Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 4: July 1940

1. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 1 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 339 1 July 1940, MOST SECRET In furtherance of the declared policy of fostering and developing friendly relations in countries on the Pacific, Australia has established a legation at Washington, and as you are aware has taken the formal steps to establish one immediately at Tokyo. We have ample...’
2. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 1 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 29 LONDON, 1 July 1940, 8.39 p.m. Foreign Office Telegram No. 1325 to Lord Lothian [1] is in my view of transcending importance and presents an opportunity to put a case to the President [2] and Sumner Welles [3] based on United States self-interest to induce them to do...’
3. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 2 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 234 LONDON, 2 July 1940, 5 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET War Cabinet this morning considered the Far Eastern situation and had before it your telegram 27th June No. 330 [1] for which we are much obliged. After full consideration the War Cabinet came to the conclusion that it would...’
4. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, 4 TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 3 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 3 July 1940, 3.30 a.m. MOST SECRET I thank you for your telegram of 28th June with reference to the Far Eastern situation. [1] We entirely agree with you on the following points- (a) The delicacy and danger of the situation. (b) The desirability of obtaining a...’
5. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 3 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 346 3 July 1940, MOST SECRET Reference your cablegram No. 228 