuing, on some suitable occasion, a joint Anglo-French declaration engaging not to conclude a separate Peace. It has been [ascertained] [1] that...’
16. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 January 1940; ‘Letter LONDON, 2 January 1940 I am afraid I must inflict upon you a somewhat lengthy letter with regard to the question of war aims or what might perhaps more appropriately be described as ‘peace aims’. This matter was raised by the French communication of the 23rd October which was...’
17. SIR HENRY GULLETT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 January 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 15 January 1940 [R. G. Casey, Minister for Supply and Development, visited Thailand in December 1939 while returning from his mission to London. On 21 December he wrote to Menzies and Gullett to report that the U.K. Minister in Bangkok, Sir Josiah Crosby, ‘would welcome any move that...’
18. LT COL E. E. LONGFIELD LLOYD, GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 15 January 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 15 January 1940, 1.41 p.m. During the last few days Japanese Press has been widely referring to Australian Press reports that Commonwealth Government intends to appoint Minister to Japan before Easter, and one prominent journal (after consultation with the Foreign Office so we learn) has published a...’
19. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, 19 TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 January 1940; ‘Cablegram [44] [1] LONDON, 15 January 1940, 9.47 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Dominions Office cabling you full information as to action by the King of the Belgians using Roger Keyes as intermediary indicating the King’s preparedness to invite the United Kingdom and France to send troops into Belgium subject...’
20. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 16 January 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D27 LONDON, 16 January 1940, 10.40 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER My Circular D.26. [1] Sir Roger Keyes [2] visited the King of the Belgians at the latter’s request on January 13th and was requested by the King to convey to Hs Majesty’s...’
21. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 16 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 49 LONDON, 16 January 1940, 8.40 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF Keyes has now reported the substance of further interview with the King when the United Kingdom reply (see Dominions Office telegram) was communicated. [1] In long conversation the King after indicating that if...’
22. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 17 17 January 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram D.18. [1] Anglo-French declaration. His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia strongly agrees with consideration set out in paragraph 4 of telegram under reference and desires accordingly to be associated with Anglo-French declaration. At the same time it is felt...’
23. MR M. AKIYAMA, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 January 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 22 January 1940 STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND URGENT On February 1st the Japanese Government is to present to the Japanese Parliament the Japanese Financial Budget for the coming financial year (April 1st 1940 to March 31st 1941). The Japanese Government has included in this financial Budget the allocation of...’
24. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 January 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D38 LONDON, 24 January 1940, 1 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Attention has recently been called to the extent to which German operations against shipping have recently tended to fall with increasing severity on the shipping of neutral countries. The figures of shipping...’
25. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 63 LONDON, 24 January 1940 MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET As a result of French representations (Dominions Office D.37) [1] action against Narvik shipments further examined by War Cabinet today and proposal for laying mine fields in Norwegian territorial waters considered. In my view there is...’
26. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 25 January 1940; ‘Minute 138 MELBOURNE, 25 January 1940 STOPPAGE OF GERMAN ORE SUPPLIES TRAVERSING NORWEGIAN TERRITORIAL WATERS At the request of the Minister for External Affairs [1], the War Cabinet considered Dominions Office cablegram D.38 of 24th January regarding the proposal to lay minefields in Norwegian waters. [2] The provisional opinion of...’
27. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 25 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 13 25 January 1940, MOST PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL FOR MR BRUCE Following on appointment Minister at Washington it is felt initial steps should be taken to implement one of the early declarations of the Government that Legation would also be established at Tokyo. To this end desire you ascertain...’
28. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. AKIYAMA, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA: 25 January 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 25 January 1940 I have the honour to refer to your letter of 19th December, 1939, on the subject of the prohibition of the export of iron ore from Australia. [1] Investigations which are being made by the Commonwealth Government in regard to Australia’s iron ore resources have...’
29. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 24 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 15 LONDON, 24 January 1940 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram of 13th January No. 13 Exports to Russia. [1] As Commonwealth Government ask for our advice it is that it would be advisable to go slow in this matter. Our own policy here has been to withhold licences for exports...’
30. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 January 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 25 January 1940, 5.27 p.m. SECRET The Dutch Government are enquiring as to the possibility of supplying Munitions to the Dutch East Indies. No official enquiry has been made but I understand that this is likely to be forthcoming shortly. Their enquiry covers the whole range of...’
31. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 26 January 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 26 January 1940, MOST SECRET In view of forthcoming location of 2nd A.I.F. in Palestine for completion training and equipment with modem weapons we should be glad to have earliest possible an appreciation of military situation in Near and Middle East. In particular we should like information as...’
32. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 26 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 15 26 January 1940, MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR BRUCE Your 63 of 24th January. [1] Scandinavian proposals. Cabinet discussed question generally yesterday. [2] We have received D.38 [3] stating the question involved but not the review requested by you. We assume that no definite action will be decided on...’
33. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 71 LONDON, 26 January 1940, 7.06 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET SCANDINAVIA. Long meeting last night with the Prime Minister [1] and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [2], when the whole question exhaustively examined. Am confident as a result Narvik action will be dropped and...’
34. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 72 LONDON, 26 January 1940, 7.06 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ONLY My telegram No. 71. [1] In my view the proposed Narvik action was an ill-considered stunt for which Winston Churchill [2] responsible. BRUCE _ 1 Document 33. 2 U.K. First Lord of...’
35. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 January 1940; ‘Cablegram 70 LONDON, 26 January 1940, 7.06 p.m. SECRET. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER THAILAND. Your telegram No. 20 of 19th January to the United Kingdom Government. [1] Domei newsagency has stated that Wang Ching-wei’s Government [2] will be recognised by Germany and Italy whilst ‘gesture’ expected from Thailand. The British...’
36. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF MEETING OF DOMINION HIGH COMMISSIONERS: 30 January 1940; ‘Extract LONDON, 30 January 1940 We had some conversation with regard to the French suggestion about Petsamo [1], but solely from the point of view as to whether it was desirable to give the Dominion Governments some warning of the possibility of developments. The question was brought up by Waterson...’
37. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 85 LONDON, 1 February 1940, 8 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF My letter of 2nd January. [1] To convince French of impracticability of their policy of destroy, disarm and divide will require prolonged discussions thus precluding for months the possibility of any joint declaration...’
38. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR R. A. BUTLER, U.K. PARLIAMENTARY UNDER- SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 2 February 1940; ‘[LONDON], 2 February 1940 [On 27 May 1939 the Council of the League of Nations decided to set up a committee to report on measures to develop and expand the League’s machinery for dealing with economic and social problems and to promote active participation by all nations in efforts to...’
39. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 5 February 1940; ‘Minute 142 MELBOURNE, 5 February 1940 ALLIED PEACE AIMS The Prime Minister [1] read cablegram No. B.214 of 1st February from the High Commissioner on the desirability of a joint declaration of Anglo-French peace aims and the importance of the Dominions urging the convening of Empire consultations, with a view...’
40. SIR HENRY GULLETT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 February 1940; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 5 February 1940 During the past week or two I have given much thought to the question of Commonwealth diplomatic representation in the Far East. My opinion now is that we should proceed immediately with the appointment of a Minister to both Japan and China. I think much...’
41. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 5 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 5 February 1940 SECRET, The Central Wool Committee has received from Essendon [1] cabled instructions to the effect that it is quite impossible to agree [to] any sales of crossbred wool to Japan. We consider that if this instruction were carried out it would involve an obvious breach...’
42. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 92 LONDON, 5 February 1940 FOR PRIME MINISTER SECRET PERSONAL Your cablegram January 25th. [1] Before moving King for approval have privately discussed matter with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. [2] While welcoming appointment Minister Japan he expressed doubt as to whether present suitable moment on grounds that...’
43. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR R. A. BUTLER, U.K. PARLIAMENTARY UNDER- SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 5 February 1940; ‘[LONDON], 5 February 1940 After agreeing with McDougall [1] and Loveday [2] to see Halifax [3], I remembered that he was away in Paris attending the meeting of the Supreme War Council, and I accordingly saw Butler. I told him quite frankly of the conversation which Loveday had had with...’
44. MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT, TO MR L. R. MACGREGOR, GOVERNMENT TRADE COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED STATES: 6 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 6 February 1940, Casey [1] sailed 2nd February ‘Monterey’ take up duty Washington. Glasgow [2] sails 1st March ‘Mariposa’ for Ottawa. Decided status Trade Commissioner establishments U.S.A., Canada and existing channels of communication with Departments in Australia remain unaltered. You will recognise that Minister at Washington and High...’
45. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 6 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 6 February 1940, WOOL I continue to be most disturbed about the failure of the authorities in Great Britain to give to our Wool Committee any satisfaction in relation to sales to neutrals, particularly Japan. I would be glad if you could convey a personal message to Anthony...’
46. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 February 1940; ‘Letter 6 February 1940, The Commonwealth Government has summoned a meeting of the Agricultural Council for a date, which has not yet been fixed, during the present month. The Council is composed of the Commonwealth Minister for Commerce, the State Ministers of Agriculture, representatives of the Council for Scientific and...’
47. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 6 February 1940, 5.36 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Meeting forecast in my telegram 17th January Bell [1] now held. Eden [2] presided and present Treasury, Board of Trade, Ministry of Economic Warfare, Foreign Office and Essendon. [3] I referred to the understanding when Essendon appointed, that all questions...’
48. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 7 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 7 February 1940, SECRET Your cablegram 25th January. [1] Commonwealth officers have been in personal communication with the Dutch Consul [2] following Brodribb’s [3] interviews at Sourabaya in December. They also have lists of the proposed materials and consider that after detailed examination it may be possible to...’
49. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH GENERAL SIR EDMUND IRONSIDE, CHIEF OF THE U.K. IMPERIAL GENERAL STAFF: 7 February 1940; ‘LONDON, 7 February 1940 Saw Ironside who handed to me the appreciat[ion] prepared by the Chiefs of the General Staff [1] in response to the Prime Minister’s cable of the 26th January. [2] After I had read it we hid a considerable discussion on it paragraph by paragraph. As I...’
50. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 106 (extract) LONDON, [7 February 1940] [1], 7.57 p.m. MOST SECRET (2) Timor. My telegram No. 50. [2] On 18th January the Netherlands Minister in London [3] approached the Far Eastern Department of the Foreign Office and said that his Government had recently heard of renewed Japanese activity regarding...’
51. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR M. J. SAVAGE, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER: 10 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 10 February 1940, Your telegram 8th February [1], greatly regret infringement of censorship by Smith’s Weekly of 3rd February. Article was not submitted for censorship and Editor has been rebuked by Australian Censor. May we take this opportunity of enquiring whether you would be agreeable to discuss variations...’
52. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 111 LONDON, 10 February 1940 FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Wool. As a result of your telegram of 6th February [1] further meeting held yesterday. Am more hopeful that the action urged in paragraphs 2 and 4 of my telegram of 6th February [2] will now be taken....’
53. MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT U.K. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 22 WASHINGTON, 10 February 1940, [4.30 p.m.] [1] I was asked to call at the State Department this morning and was given a communication contained in my immediately following telegram. It was explained that United States interests had considerable credits tied up in Japan which they are finding it...’
54. MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT U.K. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 23 WASHINGTON, 10 February 1940 Following is the text referred to in my immediately preceding telegram:- The Government of the United States has received reports from private sources to the effect that a large amount of Australian wheat was recently sold to Japan on a twelve to eighteen months...’
55. MR M. J. SAVAGE, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 11 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 11 February 1940, 5.25 p.m. MOST SECRET I am most grateful for your telegram 10th February regarding Smith’s Weekly. [1] I shall be happy to arrange for discussion of any variations in censorship in any way you may suggest and entirely agree that complete parallel lines should...’
56. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 114 LONDON, 13 February 1940, 7.30 p.m. PERSONAL FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Following is appreciation of the Chiefs of General Staff prepared in response to your telegram of 26th January [1]: Part 1. Principal British strategical interests in the Middle East are, firstly, sea route through the Mediterranean,...’
57. WAR CABINET MINUTE (1940, JANUARY-JUNE - VOLUME 3): 14 February 1940; ‘Minute 173 SYDNEY, 14 February 1940 COMPLAINT BY THE JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL REGARDING THE FIRING OF A SHELL AT THE ‘KYO MARU NO. 2’ ON HER ENTRY TO FREMANTLE HARBOUR The Minister for External Affairs [1] stated that he had received a communication from the Japanese Consul-General [2] lodging a complaint...’
58. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 15 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered, 15 February 1940 PERSONAL AND SECRET In light of subsequent happenings am at loss to understand why British authorities your end insisted on drastic restriction terms of official announcement arrival A.I.F. Absence of highly relevant facts in statement, but since revealed, have caused me great embarrassment. Although first...’
59. SIR HENRY GULLETT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR F. K. OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLOR AT U.K. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 15 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 15 15 February 1940, With reference to your telegrams Nos. 22 and 23 [1] would you kindly convey the following reply to State Department regarding sales of wheat to Japan. [2] Begins: ‘Before outbreak of war Japanese firms were negotiating for purchase of Australian wheat on credit. After outbreak...’
60. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 February 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D58 LONDON, 15 February 1940, 8.11 p.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1. It has been officially stated in Washington that the United States Under Secretary of State’s forthcoming visit to Italy, France, Germany and Great Britain is being undertaken solely for...’
61. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 122 LONDON, 15 February 1940, 7.14 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ONLY Dominions Office cable re Sumner Welles’ visit. [1] In my view cable shows marked influence of pro-French school in the Foreign Office in its stressing of the danger of the visit stimulating pressure for...’
62. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 February 1940; ‘Letter LONDON, 6 February 1940 PERSONAL In my personal cable to you of the 1st February [2], I indicated that I would forward to you a Memorandum dealing with the Economic and Social aspects of the definition of our peace objective. This I now enclose. It was prepared by McDougall...’
63. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 17 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 17 February 1940, MOST SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Thanks your survey 13th February. [1] We will be guided by Chiefs of Staff in what theatre of war troops are used but must insist that training be adequate except possibly under conditions of emergency. MENZIES _ 1 Document 56....’
64. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 46 LONDON, 17 February 1940, 1.30 a.m. SECRET The Commonwealth High Commissioner [1] has communicated to me a copy of your telegram 15th February about censorship arrangements in connection with the arrival of the Australian troops in Egypt [2] and asked if I would telegraph my observations to you....’
65. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 127 LONDON, 17 February 1940 MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Wool-economic warfare. Discussion referred to in my telegram 10th February [1] now advancing. Although known here that Germany is trying to purchase wool through Japanese agencies we agreed that if wool supplied to Japan is restricted to...’
66. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 17 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 41 LONDON, 17 February 1940, 8 a.m. SECRET Your telegrams of 22nd January No. 19 and 24th January No. 20 Disposal of Australian wool. [1] I am much concerned at the dissatisfaction which exists in Australia on this question and have been engaged in a series of discussions with...’
67. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 17 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 42 LONDON, 17 February 1940, 8 a.m. SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. The Prime Minister’s message to Bruce of the 5th February [1] suggests that the withholding of Australian crossbred wool from Japan is a special ground for criticism of United Kingdom authorities. The position is as follows. On...’
68. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 20 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 131 LONDON, 20 February 1940, 7.04 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER SECRET WOOL In my view cable to Whiskard [1] with reference to method of allocating supply and of determining price hardly a representation of position as it exists at the moment. I am hopeful however that as a result...’
69. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 20 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 132 (extract) LONDON, 20 February 1940, 7.04 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL (1) SCANDINAVIA. Proposed to inform Mannerheim [1] of proposals (Dominions Office cables to Whiskard) [2] and approach Sweden and Norway at an early date. Preparations being expedited here and in France with a view...’
70. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 21 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 21 February 1940, Your own spirited efforts regarding wool much appreciated but position still most unsatisfactory. Three outstanding matters of great importance- (1) Proper basis of sale to neutrals, particularly America and Japan, must be promptly evolved at a reasonable price which should not be more than 25...’
71. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 22 February 1940; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 22 February 1940 I am most grateful to you for your long letter of 2nd January regarding peace aims. [1] In consequence of this letter and of your related cables [2], I had some discussion with my Ministers about the whole matter, but found them, with one or...’
72. DR C. J. PAO, CHINESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 22 February 1940 I have the honour to convey to you my compliments and high esteem of the policy of His Majesty’s Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, under your leadership, in endeavouring to achieve peace with justice throughout the world. On behalf of my Government I wish...’
73. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 138 LONDON, 22 February 1940, 5.23 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Owing to reports of arms and munitions being shipped from Germany to Petsamo and Murmansk via Norwegian territorial waters and desire to stop German iron ore supplies via Narvik, the War Cabinet considering whether the...’
74. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 140 LONDON, 22 February 1940, 6.30 p.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER My telegram of today. [1] Relations of major scheme to present proposals examined by the War Cabinet. Broad conclusion was that the prospect of obtaining the co-operation or acquiescence of Norway and Sweden so slight...’
75. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 23 February 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 23 February 1940, WOOL FOR JAPAN We have no desire create embarrassment in United Kingdom relations with United States but we must again emphasize our special interest in the adoption of a more active policy in sales to neutrals. We must ask that United Kingdom Government, during forthcoming...’
76. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 143 LONDON, 24 February 1940, 7.38 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Dominions Office Cable to Whiskard 24th February. [1] In my view War Cabinet, carried away by acceptance generally accorded in neutral countries and enthusiasm aroused in Allied countries by Altmark incident, have lost sight of...’
77. CABINET SUBMISSION BY SIR HENRY GULLETT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1940; ‘Agendum 294 26 February 1940 THE OPTIONAL CLAUSE OF THE STATUTE OF THE PERMANENT COURT OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE 1. On 7th September, 1939, Cabinet gave consideration to the question of the position of the Commonwealth Government in relation to the Optional Clause of the Permanent Court of International Justice. (A...’
78. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 16 February 1940; ‘Letter LONDON, 16 February 1940 I enclose herewith copy of a Memorandum on the question of the problem of establishing closer relations between Australia and the United States of America. The Memorandum was prepared by Dr. Clunies Ross. It contains, in my view, extremely practical and useful suggestions. Knowing the...’
79. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 146 LONDON, 26 February 1940, 7.26 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL My telegram 24th February. [1] War Cabinet divided and Prime Minister [2] has postponed further consideration pending the receipt of reactions of Dominions. Most desirable that your views should be received at the earliest...’
80. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 68 27 February 1940, MOST SECRET Reference your cables regarding Finland. [1] Whole matter fully discussed with my colleague. [2] I think that there has been a tendency to lose sight of the major proposal regarding assistance to Finland. In particular, I refer to the decisions of the Supreme...’
81. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 147 LONDON, 27 February 1940, 5.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Norwegian territorial waters. War Cabinet resuming consideration tomorrow night. Most desirable that your views available before the meeting. Am cabling communication to the United Kingdom Government from the Prime Minister of South Africa. [1]...’
82. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR C. J. PAO, CHINESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA: 28 February 1940; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 28 February 1940 I have your letter of 22nd February [1] and sincerely appreciate the cordial relations between our Governments and your readiness to collaborate with Australia in Pacific problems. I can assure you that the whole question of diplomatic representatives to Pacific nations is being most sympathetically...’
83. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 150 LONDON, 28 February 1940, 6.20 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Norwegian territorial waters. Discussion postponed till tomorrow to allow time for consideration of cables from you [1] and Smuts. [2] _ 1 Document 80. 2 See Document 81, note 1. _ [AA: A981, EUROPE 30, ii]...’
84. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 29 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 152 LONDON, 29 February 1940 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER WOOL Your telegram of 21st February. [1] Appreciate and Sympathize with your feelings. Root cause of difficulties and delays in getting finality is the absence of really effective War Cabinet dealing with questions of policy and ensuring...’
85. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 29 February 1940; ‘Cablegram 153 LONDON, 29 February 1940, 7.40 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER War Cabinet this morning decided proposals for action in Norwegian territorial waters and transit [sic] [1] contemplated statement should not be proceeded with. [2] _ 1 Bruce’s file copy (on AA: M100, February 1940) read ‘issue...’
86. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 1 March 1940; ‘Letter LONDON, 1 March 1940 PERSONAL As you know full well wool is an extremely thorny subject and has been, and is still, causing a tremendous amount of difficulty. I will not weary you with all the developments which have taken place since you left Australia. There is, however, one...’
87. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 155 LONDON, 2 March 1940, 11.03 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Finns, after examination of the Allies’ offer of assistance, have indicated to the United Kingdom and French numbers insufficient and that unless substantially increased and available by the end of March-French state date end of...’
88. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. J. SAVAGE, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER: 4 March 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 4 March 1940, MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My Government has under consideration the increase of the 2nd A.I.F. to an Army Corps comprising two divisions with the necessary Corps troops. They desire to know whether your Government would be willing to combine New Zealand forces in an Anzac...’
89. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 4 March 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 4 March 1940, Your telegram 5th February. [1] Full consideration has been given to the views of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. On balance, however, the Government of the Commonwealth believes the appointment of Minister to both Japan and to China at the present time is...’
90. SIR HENRY GULLETT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO SIR WILLIAM GLASGOW, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN CANADA: 4 March 1940; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 4 March 1940 Following on our conversations with regard to the general question of the functions, activities, and channel of communication of the High Commissioner’s Office at Ottawa, the Prime Minister [1] has decided that recognised international practice be followed in the case of Australian Missions abroad in...’
91. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 6 March 1940; ‘Letter LONDON, 6 March 1940 SECRET You will remember that you recently enquired about the position with regard to the non-aggression pacts between Thailand and the United Kingdom, France and Japan respectively. [1] You mentioned that the pact with us had been held up because the French were unable to...’
92. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 166 LONDON, 6 March 1940, 7.27 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ONLY FINLAND. Am most disturbed at lack of clear thinking and failure to face the issues involved. Have exhausted my efforts with individual members of the War Cabinet and have now asked for High...’
93. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 7 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 169 LONDON, 7 March 1940 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ONLY Finland. War Cabinet this morning decided would be prepared to send fifty bombers immediately if Finns make request for aid. Still feel strongly issues involved have not been clearly visualised and have accordingly prepared questionnaire...’
94. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 8 March 1940; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 8 March 1940 [On 22 February 1940 Strahan forwarded to Hodgson papers indicating that two Japanese planned to involve themselves in silver lead mining in Western Australia (see file AA: A981, Australia 90B, ii). He said he had asked the Department of the Interior whether Commonwealth action was...’
95. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 8 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 171 LONDON, 8 March 1940, 7.55 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET In long discussion with Prime Minister [1] most points in my questionnaire [2] considered. In view of conversations having started with Sweden as intermediary it seems that action the United Kingdom contemplated limited to informing the...’
96. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 9 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 91 9 March 1940, IMMEDIATE SECRET As 2nd A.I.F. now being despatched for co-operation with the British Army, Commonwealth Government suggests that the principles that are to govern the control and administration of that Force, while abroad, should now be defined. The subject is urgent as Commonwealth Government requires...’
97. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 11 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 74 LONDON, 11 March 1940, 11 p.m. SECRET My despatch 9th February No. 22. [1] The Netherlands Minister [2] informed the Foreign Office on 24th February that the Japanese Government were renewing pressure on the Portuguese Government to obtain oil concessions in Portuguese Timor and asked whether His Majesty’s...’
98. CABINET SUBMISSION BY SIR HENRY GULLETT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 March 1940; ‘13 March 1940 PORTUGUESE TIMOR-OIL CONCESSIONS AND AIR SERVICE Following on various suggestions over a number of years from the United Kingdom authorities that the Commonwealth of Australia take active steps to establish Australian interests in the [sic] Portuguese Timor to forestall Japanese activities as part of their Southward advance...’
99. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 13 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 180 LONDON, 13 March 1940 MOST SECRET [On 12 March 1940 Finland signed an armistice which surrendered the Karelian Isthmus and other areas of economic and strategic importance to the U.S.S.R.] Finland While no official confirmation of terms agreed on there appears little doubt but that press reports accurate....’
100. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 March 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D84 LONDON, 14 March 1940, 2.42 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram 12th January, Circular D. 18. [1] Following for the Prime Minister:- We have been considering further in the light of the replies received to Circular D. 18 the question of issuing a joint Anglo- French...’
101. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 181 LONDON, 14 March 1940, 8.40 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Dominions Office telegram No. 74. [1] Appears clear if Japan is to be prevented from obtaining footing in Timor, will be necessary to buy Wittouck [2] out. Information here indicates that Oil Concessions Ltd. prepared to...’
102. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 182 LONDON, 14 March 1940, 8.40 p.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF Had long conversation yesterday with Sumner Welles. [1] His contacts in various countries visited have clearly convinced him that:- (1) If no means can be found for a settlement before really serious...’
103. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 15 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 97 15 March 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram No. D.84. [1] Anglo-French declaration. His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has given careful consideration to draft of declaration as supplemented in your telegram under reference. It regrets that it has not proved possible to secure the unanimity of...’
104. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 18 March 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 18 March 1940, SECRET Reference despatch D.O.22 of 9th February [1], cablegram 74 of 11th March [2], and your telegram Timor Oil. [3] Desire you act on and communicate to United Kingdom authorities following views:- Commonwealth Government has reviewed fully whole position including suggestions for Netherlands co-operation. Primary...’
105. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 190 LONDON, 18 March 1940, 9.56 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER The failure of the Allies to save Finland from having to capitulate to Russia and accept the penalty of the terms of peace has had most grave repercussions in all neutral countries, has created...’
106. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 191 LONDON, 18 March 1940, 9.56 p.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE (Part 2. In continuation of telegram No. 190) DANUBIAN AND BALKAN COUNTRIES Failure to save Finland has undoubtedly created most unfortunate impression in these countries and German efforts to exploit opportunity are inevitable. Unless Allied propaganda and diplomacy immediately...’
107. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 19 March 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 19 March 1940 SECRET DRIED FRUITS My secret cable 6th March. [1] I have now received official communication from the United Kingdom Government. [2] After referring to representations I made on 21st December that the question should be considered on the grounds of high policy and that...’
108. MR T. ELINK SCHUURMAN, NETHERLANDS CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 March 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 20 March 1940 By my letter No. L17/5524, of 18th December 1939 [1], I advised you of certain discussions between this Consulate General and the Department of Supply and Development concerning the possibility of supplying various war materials manufactured in Australia to the Netherlands Indies Defence Authorities. I...’
109. MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 21 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 30 21 March 1940, My telegram No. 22. [1] Sale of wheat and flour to Japan. We have noted United States authorities admission that they are continuing to subsidise exports wheat and flour to China and other countries. Japanese importers and Australian flour exporting interests have again approached Commonwealth...’
110. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 21 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 83 LONDON, 21 March 1940, 5 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER In September last, as part of the Air plan for the reinforcement of Singapore, two medium bomber squadrons were sent from India to Singapore. Since then the situation has changed materially in that...’
111. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 21 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 197 LONDON, 21 March 1940 FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL SECRET Your [sic] cablegram 5th February [1]-have taken action in accordance with instructions your cablegram 25th January [2] and position is King’s approval can now be obtained at any moment. Owing to King’s absence from London until week commencing 1st...’
112. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 23 March 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 23 March 1940, IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF Your cable 18th March. [1] After consideration I entirely agree with your views regarding causes of recent failures and the necessity to take steps to avoid future repetition. Impression from this end is that diplomatically we have been too much...’
113. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 48 WASHINGTON, 25 March 1940, 5.38 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Bruce has sent me his cable of 17th February [1] and yours of 23rd February [2] regarding wool. I have discussed with the British Ministry of Economic Warfare representative here. [3] The State Department, which is...’
114. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO SIR HENRY GULLETT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1940; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 26 February 1940 My telegram to you No. 32/40 of 23rd February [2], regarding the World’s Fair in New York, raises at once the question of channels of communication on certain matters which I think should be settled without delay. I am sure you will agree that, on...’
115. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 March 1940; ‘Memorandum 27 March 1940, FOR THE MINISTER ASSISTANCE TO FINLAND 1. Following upon the adoption by the League of Nations Assembly on 14th December, 1939, of a resolution appealing to League Members to assist Finland, the Commonwealth Government on 9th January [1] asked the Australian High Commissioner in London to...’
116. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 205 LONDON, 27 March 1940 FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF MOST SECRET Your telegram of 23rd March. [1] I think that either direct cable from you to the Prime Minister [2] or cable to me to pass on to him win have much more weight than views...’
117. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 207 LONDON, 27 March 1940, 8.15 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF As the time would not permit your receiving and replying to my telegram 205 [1] before meeting Supreme War Council tomorrow I have this afternoon seen the Prime Minister [2] and put the...’
118. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 29 March 1940; ‘Cablegram 209 LONDON, 29 March 1940, 7.16 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Dominions Office cabling full report of discussions and decisions of Supreme War Council. [1] Re Norwegian territorial waters previous consideration was governed by the effect of action upon major objectives of saving Finland and occupying Gallivare...’
119. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 29 March 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z41 LONDON, 29 March 1940, 10.38 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram of 28th March Circular Z. 39. [1] Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [2] for his Most Secret and Personal information. The meeting of the Allied Supreme War Council on 28th March was the...’
120. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 30 March 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 March 1940, I shall be glad if you will kindly convey the following message to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [1]-begins. We desire to refer to the discussions which have taken place between our Governments through Bruce on the subject of the sale of dried...’
121. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 1 April 1940; ‘Letter LONDON, 1 April 1940 CONFIDENTIAL I am sorry not to have been able to let you have an earlier reply to your letter of the 6th February [1] conveying a request from the Commonwealth Government for information, for the use of the Commonwealth Agricultural Council, on the policy of...’
122. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 51 WASHINGTON, 1 April 1940,6.42 p.m. MOST SECRET The Netherlands Minister here [1] informs me that there is likelihood of Portuguese Government agreeing to the Japanese application for mining and agricultural concessions in Portuguese Timor. It is stated that the Japanese have offered to establish shipping line from Japan...’
123. MEMORANDUM BY MR T. ELINK SCHUURMAN, NETHERLANDS CONSUL- GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA: 2 April 1940; ‘Memorandum 2 April 1940, STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands Government have been advised from Lisbon that the Japanese Minister in that capital [1] last week had a long interview with the Portuguese Minister for Colonies [2], during which the former offered improved shipping services between Japan and Portuguese Timor provided facilities...’
124. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 213 LONDON, 2 April 1940, 6.45 p.m. SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER TIMOR. Reference your telegram of 18th March. [1] At preliminary meeting with Butler [2] and Foreign Office officials on 20th March I gave your views and discussed the points raised in your telegram. Although Wittouck [3] has...’
125. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 4 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 4 April 1940, IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I shall be glad if you will convey the following message to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [1]- Reference your Circular Z.41 [2], I desire to offer certain criticisms and suggestions regarding resolutions of Supreme War Council. At same time...’
126. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 5 April 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z46 LONDON, 5 April 1940, 8.40 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please let Prime Minister [1] know, for his most secret and personal information, that owing to difficulties of co-ordination referred to in my telegram of 3rd April Circular Z.45 [2], military operation referred to in paragraph (2)...’
127. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 220 LONDON, 5 April 1940, 10.50 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER SECRET TIMOR Reference your telegram of 18th March [1] and my telegram 213 of 2nd April. [2] Japanese have undoubtedly been exercising pressure on Portuguese through Macao and Portuguese Ambassador [3] has within last few days been to...’
128. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 9 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 9 April 1940, Wool. See our telegrams 23rd February [1] and 12th March [2] raising questions regarding price charged for wool to neutrals and basis of profit sharing. We can see no valid reason for complete absence any reply and desire you to convey to Ministry our insistence...’
129. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 9 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 9 April 1940, SECRET Please read together following telegrams from us 30th March:-Dried Fruits, Canned Fruits, and question of Australian representation on Ministry of Economic Warfare [1]; 6th April:-Policy of Ministry of Shipping. [2] And two today:-Cold Storage for butter [3], and outstanding wool questions. [4] United Kingdom...’
130. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 9 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 226 LONDON, 9 April 1940, 1.37 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET First news of German move against Norway and Denmark received here early this morning. Further information being received continuously. Position appears to be that Denmark occupied without resistance. Four German warships steaming up Oslo...’
131. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 9 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 9 April 1940, 5.57 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF Lothian [1] and Foreign Office anxious to arrange improved publicity in the United States, and, in particular, more effective method for keeping American public opinion informed of reasons for Allied Governments’ actions. Their proposal is to appoint an additional...’
132. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 9 April 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z51 LONDON, 9 April 1940, 2.50 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please let Prime Minister [1] know for his most secret and personal information that we are immediately taking all possible steps to dear Narvik and Bergen of enemy forces. These steps include preparations for the despatch of...’
133. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 10 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 10 April 1940, IMMEDIATE URGENT Your office telegram 8th April. [1] Australian Censorship has been further embarrassed with respect to movements of Mauretania. Report of departure from Honolulu clearly indicated Australia as destination. Censorship here therefore considered it necessary at that stage to apply regulation which prohibits the...’
134. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 228 LONDON, 10 April 1940, 1.16 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF MOST SECRET Am having greatest difficulty in obtaining clear appreciation of the position. High Commissioners had meeting with Eden [1] this morning at which obtained no definite information and further meeting being held as soon...’
135. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 229 LONDON, 10 April 1940, 1.57 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF (In continuation of telegram 228. Part II.) (1) Germany having gone into Norway, unless the Allies can afford effective aid, only a matter of time before Norwegian resistance overcome. (2) Present position-Germans have...’
136. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 11 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 11 April 1940, SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Your telegram 9th April. [1] In view existing war situation and staff arrangements pending in connection Tokyo Legation would be glad to know whether Lothian’s [2] proposal is regarded as urgent. If not would prefer that question of Officer’s [3] transfer...’
137. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 11 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 11 April 1940, SECRET Your telegram 220, TIMOR. [1] While we still hold strongly view that Oil Concessions should raise its own capital and develop concession without further delay, our primary interest is excluding Japanese penetration. Therefore, it being apparently opinion of United Kingdom Government that that can...’
138. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 12 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 12 April 1940, SECRET You will remember that some months ago we executed a large deal in wheat on credit terms with Japanese importers. At present time we are engaged in negotiations with Mitsui Bussan Kaisha acting on behalf of the Japanese Government for sale to them of...’
139. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 12 April 1940, 12.05 p.m. Your telegram 10th April. [1] Dominions Office advise as follows- Difficulties concerning suppression of news of movements of the QUEEN MARY and MAURETANIA arise from circumstances beyond the control of Allied censorship authorities. When such vessels call at neutral ports, it must...’
140. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 237 LONDON, 12 April 1940, 4.07 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF Present position appears that the Germans have established themselves at Oslo, Stavanger-the importance of which is valuable aerodrome-Bergen, Trondheim and Narvik, with naval losses in the open seas and Norwegian harbours indicated in Churchill’s speech....’
141. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 April 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D123 LONDON, 13 April 1940, 9.50 p.m. SECRET In connection with the possibility of tightening up the blockade against Germany we have examined in consultation with the French authorities the measures open to us in respect of control of imports into Asiatic Russia. We have reason to believe...’
142. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 14 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 14 April 1940, PERSONAL I shall be glad if you will kindly convey the following to the Prime Minister personally [1]- I have no desire to add to your burdens but feel that a frank statement to you from time to time upon how certain matters look to...’
143. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 14 April 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D124 LONDON, 14 April 1940, 4 a.m. SECRET My Circular D. 123. [1] As the immediate action open [to us] [2] to prevent acquisition by Germany of deficient commodities via Asiatic Russia is of limited scope, His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom in consultation with the French...’
144. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 240 LONDON, 14 April 1940, 5.51 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CLEAR THE LINE MOST SECRET Reference my telegram 237. [1] [Attitude indicated] [2] is being reconsidered in the light of strong recommendation from Allied mission to Scandinavia that immediate action should be taken at Trondheim. BRUCE _ 1 Document 140....’
145. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER: 15 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 15 April 1940, SECRET In view of world-wide interest movements big Cunard White Star liners [1], Commonwealth Government sought views British Government as to whether any relaxation likely in censorship regulation governing shipping movements. British Government replied that any news of arrival at or departure from ports within...’
146. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 244 LONDON, 15 April 1940, 7.30 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER As a result of strong representations by Allied Mission to Scandinavia and by the Norwegian Government that if Norwegian resistance to be maintained immediate Allied action in Southern Norway imperative, Plan to this end now...’
147. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 April 1940; ‘Cablegram [245] [1] LONDON, 15 April 1940, 8.15 [? p.m.] FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ONLY Your telegram of 14th April. [2] In my long conversation with the Prime Minister-my telegram NO. 207 of 27th March [3]-I stressed the necessity for more resolute and imaginative diplomacy and propaganda...’
148. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 16 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 153 16 April 1940, MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your circular telegram D. 123 of 13th April. [1] We are gravely concerned at issue of orders to Chinese station to intercept ships destined directly or indirectly for Vladivostock, especially in light of my cable of 4th April [2] which expressed our...’
149. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 April 1940; ‘Memorandum Was.89/40 (extract), CONFIDENTIAL WASHINGTON, 16 April 1940 Under cover of a letter of 16th February, I have received from the High Commissioner in London a copy of a memorandum prepared by Dr. Clunies Ross on the problem of establishing closer relations between United States of America and Australia. [1]...’
150. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 16 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 249 LONDON, 16 April 1940, 7.30 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Netherlands East Indies (my telegram No. 244 [1] second last paragraph). Craigie [2] has now strongly expressed the view that the United States Government should be approached re the position of the Netherlands East Indies in...’
151. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 155 17 April 1940, MOST SECRET In view of possibility of Allied Governments having to consider proposals involving extension of war measures, especially in regard to economic warfare, we would ask to be informed immediately of important issues affecting the Pacific and the Far East, especially action likely to...’
152. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 156 17 April 1940, MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE We would infer from your recent cablegrams that attack on Netherlands by Germany is believed in many quarters to be imminent, in which case any attempt to alter status of Netherlands East Indies becomes of vital concern to Australia. In course of...’
153. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF MEETING OF DOMINION HIGH COMMISSIONERS: 17 April 1940; ‘LONDON, 17 April 1940 More southern operation in Norway now well under way and developing. If successful results would be regarded as most satisfactory. This was the only information we obtained with regard to the contemplated move in Norway. As it was felt it was a military operation it was...’
154. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 17 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 40 [17 April 1940, 6.10 p.m.] [1] MOST SECRET Information has been received from Bruce indicating that attack on Netherlands by Germany is believed in many quarters to be imminent [2], in which case position of Netherlands East Indies has to be considered in light of possible Japanese intervention...’
155. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 17 April 1940, 5.45 p.m. Your telegram of 11th April. [1] Lothian’s proposal [2] considered most urgent and of great importance. From enquiries I have made, Officer [3] regarded as only person with qualifications necessary to fill satisfactorily London position. [4] BRUCE _ 1 Document 136. 2...’
156. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 61 WASHINGTON, 17 April 1940, 8.33 p.m. IMMEDIATE Think you may expect in tomorrow’s press what I believe will be important statement by the Secretary of State [1] following Japanese published statements regarding Netherlands East Indies. It is possible that this may express the fact that the United States...’
157. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 18 April 1940, 4.10 a.m. PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET Your telegrams 153 and 155 [1]: I am most grateful to you for communicating your views so promptly on this important question of policy. I am bringing them urgently before the War Cabinet. I shall communicate with you...’
158. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 19 April 1940, 5.35 a.m. The New Zealand Government propose to begin negotiations with the United Kingdom Government for renewal with appropriate adjustments of Purchasing Agreements for cheese, butter and meat which are at present current. Accordingly a telegram has been sent to the Secretary of State...’
159. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 18 April 1940, 8.37 p.m. Your telegram 17th April. [1] Owing to the tense atmosphere recently and changes of Ministers in Departments of Food and Shipping, have been unable to progress in dried and canned fruit discussions and in clearing up shipping position. Have now had most...’
160. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 62 WASHINGTON, [18 April 1940] [1], 5.30 p.m. Your telegram No. 40 [2] delayed in decoding. Lothian [3] who had not received any instructions mentioned subject to Mr. Hull [4] yesterday was referred for an answer to statement dealt with in my telegram No. 61 [5] which was in...’
161. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 19 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 19 April 1940, SECRET My telegram 11th April TIMOR. [1] Telegrams 246 and 251 from Stirling [2] confirm our view that Wittouck [3] seems a long way from acquiring any concession covering western area and that the Portuguese Government has in fact committed itself to promising a concession...’
162. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 19 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 19 April 1940, SECRET Please ascertain and advise urgently if B.B.C. has during the past week broadcast news that ‘Queen Mary’ is in Sydney Harbour and advise most urgently. Any B.B.C. references to these ships places Government here in extraordinary difficulty in and out of Parliament. People cannot...’
163. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 105 LONDON, 19 April 1940, 6.25 a.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Your telegram 17th April, 156. [1] We appreciate the reasons for your suggestion that His Majesty’s Ambassador at Washington should be requested to discuss question of Netherlands East Indies with the United States authorities in order to ascertain their...’
164. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 19 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 43 19 April 1940, 11.02 p.m. Your telegram No. 62. [1] Minister concerned [2] absent from Canberra for the week-end. Meanwhile following is the text of reference to Netherlands East Indies made by Minister for External Affairs in view of international situation in House of Representatives this morning. [3]...’
165. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 20 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 20 April 1940, 2.30 a.m. SECRET No. 125 Addressed to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. [1] Repeated to Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Australia. ‘His Majesty’s Government in New Zealand have now had an opportunity of considering Circulars D.123 and 124 of the 13th and 14th...’
166. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 107 LONDON, 20 April 1940, 9.52 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 153 of 16th April. [1] The orders which had been prepared to issue to the Commander-in- Chief of the China Station [2] have not in fact been put into effect and have been suspended for a...’
167. MR T. ELINK SCHUURMAN, NETHERLANDS CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 April 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 22 April 1940 CONFIDENTIAL The speech on the international situation which the Hon. the Minister for External Affairs [1] delivered in the House of Representatives on 19th April 1940 contains the following passage which apparently has been cabled abroad: ‘Any large scale invasion of the Netherlands, it will...’
168. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 263 LONDON, 22 April 1940 FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Reference suggested Prime Ministers meeting. I feel strongly imperative such meeting should be held and while recognising your local difficulties sincerely trust you will find it possible to attend. BRUCE _ _ [AA: M100, APRIL 1940] ’
169. MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D145 LONDON, 22 April 1940, 5.15 p.m. MOST SECRET Following from Prime Minister for Prime Minister- We have been considering further the system of collaboration between the Governments of the British Commonwealth with the object of examining whether any suggestion could be put forward for securing the closest...’
170. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 264 LONDON, 23 April 1940, 12.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER URGENT ANZAC DAY. General Freyburg [1] has sent a friendly message to Marshal Chakmak Chief of the Turkish General Staff at Ankara who has replied. These messages will be published in both Turkish and New Zealand orders...’
171. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 270 LONDON, [23 April 1940] [1], 8.25 p.m. MOST SECRET TIMOR. Following is the latest information from secret source. On 17th April the Japanese Minister at Lisbon [2] reported to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs [3] that ‘as an expression of welcome to Japan’s co-operation in the development...’
172. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 23 April 1940, 8.27 p.m. PERSONAL AND SECRET Your telegram 12th April Sale of Barley and Flour to Japan. [1] Eden has written to me today [2] in reply to the advice conveyed to the Dominions Office as desired in your telegram. He says that he is...’
173. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 24 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 24 April 1940, Your No. 264. [1] Anzac Day. General Officer commanding First Australian Corps [2] today sending message in following terms to Marshal Chakmak [3] at Ankara begins: On occasion of twenty-fifth anniversary of our first meeting Gallipoli all ranks of Australian military forces in Australia and...’
174. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 24 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 24 April 1940, MOST SECRET It is presumed you have seen Dominions Office telegram D. 123 [1] regarding interception and diversion ships for Vladivostock and my reply 153 of 15th April and 155 of 17th April. [2] We were concerned at statement in D. 123 ‘orders have been...’
175. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 67 WASHINGTON, 24 April 1940 PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET NOT TO BE QUOTED OR GIVEN CIRCULATION United States Navy enquired lately of British Admiralty if they could use Singapore base in certain eventualities. Reply ‘Yes, certainly.’ I do not believe this has particular political significance but is interesting. See...’
176. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 272 LONDON, 25 April 1940, 4.09 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER TIMOR. Apart from any developments with regard to the western area, Oil Concessions has been specifically obliged to carry on prior to November next [1] under eastern concession. As failure to carry out these obligations might...’
177. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF MEETING OF DOMINION HIGH COMMISSIONERS: 26 April 1940; ‘LONDON, 26 April 1940 [On 18 April Bruce reported the landing in Norway of substantial numbers of Allied troops in an attempt to counter the German invasion (see cablegram 255 on file AA: A981, Europe 30, ii). It quickly became apparent that the Allies would find it difficult to dislodge...’
178. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH LORD HANKEY, U.K. MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO: 26 April 1940; ‘LONDON, 26 April 1940 As I was so concerned at the War Cabinet decision to withdraw from North and South of Trondheim, I went to see Hankey to urge upon him the necessity of the matter being further examined to see if nothing could be done to save the position....’
179. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 280 LONDON, 27 April 1940, 12.30 a.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY In my view seriousness of Norwegian situation and its repercussions cannot be exaggerated as I can see no alternative in face of present position to immediate withdrawal of all Allied forces with exception of those in...’
180. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 27 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 121 LONDON, 27 April 1940, 4.30 a.m. MOST SECRET As indicated in my telegram No. 107 of 20th April [1] further consideration has been given to the question of contraband control in the Far East in the light of your views [2] and of the replies from His Majesty’s...’
181. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 27 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 27 April 1940, SECRET Your 272 and 270 from Stirling. [1] You will have noted we have emphasised all along that too much importance should not be placed on obtaining western oil concession with view to excluding Japanese. We feel in light of recent information about Portuguese promises...’
182. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 283 LONDON, 27 April 1940, 1.58 p.m. SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER NORWAY. Position slightly easier but still most critical. Supreme War Council this afternoon London to consider it and possible Italian intervention. Unconfirmed report just received states Mussolini after stormy meeting imposed his will on...’
183. TRANSLATION OF BROADCAST TO ITALY BY MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 April 1940; ‘Extract SYDNEY, 28 April 1940 I am happy to take this opportunity of saying a few words to the Italian people in the name of the people of Australia. We should understand one another better than we do. You have your own glorious history and ideas about the future of...’
184. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 284 LONDON, 28 April 1940, 6.20 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Norway-Supreme War Council has decided owing to inadequacy of bases for supplying forces and German air superiority which can not be overcome owing to lack of aerodromes troops North and South of Trondheim to...’
185. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 29 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 29 April 1940, Your telegram April 23rd. [1] Barley and flour sales were contracted April 18th. Does Ministry of Economic Warfare consider there is serious likelihood that commodities such as barley wheat and flour would be carried via Siberia to Germany. Answer to this question very important to...’
186. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF MEETING OF DOMINION HIGH COMMISSIONERS: 29 April 1940; ‘Extract LONDON, 29 April 1940 ITALY The latest information is that Mussolini is unlikely to take any immediate action. Two British battleships and French Naval Forces are moving from Gibraltar to Alexandria. The ‘Ramilles’ is being brought to Gibraltar. Reinforcements are being brought from India to Egypt and certain dispositions...’
187. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 29 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 286 LONDON, 29 April 1940, 6.15 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Czechoslovakia My telegram No. 11 of 5th January. [1] When Benes [2] came to see me I told him that copies of the letters exchanged between Halifax [3] and myself [4] had been sent on to...’
188. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 189 30 April 1940, MOST SECRET In view of deterioration of Italian situation and possibility of Australian and New Zealand convoys through the Red Sea becoming impracticable, Australian Government proposes that embarkation of Australian troops for third convoy due to sail from Sydney 5th May should be postponed until...’
189. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 30 April 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 April 1940, B.B.C. short wave broadcast Sunday, April 28th, included announcement that QUEEN MARY and AQUITANIA had arrived Capetown. In view present location of these liners [1], such broadcasts must raise grave doubts reliability B.B.C. news, especially in Australia. This announcement also cabled to Australian press after...’
190. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 April 1940; ‘Cablegram 129 LONDON, 30 April 1940, 7.18 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The question of the safety of your convoys was already under consideration before receipt of your Most Secret telegram of 30th April, 189, Commonwealth of Australia, No. 139 New Zealand. [1] Unless the situation improves, the Admiralty consider...’
191. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 1 May 1940; ‘Cablegram [192] [1] 1 May 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your cablegram 129 [2] has received immediate consideration but the Government feels some difficulty in arriving at a decision as to the ultimate destination of the convoy without additional information regarding the strategical considerations involved in Italy’s possible entry into...’
192. APPRECIATION BY CHIEFS OF STAFF FOR WAR CABINET: 1 May 1940; ‘Appendix C to Agendum 96/1940 1 May 1940 SECRET DESTINATION OF CONVOYS U.S.2 AND U.S.3 The Chiefs of Staff have given most careful consideration to the Dominions Office cablegram 129 of 30th April, 1940. [1] They are definitely and firmly of opinion that the advice tendered by the Dominions Office...’
193. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 1 May 1940; ‘Minute 257 CANBERRA, 1 May 1940 AGENDUM NO. 96/1940 [1]-STRATEGICAL APPRECIATION CONSEQUENT UPON ITALY’S POSSIBLE ENTRY INTO THE WAR (Previous reference-War Cabinet Minute No. (256) [2]). The War Cabinet noted the cablegram that had been despatched to the Dominions Office in reply to the United Kingdom Government’s cablegram No. 129...’
194. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 1 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 1 May 1940, 4.04 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET New Zealand Government have considered the situation as set out in Secretary of State’s Most Secret and Most Immediate telegram of 30th April which has been repeated to you as number 129. [1] They are in general agreement...’
195. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 293 LONDON, 1 May 1940, 12.14 p.m. IMMEDIATE Broadcast to Italy. [1] ‘Times’ of 1st May publishes on the main page report from correspondent at Rome 30th April. (Begins) Mr. Menzies, the Australian Prime Minister, has not found in Italy a favourable reply to his broadcast speech. He is...’
196. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 2 May 1940, 12.28 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Thanks your two telegrams of 1st May. [1] The following telegram has been sent tonight to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs- 148. MOST SECRET. His Majesty’s Government in New Zealand agree with the suggestion contained in...’
197. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 297 LONDON, 1 May 1940, 10 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL As the Allies’ attitude in the event of action by Italy, for example attack on Yugoslavia without entry into the war on German side, is now under consideration and your views will be invited...’
198. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 298 LONDON, 1 May 1940, 10 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER My telegram 297. Italy. (1) We could not restore our prestige by immediate declaration of war against Italy unless we could render effective aid to Yugoslavia. On the other hand to sit passively by and...’
199. MEMORANDUM BY MR J. D. L. HOOD, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 May 1940; ‘n.d. [on or after 2 May 1940] THE ALLIES AND ITALY Telegrams 297 and 298 from the High Commissioner [1] traverse very fully the arguments for and against immediate reaction by the Allies to an Italian move against Yugoslavia, and reach the conclusion that the advantages of immediate reaction would...’
200. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 May 1940; ‘Cablegram [294] [1] LONDON, 1 May 1940, 10 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER SECRET Timor. Your telegrams of 11th, 19th and 27th April. [2] Had further long discussion with Cadman [3] on 26th April. He showed me a report by his experts indicating that while there was quite possibly some oil...’
201. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 296 LONDON, 1 May 1940, 10.20 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER SECRET Your telegram of 29th April. [1] Barley, wheat and flour sales to Japan. Ministry does not consider it likely that barley, wheat and flour would reach Germany via Siberia. While there is freight agreement between Germany and...’
202. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 195 2 May 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your telegram 131 [1], embarkation of third convoy is to proceed as arranged, and by the time it reaches Fremantle appreciation will have been considered and decision reached by Commonwealth Government. New Zealand has been informed. [2] _ 1 Cablegram...’
203. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 2 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 197 [1] 2 May 1940, MOST SECRET With further reference your cablegram 22nd April, Circular D. 145 [2], proposed conference Dominion Ministers: I have given great deal of thought this matter during last few days. Naturally I would be most willing to attend conference if circumstances here permitted. However,...’
204. APPRECIATION BY CHIEFS OF STAFF FOR WAR CABINET: 2 May 1940; ‘Agendum 97/1940 2 May 1940 STRATEGICAL APPRECIATION BY AUSTRALIAN CHIEFS OF STAFF The Chiefs of Staff are not in a position to lay before the War Cabinet an appreciation of the situation which the advent of Italy in support of the Germans would create. The necessary data as to strength...’
205. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 2 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 136 LONDON, 2 May 1940, 10.55 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 192. [1] Matter was considered in Cabinet this morning. If convoy U.S.2 were allowed to proceed normally beyond Colombo, it would be still possible to divert it before entering the Red Sea should the situation require...’
206. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 3 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 198 3 May 1940, IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your cablegram 136. [1] It was noted from your cablegram 129 [2] that unless situation shows marked improvement you proposed to order convoy U.S.2 to be diverted before it enters the Gulf of Aden. Our proposal for detention at Colombo was to...’
207. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 3 May 1940, 1.24 p.m. SECRET Your telegram of 30th April [1]: Dominions Office advises as follows [2]- ‘Report by British Broadcasting Corporation was based on Reuter message from Capetown, and similar report had already been broadcast from New York on previous day. As the report was...’
208. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 302 LONDON, 3 May 1940, 8.12 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ONLY Prime Minister’s statement yesterday [1] as to withdrawal from South [of] [2] Trondheim undoubtedly serious shock here and has created grave anxiety as to Government conduct of the war which will intensify when...’
209. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 3 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 3 May 1940, 4.25 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram 62 Circular Z. [1] We appreciate that the withdrawal of our forces from Central Norway may have adverse effect on world opinion generally but position was that unless we were to sacrifice our forces there was...’
210. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 4 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 138 LONDON, 4 May 1940, 1.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram No. 131 to the Commonwealth and No. 126 to New Zealand. [1] Following is the appreciation by the Chiefs of Staff asked for. Intervention of Italy 1. If Italy decided to intervene she will probably time her...’
211. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 5 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 5 May 1940, 8 p.m. We have now given preliminary consideration to the Secretary of State’s Most Secret telegram 130 (Australia 138) of 4th May. [1] We find some difficulty in reconciling the statement contained in the Secretary of State’s telegram 122 (Australia 129) of 30th April...’
212. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 7 May 1940; ‘Minute 260 CANBERRA, 7 May 1940 AGENDUM No. 96/1940 AND SUPPLEMENT No. 1, AGENDUM No. 97/1940 STRATEGICAL APPRECIATION CONSEQUENT UPON ITALY’S POSSIBLE ENTRY INTO THE WAR AND ROUTE AND DESTINATION OF A.I.F. CONVOYS (previous reference-War Cabinet Minute No. (257) [1]) The consideration of these Agenda [2] was preceded by a...’
213. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 May 1940; ‘Memorandum 7 May 1940, ITALIAN ENTRY INTO THE WAR 1. The present policy of Italy is still one of non-belligerency, as distinct from neutrality. In practice, the policy has meant active assistance to Germany in the economic and diplomatic field, with Mussolini retaining freedom of action to intervene militarily at...’
214. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 8 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 8 May 1940, MOST SECRET Reference Norwegian position, we were and are naturally disturbed and think effect on prestige most serious but as we had no detailed facts upon which to base opinion we preferred to express none. At the same time feel strongly that authorities in Great...’
215. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 8 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 208 8 May 1940, MOST SECRET Your cablegram 138 [1] containing appreciation by Chiefs of Staff has been fully considered by War Cabinet, and, in so far as matters calling for immediate decision are concerned, the following are our conclusions and observations:- (A) Route and destination of convoy and...’
216. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 8 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 8 May 1940, SECRET Regarding wool and other primary products which are subjects of sale to Great Britain, and also Shipping, I propose to send McBride [1] to London with suitable assistants and possibly Owen Dixon [2] who has been advising Wool Committee. My reason is that there...’
217. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 8 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 16 WASHINGTON, 8 May 1940 I assume you saw Washington Embassy cable to FO No. 563 [1] and are watching question of United Kingdom-Japanese discussions regarding trade with USSR etc. Here I only follow it from aspect of possible reactions on USA opinion. The U.S. Government would resent any...’
218. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 8 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 310 LONDON, 8 May 1940, 11 p.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER There has been nothing during the last few days beyond what the Dominions Office sending plus the views I have already expressed. I have been pressing for discussions with a view to preparation of appreciation...’
219. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 9 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 9 May 1940, 8.52 p.m. SECRET AND PERSONAL Your telegram May 8th. [1] Quite appreciate reason McBride’s [2] visit. Suggest desirable that he should come earliest possible moment. Reference to Economic Warfare, when your cable received my mind was crystallising as a result of examination of the...’
220. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 9 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 9 May 1940, 9.55 p.m. SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram today. [1] By good chance, I sat next to Cross [2] at lunch today. As result of our conversation, am convinced that the suggestion of Owen Dixon [3] practicable and would have admirable results. Believe could be...’
221. MEMORANDUM BY MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 May 1940; ‘10 May 1940 [On 3 May 1940 the Prime Minister (R. G. Menzies) asked the Treasurer (P. C. Spender) and the Ministers for Trade and Customs (Senator G. McLeay), Supply and Development (Sir Frederick Stewart) and External Affairs (J. McEwen) to consider a report on Australia’s iron ore resources made...’
222. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 10 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 10 May 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram 29th April. [1] Czechoslovak National Committee. As it did not appear from your telegram that Benes [2] had made any actual request for recognition of Committee by Commonwealth Government and as Dominions Office despatch No. D.1 of January 3rd [3] merely...’
223. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 312 LONDON, 10 May 1940, 9.42 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER During the night Germans bombed aerodromes in various parts of Holland and at Brussels. Both Dutch and Belgians are resisting and have asked the Allies for help, which is being given. BRUCE _ _ [FA: A3195,...’
224. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF MEETING OF DOMINION HIGH COMMISSIONERS: 10 May 1940; ‘Extract LONDON, 10 May 1940, 10 a.m. German invasion of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg officially confirmed. The Belgians have appealed for assistance to the Allies and British and French troops are already moving into Belgium. We had some discussion as to the counter measures that we could take and I...’
225. SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 10 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 135 10 May 1940, SECRET In the course of conversation last night Prime Minister [1] sharply criticised the tone both of Parliament and Press in the United Kingdom regarding Norwegian campaign. He said he and his colleagues felt, subject to reservations below, the best had been made by United...’
226. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 10 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 143 LONDON, 10 May 1940, 12.02 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Thank you for your telegram No. 208 [1], which is receiving urgent consideration. So far as U.S.2 is concerned, matter has been considered by the War Cabinet who felt that, having regard to the latest information, it was desirable...’
227. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 May 1940; ‘Cablegram [315] [1] LONDON, 10 May 1940, 8.18 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ONLY Political. Labour Party have refused to join the Government under Chamberlain but agreed to co-operate in the formation of a National Government under another Prime Minister. Chamberlain seeing the King tonight and though...’
228. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR N. CHAMBERLAIN, U.K. LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL: 11 May 1940; ‘Letter LONDON, 11 May 1940 In this hour when you are laying down the almost unparalleled burden you have carried for the past three years I want to express to you, if I may without impertinence, my admiration for the undaunted courage and determination with which you have undeviatingly followed...’
229. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 11 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 11 May 1940, My colleagues and I congratulate you on your appointment as Prime Minister. We wish you the fullest measure of success. I need hardly assure you that Australians will co-operate to the utmost in the war effort directed by your Government. MENZIES _ _ [FA: A3196,...’
230. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 316 LONDON, 11 May 1940, 6.29 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ONLY Announcement of main Cabinet appointments likely tonight. Small War Cabinet of five probable. The Prime Minister [1] remaining Minister of Defence, Chamberlain Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of...’
231. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 77 WASHINGTON, 11 May 1940, 8.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Long talk with Berle [1] today. The invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium will not bring the United States into the war but it is another stage in the crystallization of American public opinion against Germany. It is believed...’
232. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 319 LONDON, 12 May 1940, 4.53 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET BELGIUM Latest information shows that the Allies have now occupied the line Namur-Louvain and have advance forces in front of this line. Advance yesterday was subject to practically no air interference. This in addition to the...’
233. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 May 1940; ‘Cablegram [82] [1] WASHINGTON, 12 May 1940, 12.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE The President of the United States [2] communicated with the British Ambassador here [3] during the night, that he had some reason to believe that the Japanese were contemplating intervention in the Netherlands East Indies. The President would not...’
234. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 13 May 1940; ‘Minute 265 CANBERRA, 13 May 1940 AGENDUM No. 107/1940 [1]-WAR CABINET PROCEDURE The Prime Minister [2] stated that he had made a careful review of methods of procedure in order to ensure the vigorous prosecution of Australia’s war effort, that business is dealt with expeditiously, and that excessive demands are...’
235. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 144 LONDON, 13 May 1940, 12.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE Following for the Prime Minister from Mr. Winston Churchill on accepting His Majesty’s invitation to fill the office of Prime Minister- ‘I send you my warmest greetings and my grateful thanks for your cheering message. [1] The responsibility which has fallen...’
236. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 May 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D176 LONDON, 13 May 1940, 12.45 a.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER (1) The Governor General of the Netherlands East Indies [1] has proclaimed duly that the Netherlands East Indies are involved in war with Germany but that the International Political status remains unchanged. He has stated...’
237. MR T. ELINK SCHUURMAN, NETHERLANDS CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 May 1940; ‘Telegram SYDNEY, 13 May 1940, 9.30 a.m. Received [13 May 1940], 1.05 p.m. Under instructions Netherlands Government advise Commonwealth Government that Netherlands now at war with Germany. Whatever may be fate of the Netherlands in Europe, the Governor General of the Netherlands Indies and Governors Surinam and Curacao is [sic]...’
238. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 May 1940; ‘Cablegram [83] [1] WASHINGTON, 12 May 1940, 10.19 p.m. SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE State Department information this afternoon is to the effect that there is less cause for anxiety than I indicated in my preceding unnumbered telegram. [2] Cables from British Ambassador, Tokyo [3], seem to confirm this. In view of...’
239. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 15 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 54 15 May 1940, 12 noon MOST SECRET My telegram No. 53-NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES. [1] Our information from London [2] is that, according to Dutch Minister at Tokyo [3], Japanese Navy putting strong pressure on Cabinet in favour of attack on Netherlands East Indies, arguing that from action in...’
240. SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 May 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 15 May 1940 Would you refer to the Commonwealth Government’s despatch No. 125 of the 1st May [1] on the subject of Mr. Keith Officer’s services as Australian Counsellor at His Majesty’s Embassy at Washington? This despatch has crossed one which I have just received from my Government...’
241. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 15 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 15 May 1940, SECRET War information. Would be glad if you would take up with United Kingdom authorities the general question of release here of war information. Under present conditions Government is caused frequent embarrassment by inability to confirm or deny from information available to it reports received...’
242. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 14 May 1940, 11.03 p.m. Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies. Notwithstanding political crisis and early stages of events in Holland, Belgium, discussions with British Ministers which I have been endeavouring to arrange for some time took place last Friday. [1] Simon, Eden, Duncan, Woolton, Cross...’
243. MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 May 1940; ‘Circular cablegram M24 LONDON, 15 May 1940, 2.47 a.m. [1] MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER ITALY Although anti-war feeling in Italy appears to remain strong, the following indications incline us to believe that Italy may well enter the war against us at an early date. (1) Reports from...’
244. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 327 LONDON, 15 May 1940 FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF Although the appointment of Caldecote [1] in my view distinctly unhappy he will be as effective as Eden. He does not possess the personality or drive necessary to put over Dominion views with the War Cabinet and...’
245. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 15 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 151 LONDON, 15 May 1940, 10.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE My telegram to Commonwealth of Australia 143, New Zealand 137 [2]: War Cabinet have today considered the position in regard to U.S.3 and come to the conclusion that in view of the present situation in relation to Italy, it would not...’
246. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 16 May 1940; ‘Cablegram [226] [1] 16 May 1940, Thanks for your telegram of 15th May advising me that His Majesty has entrusted to you the Seals of the Dominions Office. [2] I have noted with satisfaction that as in the case of your predecessor you will have access to the War Cabinet...’
247. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 16 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 331 LONDON, 16 May 1940, 8.48 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET [On 14 May 1940 the Netherlands Government fled to the United Kingdom and that evening the Dutch Commander-in-Chief ordered his troops to cease military resistance. On the same day German forces invaded France, crossing the...’
248. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 85 WASHINGTON, 15 May 1940, 11.50 p.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE I saw Welles [1] this afternoon and found him much concerned by the news of the campaign in Belgium and France and from Italy. He obviously fears Italian intervention shortly though not in the next few days. His concern...’
249. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 333 LONDON, 17 May 1940, 1.52 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Report by the Prime Minister [1] from Paris [at 9 tonight] [2] indicates that the position most grave. German break through Mezieres Sedan greatly extended and while has been effected with armoured divisions with...’
250. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 228 17 May 1940, MOST SECRET Your cablegram of 15th May, 151. [1] His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia still has doubts as to the wisdom of diverting U.S.3 to the United Kingdom and before agreeing to this course, which would mean the splitting of our forces,...’
251. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 88 WASHINGTON, 17 May 1940 Events of last few days have shaken profoundly United States complacency. Whole country particularly Washington is extremely nervous and depressed at realisation of their own unpreparedness and that United States may be menaced by trend of events in Europe. As anticipated in my telegram...’
252. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 155 LONDON, 17 May 1940, 10.43 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 228 of 16th May. [1] The possibility of completing the training of the troops in North West India or Union of South Africa has been considered and the following is the position as seen here. INDIA 1....’
253. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 18 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 18 May 1940, MOST SECRET With reference to Dominions Office telegram 155 regarding Convoy U.S.3 [1] my telegram raising queries [2] was result of sharp division opinion in War Cabinet. In view answer now received [3] I am strongly advising Cabinet to agree United Kingdom as ultimate destination...’
254. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 19 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 230 19 May 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 155 of 17th May. [1] In view of facts as set out by you and which advice is greatly appreciated-Commonwealth agrees [2] to the recommendation contained in the last paragraph of your telegram. [3] _ 1 Document 252. 2 This...’
255. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 20 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 342 LONDON, 20 May 1940 MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET While D.W. gives you full information as it is received here, I feel I should give you the impression I am forming. But it is for you to decide whether you should keep them to yourself...’
256. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 94 WASHINGTON, 20 May 1940, 11.10 p.m. Bruce’s telegram 338 [1] repeated to me. I have seen Tokyo telegrams on which this was based and later Tokyo telegrams. I note that Craigie believes the present situation is that the Japanese Cabinet has considered all angles and determined against any...’
257. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 93 WASHINGTON, 20 May 1940,11.08 p.m. I arranged some time ago short visit to Chicago, Minneapolis and Wisconsin and accepted invitation to speak. I would be away from Washington 23rd May to 28th May but always able to return in six to eight hours. My inclination was to abandon...’
258. MR A. G. HARD, ASSISTANT GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER IN JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 21 May 1940, 10.55 a.m. Domei Sydney despatch, published in Japanese newspapers May 10th, disclosing sailing Queen Mary Mauretania May 8th suggests breach censorship regulations. Local press campaign against Netherlands East Indies not so militant. Understand fleet [1] intends immediate exercise south seas, provided that supplies forthcoming....’
259. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 22 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 22 May 1940, My cablegram 27th April, Oil Concessions Timor. [1] Would be glad learn immediately latest position on negotiations. As I anticipated Oil Concessions are having difficulty in raising capital at present time especially in light of probable instability in area East Indies. Company must find one...’
260. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 344 LONDON, 22 May 1940, 3.30 a.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF As the occupation by the Germans of the Channel Ports is a definite possibility [1] it is necessary to consider the position which would face us in such event. It will almost certainly be followed by an...’
261. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 22 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 22 May 1940, PERSONAL We are in close consultation with Bruce [1], and conclusions reached in this telegram are founded on his appreciation, which is based on information at his disposal- We are following the present position with tense anxiety, and are fully conscious that if the present...’
262. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 345 LONDON, 22 May 1940, 12.49 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL High Commissioner for South Africa [1], with whom I have discussed the question of approach to Roosevelt, and who is in agreement with the views expressed in my telegram No. 344 [2], has put...’
263. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 22 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 162 LONDON, 22 May 1940, 9.10 p.m. SECRET We have recently had under consideration the question of arrangements for the equipment and employment of the Sixth Australian Division. As you are aware, it is expected that the Division would be fully trained by the end of September next and...’
264. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 23 May 1940, 2.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I am very grateful for the opportunity of perusing your telegram of 22nd May to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom [1], and I have today despatched the following telegram to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom-...’
265. GENERAL J. C. SMUTS, SOUTH AFRICAN PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered PRETORIA, 23 May 1940, 9.15 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Following telegram has been sent to the Prime Minister of Great Britain [1]:- I have seen Menzies’ message to you regarding the appeal to Roosevelt. [2] I await your advice as to my making independent representations to Roosevelt. Meanwhile my...’
266. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 23 May 1940, 9.29 p.m. PERSONAL SECRET McBride. [1] Response of United Kingdom Government is a noncommittal one, that they would of course welcome the visit. Notwithstanding this, my view is that in fairness to the United Kingdom Government and McBride, the visit should be postponed. In...’
267. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 350 LONDON, 23 May 1940, 10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your cable re Roosevelt [1] have just learnt that War Cabinet considered it on basis that you were suggesting public appeal and that reply was being drafted on this assumption. I have pointed out...’
268. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 348 LONDON, 23 May 1940, 7.10 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER My telegram of 22nd May. [1] In addition to drive to speed up production of aeroplanes every source from which additional planes and trained personnel can be obtained being examined. Canada being asked to...’
269. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 24 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 52 24 May 1940, Press and radio refer to Paris radio report of proposed conference at Peiping between U.S.S.R., Germany, Japan to consider questions concerning Netherlands East Indies. Please check report and telegraph any available information. HODGSON _ _ [AA: A981, NETHERLANDS 33] ’
270. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 352 LONDON, 24 May 1940, 12.20 p.m. SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram No. 52. [1] Have checked report. So far as is known here it has no foundation. Far Eastern Department consider it highly improbable, for the following reasons: (1) Japanese unlikely to admit any Russian claim to interfere in...’
271. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 May 1940; ‘Circular cablegram M29 LONDON, 24 May 1940, 1.27 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following from Mr. Churchill for Mr. Menzies in reply to his telegram 23rd May [1], repeated to Mr. Mackenzie King, Mr. Fraser, General Smuts. [2] MOST PRIVATE AND PERSONAL Your appreciation is concurred in and in addition...’
272. MR T. ELINK SCHUURMAN, NETHERLANDS CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 May 1940; ‘Telegram SYDNEY, 25 May 1940, 10.54 a.m. With regard to statement Minister External Affairs in Parliament yesterday [1] could you indicate to me on behalf of Netherlands Indies Government nature and tenure of assurances exchanged between Commonwealth and Japan relating to status quo Netherlands Indies. [2] ELINK SCHUURMAN _ 1...’
273. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 25 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 53 25 May 1940, MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIGH COMMISSIONER We are following position Western Front deepest anxiety and find your daily reviews of great assistance. So that we could appreciate position and developments more clearly we would like information so far as you can supply it on following...’
274. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 96 WASHINGTON, [24] [1] May 1940, 6.53 p.m. SECRET My telegram No. 94 to Canberra, 21 to London. [2] Having seen press reports of German advice to Tokyo that Germany was not interested in Netherlands East Indies problem and heard that my Netherlands colleague [3] regarded this as giving...’
275. MR W. L. MACKENZIE KING, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 5 OTTAWA, 24 May 1940, 10.43 p.m. Received 25 May 1940 MOST SECRET I have read with much interest your telegram of the 22nd May. [1] I concur in your view as to the gravity of the situation and importance of any aid that can be secured from the...’
276. MR W. L. MACKENZIE KING, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 24 May 1940; ‘Repeated to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister Cablegram unnumbered OTTAWA, [to Canberra] 24 May 1940, 10.49 p.m. Received 25 May 1940 MOST SECRET I have received Mr. Menzies’ telegram [1] and share his appreciation of the gravity of the situation and emphasis he has placed on the importance of...’
277. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 357 LONDON, 25 May 1940, 9.45 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER [In the House of Representatives on 24 May 1940 the Minister for External Affairs, John McEwen, was asked whether his attention had been drawn to reports that Germany, Russia and Japan would hold a conference on the future...’
278. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 358 LONDON, 25 May 1940, 9.45 p.m. SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Your telegram 22nd May. [1] Timor. My definite impression is that Dodson and Oil Concessions are not in a position to carry out their obligations under concession, that no assistance Governments would be prepared to give would...’
279. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 26 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 54 26 May 1940, FOR HIGH COMMISSIONER Reference your No. 357. [1] Netherlands East Indies. Please convey following information to United Kingdom Government:- (Begins) On 16th May, 1940, Consul-General of Japan [2] called on Minister External Affairs [3] and on behalf of his Government requested attitude of Commonwealth Government...’
280. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 26 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 26 May 1940, MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE I shall be glad if you will arrange for the immediate personal presentation to President Roosevelt on behalf of myself of the following message [1]- ‘In this hour of great emergency, not only for Great Britain and for France, but also for...’
281. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 26 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 26 May 1940, IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Your latest appreciation [1], in conjunction with D.W’s [2], indicates the extreme gravity of the position as affecting the Belgian and British Armies. The operations of the mechanised divisions on flank and rear of our Forces have so affected the supply situation that...’
282. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 26 May 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z76 LONDON, 26 May 1940, 11 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL DECIPHER YOURSELF Please give following message to Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information:- Begins.-Discussion with French Prime Minister [2] took place in London to-day. In consequence of inability of the French to make...’
283. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 359 LONDON, 27 May 1940, 2.15 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Dominions cable to Whiskard [1] replies to your cable to-day’s date. [2] I have been specifically asked not to refer to information contained in first part. In my view French collapse may come at...’
284. SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 171 27 May 1940, IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your Circular telegram Z 76 of 26th May. [1] Prime Minister [2] asks me to inform you that if contingency referred to occurred he would like early advice as to what use the United Kingdom Government desire should be made...’
285. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 238 27 May 1940, MOST SECRET Australian Minister, Washington [1], has asked for full summary of naval and other relevant defensive and supply particulars Darwin for information in certain eventualities of good friends Washington. In view of importance of Darwin as operational base in event of war in Pacific...’
286. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 27 May 1940, 7.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I thank you for your telegram of May 27th [1] and would be grateful if you could see your way to ask Mr Casey [2] to deliver to President Roosevelt the following message from me. Begins: In view of...’
287. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 13 LONDON, 27 May 1940, 12.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE I am sending you as soon as they can be encyphered copies of two cables I have sent to the Prime Minister. [1] They speak for themselves. Seriousness of position cannot be exaggerated. U.S.A. is as seriously menaced as we are....’
288. MR F. K. OFFICER, COUNSELLOR OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 98 WASHINGTON, 27 May 1940 After consulting Casey who is absent as reported in his telegram No. 93 [1], I have conveyed to Mr. Sumner Welles [2] views contained in Mr. Bruce’s cable No. 344 [3] and he is conveying them immediately to President [4] to supplement message delivery...’
289. MR F. K. OFFICER, COUNSELLOR OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 24 WASHINGTON, 27 May 1940 IMMEDIATE Your telegram No. 13. [1] In Casey’s [2] absence in Wisconsin on May 26th, I delivered to President a message from Mr. Menzies urging USA to make aeroplanes available. [3] Today I have conveyed to Mr. Sumner Welles [4] views set out in...’
290. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR F. K. OFFICER, COUNSELLOR OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 14 LONDON, 28 May 1940 Your cablegram No. 24. [1] My cablegram No. 344 [2] points in which are covered by Prime Minister’s cable to President [3] and 359 [4] were sent merely to inform Mr. Casey [5] of what I have telegraphed. I did not intend any personal...’
291. MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 63 28 May 1940, Reference telegram No 98 of May 28 [1] I think it advisable that you return to Washington immediately and remain during the forthcoming critical period. The idea and belief of the Prime Minister [2] was that you would communicate his message personally to the President...’
292. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram [Z77] [1] LONDON, [27 May 1940, 11 p.m.] Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [2] for his Most Secret and Personal information:- The War Cabinet this morning gave preliminary consideration to the position in the event of the French deciding not to carry on. The following...’
293. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 360 LONDON, [?27] [1] May 1940, 9.15 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF I have not seen the appreciation of the Chiefs of Staff on which views sent to you in ‘Z’ cable [2] were based so unable amplify. In my view it is impossible for you to form...’
294. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 242 28 May 1940, MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER [1] Your Z cablegram [2] indicating the possibility of an early French collapse must impel the earliest examination of British Commonwealth policy and course to be pursued. The absence of a French counter attack on a large...’
295. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 28 May 1940, MOST SECRET Queries contained in Dominions Office cables 158 [1] and 164 [2] and in yours of May 21st [3], 22nd [4] and 23rd [5] have been considered and following decision reached [6]- ‘The diversion of 49 Hudsons to United Kingdom and despatch of Hudson...’
296. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 28 May 1940, Defence Committee considered question Australian representation on United Kingdom Priority Committees referred to in Official Secretary’s memorandum 1st March. [1] Committee appreciate reasons advanced but in view of objections of War Office, which presumably also apply to Ministry of Supply Committees, they feel matter should...’
297. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 170 LONDON, 28 May 1940, 2.31 a.m. SECRET My telegram 19th May, 157. [1] Further discussions took place on 14th May and 23rd May at the Ministry of Economic Warfare with the Counsellor of the Japanese Embassy. [2] Following is summary of the general position reached:- (a) Japanese Government...’
298. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 29 May 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 29 May 1940, Your 358, Timor. [1] Your views and proposals generally concurred in, as it seems evident that Oil Concessions are not now in position to carry out undertakings. As to your alternatives, it is felt (2) should be adopted, as once existing concession is allowed to...’
299. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 99 WASHINGTON, 28 May 1940 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 63. [1] I arrived back in Washington today having been in constant telephone communication throughout. President left Washington late Sunday until last night and it would not have been possible to deliver message personally in any event until today....’
300. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 100 WASHINGTON, 28 May 1940 IMMEDIATE SECRET FOR PRIME MINISTER He [1] had fully understood and appreciated your message [2] and views outlined in No. 98. [3] He has up to date appreciation of European situation and fully realises grave possibilities that it holds. As regards supply of aircraft...’
301. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 25 WASHINGTON, 28 May 1940 Your No. 14. [1] I saw President [2] today. He fully appreciates potential gravity of European situation. He will help all he possibly can although numbers of existing weapons of the type you are interested in are very small indeed owing to fact that...’
302. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 101 WASHINGTON, 28 May 1940 I discussed New Zealand Prime Minister’s message [1] with the President [2] today. He asked that his thanks be conveyed to Mr. Fraser. President is clearly unable in circumstances to make formal reply [3] but I suggest that Fraser be informed by completely safe...’
303. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 29 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 56 29 May 1940, PERSONAL FOR BRUCE Suggestions in your telegram 360 [1] have been acted on in personal communication to Prime Minister. [2] Your points were amplified, and in addition we asked for examination of effect on our position in Mediterranean, Egypt and Near East as Italy seems...’
304. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 29 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 172 LONDON, 29 May 1940, 3.16 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 242 of 28th May. [1] We are preparing and will send the appreciation as soon as possible. But in the meantime, though future developments cannot be foreseen, we should not like it to be thought that we regard...’
305. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 29 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 362 LONDON, 29 May 1940, 7.37 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF MOST SECRET Your telegram 242 [1] admirable and most useful. Evidence on which [were based] [2] reassuring statements as to improvement in French position in [interim reply] [3] in my view not very convincing. BRUCE _...’
306. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 102 WASHINGTON, 29 May 1940 SECRET My telegram No 96. [1] Recently in reply to a direct question President [2] told Lord Lothian [3] that with the present situation in Europe he did not believe the United States public would agree to go to war with Japan to defend...’
307. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 103 WASHINGTON, 29 May 1940 Following on my No. 100. [1] Please read following in light of my No. 88 [2] which is still basically correct. It needs very great restraint not to get impatient or worse with situation here but I am convinced that our best interests are...’
308. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 29 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 365 LONDON, 29 May 1940, 11.45 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF French have been urging desirability of appeal to Roosevelt for assistance to Allies by U.S.A. Smuts [1] last night I understand in cable I have not seen put forward view that appeal to Roosevelt should...’
309. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 366 LONDON, 30 May 1940, 3.50 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Germany so soon as the operation in Belgium and Northern France is completed will either attempt a lightning drive on Paris or an intensive attack on the United Kingdom. It is unlikely that the...’
310. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 15 LONDON, n.d. PERSONAL FOR CASEY I am sending copies of two cables I have sent the Prime Minister. [2] I doubt whether the U.K. Govt. will take action on my suggestion. They would I think respond to an initiative from (? the Commonwealth Govt). Possibly also you can...’
311. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 173 LONDON, 30 May 1940, 12.25 a.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 208 of 8th May [1], Section (D). We are sorry that the Commonwealth Government should have been disappointed with the Chiefs of Staff review regarding Italy. Owing to suspension of the activities of the Committee of Imperial...’
312. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 May 1940; ‘Circular cablegram M32 LONDON, 30 May 1940, 4.15 a.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER ITALY Count Ciano [1] has told His Majesty’s Ambassador at Rome [2] that Italy’s entry into the war is now certain. He would not give the exact date but said that it might be...’
313. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 104 WASHINGTON, 30 May 1940, 1 a.m. SECRET PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER I do not know to what extent Bruce [1] enters Inner Councils in London but I feel very strongly that would be very much to general advantage if you were to insist that Bruce be made...’
314. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 367 LONDON, 30 May 1940, 9.56 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Evacuation of the B.E.F. to date more successful than anticipated. Troops have maintained morale and fought magnificently. Have demonstrated superiority over Germans individually and that tanks can be overcome by resolute troops with anti-tank guns....’
315. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 368 LONDON, 30 May 1940, 9.56 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF Reference my telegram en clair B 84. [1] Statement has caused grave concern here on grounds: (1) disclosure secret D W information (2) ‘Large proportion’ of inaccuracy. [2] With regard to (1) although publicity given in...’
316. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 105 WASHINGTON, 30 May 1940, 9.12 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Interview with Sumner Welles reported in my telegram 106 [1] was result of Bruce’s views in his telegrams 365 and 366. [2] I agree with him that the French Government-Smuts proposal is unwise but I think his suggestion...’
317. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 174 LONDON, 30 May 1940, 9.10 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 242 of 28th May. [1] The following appreciation deals with the points raised. There is no reason to assume that anything is radically wrong with the French Army. The recent break-through was the result of faulty tactical dispositions,...’
318. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 31 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 173 LONDON, 31 May 1940, 1 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL The High Commissioner of the Commonwealth has communicated to me your telegram to him, No. 53. [1] The following are replies to your various questions, so far as they are available- (1) The B.E.F. in France was composed...’
319. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 106 WASHINGTON, 30 May 1940 IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL SECRET I had a most important talk with Sumner Welles [1] at noon today. I can talk freely and easily with him and he is friendly and receptive. I painted the following picture to him: I said that it...’
320. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 30 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 30 WASHINGTON, 30 May 1940 SECRET FOR BRUCE I have shown my telegram No. 106 to Canberra and No. 29 to London [1] to Lothian [2] who thoroughly agrees with line I have taken. He is cabling Foreign Office accordingly and you should see his telegram No. 868 [3]...’
321. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 31 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 16 LONDON, 31 May 1940, 10 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR MR CASEY HIMSELF PERSONALLY Your telegram No. 29. [2] Halifax [3] asked me to convey his appreciation of your presentation of position [to] Sumner Welles [4] which he considers admirable. As I felt effect might be prejudiced if (it was)...’
322. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 31 May 1940; ‘Cablegram 370 (extract) LONDON, 31 May 1940, 10 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF Prime Minister [1] has gone to Paris following request for British troops, tanks, anti-tank guns and air support, taking the Lord Privy Seal [2] on account of contacts with Blum [3] and other...’
323. DR C. J. PAO, CHINESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 June 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 1 June 1940 I have the honour to advise that I received on May 30th, 1940, a cable from my Government instructing me to convey to His Majesty’s Government of the Commonwealth of Australia that it is China’s desire that the traditional cordial relations between our two countries...’
324. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 1 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 1 June 1940, MOST SECRET Your 368. [1] Statement by McEwen was of stimulating character and well received. On point in question he said ‘I am able to inform Honourable Members that a considerable proportion of the British Expeditionary Force has already embarked successfully’. Have discussed this matter...’
325. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 1 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 1 June 1940, PERSONAL MOST SECRET Your 365 and 366. [1] I have had no views yet from the United Kingdom on your memorandum. In meantime Casey [2] has personally communicated my appeal to the President [3] whose views have been sent to you and Churchill. [4] We...’
326. MR SUMNER WELLES, U.S. UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 1 June 1940; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 1 June 1940 I immediately transmitted to the President the personal and confidential message from Mr. Menzies which was left at the Department by Mr. Keith Officer on May 26, 1940. [1] The President has asked me to send to you for transmission to Mr. Menzies his personal...’
327. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [373] [1] LONDON, 1 June 1940, 8.44 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Your telegram of today’s date. [2] United Kingdom Government now recognises that if maximum is to be achieved with United States [President’s] [3] anxiety relevant possible disposition British fleet most important factor and Lothian [4]...’
328. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 107 WASHINGTON, 1 June 1940, 5.52 p.m. SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Since I sent my telegram No. 103 to Canberra and No. 26 to London [1], I have been watching the situation carefully doing what I can to emphasise our position and endeavouring to assess movement...’
329. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 376 LONDON, 2 June 1940, 10.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Impression growing next German move will be against French. Grave doubts as to French capacity to hold Somme line which in many places very thinly held. They have formally asked for three British divisions...’
330. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 3 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 256 3 June 1940, SECRET It would be of great assistance if we could have some idea of intentions or contemplations respecting A.I.F. in Near East. Question of equipment which could be supplied from here is under discussion between High Commissioner and War Office. Matter is vitally affected by...’
331. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR P. REYNAUD, FRENCH PRIME MINISTER: 3 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 3 June 1940, On behalf of the Government and people of Australia I send our greetings to the French Republic. This is the hour of danger for all of us who love freedom and who believe that the well-being of the individual is the chief purpose of Government....’
332. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 3 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 3 June 1940, Every Australian has watched with pride the great feat of arms at Dunkirk. The amazing capacity there shown to convert defeat into a means of triumph will surely inspire us all with confidence. The holding up of the German plans must also have been of...’
333. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 3 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 3 June 1940, 12 midnight MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Seems to me that the Allies are handicapped because our enemy is not afraid of being charged with aggression and can therefore choose the time and place of attack and gain an initiative which it is hard...’
334. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 380 LONDON, 3 June 1940, 9.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Estimated Germans will only require three or four more days to reorganize armoured divisions and early drive southward against French anticipated. War Cabinet decision is to send two divisions immediately and certain air...’
335. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 4 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 4 June 1940, 1.30 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram No. 161 of 28th May. [1] As Prime Minister of Commonwealth [2] will be aware (see for instance my telegram to Commonwealth Government No. 172 [3]) we do not regard contingency referred to in my telegram...’
336. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 4 June 1940; ‘Minute 296 MELBOURNE, 4 June 1940 THEATRE OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE A.I.F. AND LOCATION OF G.O.C., A.I.F. The Chief of the General Staff [1] raised the subject of the theatre of employment of the A.I.F., and outlined four possible alternatives:-(i) Its retention in the Near East for assistance to Turkey...’
337. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN LONDON TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 4 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 4 June 1940, 3.30 p.m. Your telegram 28th May, Australian representation on the United Kingdom Priority Committee. [1] We were about to cable you in any case stating that we must now expect deliveries of all equipment to be drastically curtailed and that we feel we cannot,...’
338. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 4 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 17 LONDON, 4 June 1940, 9.05 p.m. PERSONAL FOR CASEY Prime Minister [1] asked me at length to convey a message to you saying how admirable he thought your presentation of the position to Welles was. [2] He stressed the necessity of not allowing the President to think that...’
339. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 4 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [382] [1] (extract) LONDON, 4 June 1940, 9.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Following is result of endeavours to ascertain the position in France: Morale and determination of the people high but owing to lack of any outstanding leader in politics trusted by the people desire...’
340. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 5 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 262 5 June 1940, SECRET Your telegram No. 150 dated 15th May. [1] It is noted that Iida Company are being considered for inclusion in Statutory List. Subsequently to despatch my telegram 215 of 11th May [2] evidence was produced that Iida Company were with other Japanese wool broking...’
341. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 June 1940; ‘Memorandum WASHINGTON, 5 June 1940 [1] SECRET It is necessary to put down the background of affairs of the last week or so in order to knit together the cables that I have sent to Australia and repeated to SMB. [2] For the first two or three days of the...’
342. MR M. AKIYAMA, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 June 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 5 June 1940 I desire to refer to your letter AH42/1 of January 25th, 1940, on the subject of the prohibition of the export of iron ore from Australia. [1] In this regard, I beg to inform you, by instruction of the Japanese Government, that there is an...’
343. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 387 (extract) LONDON, 5 June 1940, 8.48 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Italy. In personal conversation with Loraine [1] Ciano [2] left no doubt of imminent war. Loraine adds that his guess is within a week. My telegram No. 376 [3]: grounds of detention of...’
344. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 6 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 188 LONDON, 6 June 1940, 11.45 a.m. My telegram Commonwealth of Australia 138 [1] and New Zealand 130 of 4th May. The appreciation as to intervention of Italy has now been reviewed as a result of recent developments and it is thought that the first two paragraphs might now...’
345. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 111 [1] WASHINGTON, 6 June 1940 SECRET My telegram No. 107 to Canberra, 31 to London. [2] I saw the Secretary of State [3] today to make sure that he was under no illusions as to the seriousness of the situation. He is fully aware of it. Now for...’
346. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 6 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 19 LONDON, 6 June 1940, 12 noon During the week since sending my telegram No. 366 [1] my view has hardened that suggestion therein of declaration by the President [2] not fantastic but as well as being of incalculable benefit to the Allies probably most advantageous line of action...’
347. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 7 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 33 WASHINGTON, 7 June 1940 PERSONAL SECRET Your telegram No. 19. [1] What you say about desirability President making immediate declaration is quite true. Such declaration would be in their best interests and ours and might even now stop Italian intervention. Both Lothian [2] and myself have put this...’
348. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 7 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D237 (extract) LONDON, 7 June 1940, 2.50 a.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER UNITED STATES (4) Progress in United States. Public opinion towards willingness to help the Allies together with the counteracting of terrors and fears in the United States as regards the possibility of involvement in...’
349. GENERAL J. C. SMUTS, SOUTH AFRICAN PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 7 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 15 PRETORIA, 7 June 1940, 2.24 p.m. MOST SECRET Thank you for your message of 6th June. [1] Although I was doubtful at the time about the policy of your message to the President [2], I feel that the valuable response has justified your action. _ 1 Not found....’
350. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 7 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [391] [1] LONDON, 7 June 1940, 7.58 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Practically no details of fighting received from French. British division[s] on left of the line are being very hard pressed. Broad picture in the Prime Minister’s [2] words: ‘French bearing up but weight heavy’, and...’
351. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 9 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D242 LONDON, 9 June 1940, 5.05 a.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER 1. My telegram Circular D.237 paragraph 4. [1] In the opinion of His Majesty’s Ambassador at Washington [2] the overwhelming mass of United States Congressional opinion does not appear to have got beyond the point...’
352. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY SENATOR H. S. FOLL, MINISTER FOR THE INTERIOR: 10 June 1940; ‘Agendum 383A 10 June 1940 IRON ORE INVESTIGATIONS On 30th April, 1940, I brought under the notice of the Prime Minister [1] the position in regard to the investigation of the iron ore resources of Australia. Copy of my letter to the Prime Minister and of the accompanying report by...’
353. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D245 LONDON, 10 June 1940, 1.25 p.m. MOST SECRET [FOLLOWING FROM PRIME MINISTER FOR PRIME MINISTER] [1] In view of recent events, we have come to the conclusion that there is little prospect of arranging for a meeting here of Prime Ministers this summer. But we will continue...’
354. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 10 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 396 LONDON, 10 June 1940, 6.30 p.m. With reference to High Commissioner’s telegram (most secret) to the Prime Minister of 8th June No. 392. [1] Following two paragraphs were inadvertently omitted and should now be inserted after the word [‘Port Sudan’]. (begins) British ships. [2] Dominions Office telegram D....’
355. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 397 LONDON, 10 June 1940, 7.04 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Press report Mussolini in speech this afternoon stated declarations of war against the United Kingdom and France had been handed to the British and French Ambassadors. [1] No official confirmation yet received. [2] BRUCE _ 1...’
356. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 398 LONDON, 10 June 1940, 10.21 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF Dominions Office advising you of terms of official declaration by Italy. [1] In my view plan referred to in my telegram No. 380 [2] should immediately be put into operation. BRUCE _ 1 See Document 357....’
357. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 10 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram [C]38 [1] LONDON, 10 June 1940, 10.06 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Official intimation received King of Italy will consider himself at war with Great Britain and France as from midnight tonight. [2] _ 1 The copy cited was numbered D38. The copy on file AA: A1608, M41/1/1, however, was...’
358. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [396A] [1] LONDON, 10 June 1940, 11.07 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Definite information still lacking but my own appreciation is that tank penetration which has crossed the Seine at one point must have been followed by break in line and supporting troops have advanced...’
359. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 11 June 1940; ‘Minute 325 MELBOURNE, 11 June 1940 STRATEGICAL APPRECIATION IN RELATION TO EMPIRE CO-OPERATION AND LOCAL DEFENCE (The three Chiefs of Staff were present for the discussion of this subject). Consequent upon Italy’s entry into the war on 11th June there arose from the Chiefs of Staff’s reports a general discussion...’
360. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 277 11 June 1940, SECRET It would be appreciated if His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom would take any steps which may be necessary to indicate to the Italian Government that Australia in association with Great Britain is at war with Italy. [1] _ 1 The U.K. Govt...’
361. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 281 11 June 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET In my telegram No. 208 of 8th May [1] it was suggested we would be glad of more information of the strength and disposition of our own and enemy forces. The effect of recent events on this suggestion is fully realised...’
362. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 405 LONDON, 11 June 1940 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER As indicated in D.W. information very limited. Broadly position appears to be that main German attack is east and west of Soissons where the French are fighting well and German progress not as great as might...’
363. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 June 1940; ‘Memorandum 12 June 1940, ITALIAN CONSULS AND APOSTOLIC DELEGATE I ITALIAN CONSULS (1) On the outbreak of war with Germany, the Commonwealth Government decided that all accredited German Consuls and their staffs should be permitted to leave Australia by the first available boat and that other employees, such as clerks...’
364. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D251 LONDON, 12 June 1940, 9.03 a.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER [United States.] [1] D. 237 Paragraph 4 [2], and [United States] D. 242. [3] The suggestion is being pursued further. In any case President Roosevelt’s speech last night marks a substantial change in the...’
365. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 409 LONDON, 12 June 1940 FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET On receipt of your telegram of 28th May [1] I at once advised Halifax [2] accordingly. Foreign Office have now advised that they consulted Dutch Government in London (also Governor-General of Netherlands East Indies [3]) and permission was granted...’
366. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 117 WASHINGTON, 12 June 1940, 1.25 p.m. Received 13 June 1940, 8.30 a.m. My telegrams No. 107 Canberra and No. 31 London. [1] The general reaction to Italian declaration of war is one of contempt and disgust. The bitter denunciation of it by the President [2] in his radio...’
367. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 202 LONDON, 12 June 1940, 10.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET As the Dominion Governments will have appreciated, the success of the German attack in Northern France has produced a situation in which an attempted invasion of this country possibly in the near future has to be taken very seriously into...’
368. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 203 LONDON, 13 June 1940, 1.06 a.m. SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. As regards the questions of command and administration of that part of the 2nd A.I.F. which will shortly be serving in this country, we assume that His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia will wish the...’
369. MR S. M. BRUTE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 411 LONDON, 13 June 1940, [12.20 a.m.] [1] MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL The situation has deteriorated disastrously. After the meagre information of the last two days, full reports to hand today. The position as I see it is that the Germans have followed up...’
370. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 412 LONDON, 13 June 1940, 2.25 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Prime Minister’s [1] report unhappily shows that Pessimistic views expressed in my telegram No. 411 [2] not exaggerated. Dominions Office cabling summary [3] but in view of importance desirable that I amplify with...’
371. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 13 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 287 13 June 1940, MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for Prime Minister begins. [Your] [1] telegram No. 245. [2] Since my last telegram to you [3] I had assumed that position was such that meeting of Prime Ministers in the immediate future out of the question. Am grateful for...’
372. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 13 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 290 13 June 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your Z. 104 [1] arrived when my Government was considering a revised appreciation which the Chiefs of Staff had been requested to submit urgently regarding the needs of local defence and the further resources which are available for offer to the...’
373. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 13 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z105 LONDON, 13 June 1940, 1.45 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL DECIPHER YOURSELF Please give following message to Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information:- Begins.-Messages conveyed in my telegrams circular Z. No. 104 [2] and circular Z. No. 77 [3] give appreciation of position...’
374. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO: 13 June 1940; ‘Department of External Affairs Cablegram 118 (extract) WASHINGTON, 13 June 1940 Your telegram No. 70 [1], we have arranged United States Government will represent Australian interests in Italy in same way as in Germany and countries occupied by Germany. But as advised in our telegram 90 [2] they desire formal...’
375. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 119 WASHINGTON, 13 June 1940 Great scarcity of cable news from Australia in American Press is most disappointing and makes more difficult presentation of our case and our viewpoint to American public which I am trying to do by constant contacts and speeches. It is an event when one...’
376. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 13 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram [Z106] [1] LONDON, [13 June 1940, 10.30 p.m.] Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [3] for his most secret and personal information: With reference to my telegram Circular Z105. [4] We have recently reviewed the situation which might arise if the French resistance were to...’
377. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 14 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram [Z108] [1] LONDON, [14 June 1940, 5 a.m.] [2] Please convey the following message from the Prime Minister [3] immediately to the Prime Minister [4]- The Foreign Secretary [5] and I saw Reynaud [6] this afternoon (Thursday) [7] at Tours. Reynaud said that the French Armies were at...’
378. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR P. REYNAUD, FRENCH PRIME MINISTER: 14 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 14 June 1940, His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia endorses with all its heart the message sent by the British Government to the Government and people of France. [1] Australia is making a great effort of military preparation and has pledged herself and all her resources...’
379. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 14 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [296] [1] [14 June 1940] [2], MOST SECRET Your ‘secret and personal’ review of the present position has been handed to me by Whiskard. [3] We are naturally reluctant, speaking from the comparative security of a great distance, to offer any advice to Great Britain. We know that you...’
380. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 14 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 14 June 1940, Please arrange for the presentation of the following message to the President of the United States [1] from me:- ‘I recently had the honour to communicate with you on the subject of possible United States assistance to the Allied arms. [2] Since then the position...’
381. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 422 LONDON, 14 June 1940, 7.33 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR PRIME MINISTER Netherlands East Indies Following is letter received today from Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. [1] (Begins) I think that you ought to know that we have heard from a reliable source that the Japanese Consul- General...’
382. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 426 LONDON, 14 June 1940 MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Dominions Office cable Z.108 [1] has given you the position as to possibility of continued French resistance. Roosevelt’s message to Reynaud [2] was sent prior to his broadcast last night. Message regarded here as definite commitment and this...’
383. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 15 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 15 June 1940, MOST SECRET In considering your telegraphic advices on present situation, I feel that question of probable attitude of German Government after Hitler’s entry into Paris requires urgent attention. Hitler may almost immediately suggest terms on which he is prepared to conclude peace with the Allies....’
384. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 123 WASHINGTON, 15 June 1940, 12 noon FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram (unnumbered) of 14th June. [1] President [2] is so engaged with British [3], French [4] and with other Ambassadors and with consideration of amendments to the Johnson Act [5] and Neutrality Act [6]...’
385. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [428] [1] LONDON, 15 June 1940, 11.09 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Latest reports show that all organized French resistance breaking down and although no definite information available my own view is that there is now little chance of France continuing the struggle and...’
386. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 15 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 178 LONDON, 15 June 1940, 12.27 p.m. SECRET Commonwealth Government’s telegrams Nos. 256 of 3rd June [1], and 281 of 12th June. [2] Please convey the following to the Prime Minister [3] for his most secret information. Position now is that declaration of war by Italy has made the...’
387. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 124 WASHINGTON, 15 June 1940, 9.31 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Reference my telegram 123. [1] I had long conversation with Welles. [2] I discussed with him gist of Bruce’s telegram of 14th June. [3] He agrees that it is probable that Hitler will propose terms...’
388. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 16 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 179 LONDON, 16 June 1940, 4 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Mr. Churchill has received Prime Minister’s message in Commonwealth Government telegram No. 296 [1] and asks that the following personal message from him should be given to Mr. Menzies- I am deeply touched by your message, which...’
389. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: June 1940; ‘Cablegram 180 LONDON, n.d. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Please communicate the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his Most Secret information. As you will realise, the position is changing so rapidly from day to day that any appreciation prepared here is out of date almost before completed. We are...’
390. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 16 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 431 LONDON, 16 June 1940, [9.45 p.m.] [1] MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Today’s developments have been dramatic. Following receipt of information as to attitude French Government given in Z.114 [2] decision referred to in that cable taken. Before decision conveyed to French Government de...’
391. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 16 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z116 LONDON, [16 June 1940, 9.45 p.m.] [1] Following MOST IMMEDIATE and MOST SECRET and PERSONAL message for At this afternoon’s meeting the Cabinet were informed by General de Gaulle, French Under Secretary of State for War, that a ‘psychological stroke’ alone would restrain M. Reynaud [2] from...’
392. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 17 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 17 June 1940, Please convey the following message to Mr. Churchill [1]:- Your personal message to me set out in No. 179 [2] contains such a clear and courageous analysis of the future possibilities that I conveyed it to my colleagues who have, in common with myself, been...’
393. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR M. AKIYAMA, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA: 17 June 1940; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 17 June 1940 I am in receipt of your letter of 5th June, 1940, on the subject of the prohibition of the export of iron ore from Australia. [1] I regret that I have not been able before this to communicate to you the decision of the Commonwealth...’
394. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 125 WASHINGTON, 17 June 1940, 12.20 a.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL On re-reading my telegram No. 124 [1] I think I should amplify to you arguments that accompanied draft statement that I left with Welles and which I put to him before showing him statement. (begins)...’
395. GENERAL J. C. SMUTS, SOUTH AFRICAN PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 17 PRETORIA, 17 June 1940, 12.45 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 15th June. [1] I have asked Churchill [2] whether any further communications from the Dominions to Roosevelt are suggested either separately or collectively. No answer yet. _ 1 See Document 380, note 5. 2 U.K. Prime Minister. _...’
396. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 434 LONDON, 17 June 1940, 10.34 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Nothing known here beyond the fact that the French have ceased fighting. Last communication received from the British Ambassador [1] indicated that the French Government were seeking an armistice but stated would not accept dishonourable...’
397. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 435 LONDON, 17 June 1940, 11.04 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER Following is memorandum referred to in No. 434. [1] 1. Before declaration [2] was prepared the decision was that United Kingdom should relieve France from her obligation not to seek a separate peace provided that position...’
398. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D266 LONDON, 17 June 1940, 11.20 p.m. SECRET The Italian Government have indicated their willingness to facilitate departure of British Consuls from Italian territory provided that similar action is taken in respect of Italian Consuls in British territory. His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have given assurances...’
399. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 18 June 1940; ‘Minute 345 (extract) MELBOURNE, 18 June 1940 STRATEGICAL APPRECIATION IN RELATION TO LOCAL DEFENCE-THE EFFECT OF THE POSSIBLE OCCUPATION OF THE NEW HEBRIDES AND NEW CALEDONIA BY JAPAN (The three Chiefs of Staff were present for the discussion of this subject). Consequent upon a press report that the probable peace...’
400. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, 400 U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 18 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 303 18 June 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has under consideration the terms that might be imposed on France and the possibility, as reported in the Press, that the French possessions in the Pacific, particularly the New Hebrides and New Caledonia,...’
401. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 18 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z124 LONDON, 18 June 1940, 12.05 a.m. Prime Minister will be making statement in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon. [1] On the assumption that this statement would be broadcast we had hoped to suggest that the Dominion Prime Ministers should be invited to follow with personal and oral statements...’
402. SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 June 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 18 June 1940 MOST SECRET I have received a telegram from my Government stating that they have had in preparation a review of the nature desired in the Commonwealth Government’s telegram No. 281 of the 11th June [1], but that recent rapid changes in the situation have made...’
403. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 18 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [443] [1] LONDON, 18 June 1940 MOST IMMEDIATE My telegram No. 442. [2] (1) In the event of French resistance being continued in the colonies and forces kept in the field, can these forces be supplied and kept on operational basis, in particular armies in Syria and Morocco. (2)...’
404. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [442] [1] LONDON, 18 June 1940, 10.20 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Every effort has been made last 24 hours to prevent the French fleet falling into German hands by urging it must be placed beyond Government control before German terms received. While assurances dishonouring terms...’
405. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 19 June 1940; ‘Minute 358 MELBOURNE, 19 June 1940 AUSTRALIAN LEGATION AT TOKYO War Cabinet was of the view that immediate action should be taken to arrange an Australian Legation at Tokyo. The importance was emphasized of taking this step before the international situation deteriorated further to the disadvantage of the British Empire....’
406. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 19 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z127 LONDON, 19 June 1940, 6.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information immediately. Following is text of memorandum which has been telegraphed to H.M. Ambassador at Washington [2] for his guidance...’
407. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 127 WASHINGTON, 19 June 1940, 3.44 p.m. SECRET Uncertainty about French navy and uneasiness as to what lies ahead British navy is causing discussion in high quarters here about advisability of transferring some part at least of United States navy from Pacific to the Atlantic. I have argued in...’
408. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 19 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 447 LONDON, 19 June 1940, 11.30 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET JAPAN This morning the Director of Military Intelligence, Japanese General Staff [1], sent for the British Military Attache at Tokyo [2] and spoke as follows:- Britain’s hostile attitude to Japan’s aspirations in China and [pusillanimous] [3]...’
409. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 129 WASHINGTON, 19 June 1940, 7.39 p.m. SECRET You will no doubt have heard from London of report dated 19th June from the British Ambassador at Tokyo regarding statement of Japanese Director of Military Intelligence to the British Military Attache to the effect that unless British cease assistance to...’
410. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 20 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z129 LONDON, 20 June 1940, 12.30 a.m. My telegram Circular Z 106 of 13th June [1], paragraph 10. Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [2] for his Most Secret and Personal information. The following is a preliminary review of the various factors in the economic...’
411. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 20 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 20 June 1940, PERSONAL Suggest that arrival of Australian troops in Great Britain may provide you with theme well worth emphasizing at the present time. MENZIES _ _ [FA: A3196, 0.3992] ’
412. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 20 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 450 LONDON, 20 June 1940 FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET JAPAN. My telegram No. 147. [1] After signature of Tientsin agreement yesterday Craigie [2] spoke privately to Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs [3] re present message Director of Military Intelligence. [4] Arita said that he hoped that the...’
413. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 20 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z134 LONDON, 20 June 1940, 8.25 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his Most Secret and Personal information, in connection with my telegram of 19th June, Circular Z.127. [2] ‘You will wish to have at once some account...’
414. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 21 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 313 21 June 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your cablegrams Nos. 202 of 12th June [1] and 203 of 13th June [2]: His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia concurs in the proposals regarding the location of Australian troops in the United Kingdom. In connection with the command and...’
415. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 21 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 187 LONDON, 21 June 1940, 6.34 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Commonwealth Govt.’s telegram of 18th June No. 303. [1] Please inform the Prime Minister [2] that we entirely appreciate the Commonwealth Government’s concern regarding the danger that in some way Japan might acquire or attempt to acquire French Pacific...’
416. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 132 WASHINGTON, [21 June 1940] [1] My telegram 117. [2] Opinion here continues to be divided. There is a strong movement, especially in usually isolationist middle west, for all aid to Allies short of actual participation in war. [A hard] fighting isolationist party especially in Senate supporting stronger national...’
417. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 314 22 June 1940, Your telegram Circular D. 266. [1] Italian Consuls. Hs Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has decided to permit all Italian Consuls, Staffs and employees together with their families to leave Australia and that everything win be done to facilitate departure. Government is conferring...’
418. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 315 22 June 1940, SECRET Australian representation in Japan. His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia would appreciate if you would immediately initiate necessary steps to give effect to our wish to appoint Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Tokyo. On assumption that in accordance with instructions conveyed...’
419. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 134 WASHINGTON, 22 June 1940, 1 a.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL With reference to my telegram 127 Canberra, 39 London [1]- Welles [2] told Lothian [3] last night on authority of President [4] that United States Fleet would not be moved from Pacific Ocean without prior consultation...’
420. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 133 WASHINGTON, 22 June 1940 My telegram No. 123. [1] I have now received following reply from the President [2] to the Prime Minister’s message of 14th June [3]- ‘Acknowledge with appreciation your further personal message on the subject of possible United States assistance to Allied Governments. I have...’
421. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 458 LONDON, 22 June 1940, 11.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER JAPAN You will no doubt have heard from the Washington Legation of Lothian’s [1] interview With Welles [2] on 20th June when the latter, after hearing Craigie’s [3] reports, agreed with his view that...’
422. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 13 June 1940, 2 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET We have been considering whether in the present circumstances it might not be advisable to send a message of encouragement to the French Islands administrations in the Pacific and on enquiring through the High Commissioner for the United...’
423. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 23 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 191 LONDON, 23 June 1940, 7.57 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his Most Secret and Personal information- 1. Following is a summary of the situation as we see it regarding Iceland. 2. The successful establishment of a German...’
424. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 461 LONDON, 23 June 1940, 2.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Full information re terms in Dominion Office telegrams. [1] Position appears to be Petain Cabinet completely demoralised and some members probably double-crossing, in particular the Minister for Foreign Affairs [2], and it can no...’
425. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 23 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 23 June 1940, 7.54 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] from the Prime Minister [2] in reply to the message contained in the former’s telegram to Bruce of 17th June [3]- Your message announcing the determination of...’
426. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D282 (extract) LONDON, 23 June 1940, 10 p.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER U.S.A.-FAR EAST 1. United States Under Secretary of State [1] has told His Majesty’s Ambassador at Washington [2] that, while he considers there exists risk of move by Japanese Army on Indo-China, he does...’
427. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR G. PELICIER, GOVERNOR OF NEW CALEDONIA: 24 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 24 June 1940, His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia conveys to the Government and people of New Caledonia its deep sympathy in the temporary defeat of France, and its resolute determination to co-operate with the French people all over the world in support of the British...’
428. MR W. A. JOHNSTON, U.K. CONSUL IN NOUMEA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered NOUMEA, 24 June 1940, 2.40 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL I have every reason to believe local Government has definitely decided Britain accept protection [1], I am advised Ess[ington] Lewis ex Broken Hill [2] conversant and could explain situation as regards local exports and economic position the future of which causes...’
429. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 24 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [72] [1] 24 June 1940, SECRET FOLLOWING FOR BRUCE Glad if you would raise following immediately with United Kingdom Government. With reference to formation of French National Committee by General de Gaulle and its reported recognition by United Kingdom Government, we would be glad of continuous advice as to...’
430. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 June 1940; ‘Memorandum 24 June 1940, Today the Consul-General for Japan called on me and raised the following questions:- 1. He stated that he had received instructions from his Government asking whether the Commonwealth Government would have any objection to Japan looking after Italian interests in Australia. I said that this question...’
431. DR C. J. PAO, CHINESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 June 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 24 June 1940 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL I appreciate very much your reply [1] to my letter [2] in which I conveyed my Government’s desire to collaborate with Australia in adjusting matters in the Pacific for die maintenance of law and order and to exchange diplomatic representatives with your...’
432. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 466 LONDON, 24 June 1940, 9.56 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET War Cabinet now sitting to consider- (a) Future attitude towards the Petain Government; (b) The question alternative authority which would represent non- acquiescence French opinion and concentrate on continued resistance, particularly in the Colonies; (c)...’
433. MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 25 June 1940; ‘Letter 25 June 1940 MOST SECRET, With reference to Most Secret and Personal telegram No. 191 from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, setting out the situation regarding Iceland [1], I am directed by the Prime Minister [2] to express to you his hope that, in view of the...’
434. FRENCH COLONY IN AUSTRALIA TO GENERAL C. DE GAULLE, 434 LEADER OF THE FREE FRENCH MOVEMENT: 25 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 25 June 1940, [On learning that the French Government had accepted German terms for an armistice the U.K. Prime Minister, Winston S. Churchill, appealed to Frenchmen to support the Allied cause and General de Gaulle announced the formation of the French National Committee. In Sydney a meeting was...’
435. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 25 June 1940; ‘Minute 365 MELBOURNE, 25 June 1940 AGENDUM No. 147/1940 [1] AND SUPPLEMENT No. 1 [2]-THE EFFECT OF THE POSSIBLE OCCUPATION OF THE NEW HEBRIDES AND NEW CALEDONIA BY JAPAN AND THE STRATEGICAL POLICY GENERALLY IN RELATION TO FRENCH COLONIES (Previous reference-War Cabinet Minute No. (345) [3]). In regard to the...’
436. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, 436 TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 25 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 26 LONDON, 25 June 1940 FOR CASEY Cable to Lothian No. 1262. [1] I always have felt and still feel that it is imperative that we, in conjunction with the United States, should pursue a positive instead of a negative policy with Japan down the lines indicated when I...’
437. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 473 LONDON, 25 June 1940, 9.28 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Attitude to Petain Government in suspense pending development re alternative authority which more promising, Reynaud [1] and Campinchi [2] having declared intention of coming to England unless alternative Government set up in French colonial empire. Gort...’
438. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 472 LONDON, 25 June 1940, 10.58 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER SECRET In view of collapse of France, United Kingdom Government is anxious with regard to supplies of nickel and chrome from New Caledonia. Imperative they should not become available to the enemy. To achieve this, attitude of local...’
439. MR G. PELICIER, GOVERNOR OF NEW CALEDONIA, 439 TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (translation) NOUMEA, 26 June 1940, 9.45 a.m. The whole of New Caledonia appreciates to the full the message you have addressed to it. [1] It thanks you for the sentiments you have expressed on the occasion of the temporary defeat of our Fatherland and of our firm resolve...’
440. DEPARTMENTAL MEMORANDUM FOR MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 June 1940; ‘26 June 1940 FOR THE MINISTER FRENCH TERRITORIES AFFECTING AUSTRALIA In view of the French capitulation, consideration has been given to the question of French colonial territory in the Pacific and Indian Oceans in proximity to Australia, and in Antarctica. The following are the main ones:- 1. Kerguelen Archipelago. Approximately...’
441. FULL CABINET MINUTES: 26 June 1940; ‘Minutes 397 and 398 MELBOURNE, 26 June 1940 397. Appointment of Australian Minister in Tokio: Agreed to approach Sir John Latham [1] to ascertain whether he would accept the post. 398. Agreed to announce that it is proposed to establish a Legation in China simultaneously with the appointment to Tokio....’
442. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 26 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 322 26 June 1940, MOST SECRET My cablegram of 13th June [1] and your telegram 180 of 16th June in reply [2], His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has approved of the following being made available to the United Kingdom:- (1) One armed merchant cruiser and one...’
443. MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 26 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [83] [1] 26 June 1940, SECRET Question of New Caledonia discussed by Cabinet yesterday and again today [2] in light of resolution passed by Council of New Caledonia that support would be given to National Committee in London. Copy of this and resolution passed in Sydney by meeting of...’
444. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 26 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 26 June 1940, SECRET Reference your 472. [1] New Caledonia. Question of New Caledonia discussed by Cabinet yesterday and again today [2] in light of resolution passed yesterday by Council of New Caledonia that support will be given to National Committee in London. Copy of this and resolution...’
445. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 June 1940; ‘Circular cablegram M40 LONDON, 26 June 1940, 4.34 a.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokyo [1] has suggested that some readjustment of our Far Eastern policy which takes account of impact on Japan of recent developments in Europe is now urgently necessary. 2. His...’
446. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 25 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 135 WASHINGTON, 25 June 1940, 9.50 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I have seen and discussed with the British Ambassador [1] telegram from Craigie in Tokio [2] to effect that the time has now come when circumstances of the war in Europe necessitate a major...’
447. LORD LINLITHGOW, VICEROY OF INDIA, TO LORD GOWRIE, GOVERNOR- GENERAL: 26 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SIMLA, 26 June 1940 PRIVATE AND PERSONAL I am discussing with His Majesty’s Government the possibility of obtaining further aircraft for our forces here. You and I are of course both aware of the very great difficulties of securing supply from home, particularly in the present circumstances. It...’
448. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [481] [1] LONDON, 26 June 1940, 8.42 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Dominions Office telegram No. 157. [2] Definite decision taken to go to any lengths to obtain possession or prevent falling into enemy hands the Richelieu, Jean Bart and units at Oran. Prospects of success good...’
449. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [138] [1] WASHINGTON, 26 June 1940, 7 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Wave of defeatism and pessimism is sweeping over this country regarding Britain’s chance of withstanding German onslaught. This is doing harm here and is in danger of influencing President [2] and delaying delivery of...’
450. FULL CABINET MINUTES: 27 June 1940; ‘Minutes 397 and 398 MELBOURNE, 27 June 1940 398. Chinese Legation-question to be referred to the United Kingdom Government, and their comments asked for. 397. Tokio Appointment-decided that Sir John Latham [1] be asked to accept the position-for twelve months-and leave to be granted from the Bench for that period....’
451. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. A. JOHNSTON, U.K. CONSUL IN NOUMEA: 27 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 27 June 1940, MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your message 24th June received. [1] Decision of Council New Caledonia to support French National Committee has been communicated to London. The future relationship between British Commonwealth and Bordeaux Governments has not yet been decided. French National Committee in London has...’
452. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 June 1940; ‘Cablegram [330] [1] 27 June 1940 [2], Your M. 40 of 26th June, Japan and Far Eastern position. [3] Commonwealth Government has given prolonged consideration to the questions in issue, and is in full agreement with the conclusion of the British Ambassador, Tokyo [4], that a readjustment of Far Eastern...’
453. MR M. AKIYAMA, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 June 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 27 June 1940 URGENT With reference to my conversation with the Secretary of the Department of External Affairs, Colonel W. R. Hodgson, on the 24th instant [1], of the purport of which you have no doubt been informed, my Government has instructed me to enquire whether the Australian...’
454. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 28 June 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered [28 June 1940, 1.35 a.m.] [1] MOST SECRET Please convey the following to the President of the United States- ‘Recently I have addressed communications to you asking for a full measure of co-operation and assistance in the effort which the peoples of the British Empire are making to...’
455. MR G. PELICIER, GOVERNOR OF NEW CALEDONIA, 455 TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 234 (translation) NOUMEA, 27 June 1940, 6.45 p.m. I hear from private sources that you have authorized the departure of the ships. [1] Am very grateful and am having the question of a commercial agreement with the Commonwealth studied. PELICIER _ 1 See Document 439. _ [AA: A981, TRADE...’
456. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, 456 TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 483 LONDON, 27 June 1940, 9 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET JAPAN. My telegram No. 476. [1] The question of three Japanese demands still under consideration here and American reply to the United Kingdom’s request for their views has not yet been received. On the assumption that...’
457. MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR M. AKIYAMA, JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA: 28 June 1940; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 28 June 1940 I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of June 27th [1], in regard to the Japanese Government looking after Italian interests in Australia, and to inform you that the Commonwealth Government has no objection to this arrangement. This letter will also serve...’
458. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 140 WASHINGTON, 27 June 1940, 11.12 p.m. Speaking publicly and privately of significance Australia I have used following arguments: (1) Significance immensely greater than our population implies by reason size, resources, location. (2) Outpost of Western civilization in Pacific Ocean. (3) Purchase billion dollars worth American goods last 12...’
459. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 228 LONDON, 28 June 1940, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. In spite of the deterrent effect of the Japanese military commitments in China, the possible hostility of U.S.A. and Russia and our military and economic strength, there are indications that Japan may be contemplating a move to improve...’
460. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 488 LONDON, 28 June 1940, 7.16 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram of 15th May. [1] Have had considerable difficulty in sorting this matter out. D.W. cables give more detailed information as to war operations than available to anyone with exception of the War Cabinet. They...’
461. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, 461 HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: June 1940; ‘LONDON, n.d. [1] As the result of a conversation I had a few days ago with P.M. [2] on this subject we have arranged that in addition to the direct access to him which must be limited owing to pressure he is under and possible embarrassments if my contacts with...’
462. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: June 1940; ‘LONDON, n.d. [1] P.M. [2] Position with reference to full information for Dominions gradually sorting out. At HCs daily meetings information of War Cabinet deliberations and decisions supplied also HC have right visit war room to obtain latest information of operations. These arrangements plus DW cables and communications to &...’
463. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 141 WASHINGTON, 28 June 1940, 4.45 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram unnumbered June 28th Far East. [1] I went with British Ambassador [2] to see Secretary of State [3] yesterday. The British Ambassador left aide-memoire which outlined alternatives of United States backing Britain with force...’
464. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 28 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 205 LONDON, 28 June 1940, 10.47 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your telegram of 26th June No. 210. [1] Please inform Prime Minister [2] that consideration which he advances as regards the security of Iceland will be fully home in mind and that the United Kingdom forces now being...’
465. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 June 1940; ‘Cablegram 143 WASHINGTON, 28 June 1940, 10.41 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET I saw the Secretary of State [1] with the British Ambassador [2] this afternoon to receive reply to yesterday’s representation. The United States will not use force nor will they join the British Empire in negotiations...’

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Volume 3: January–June 1940

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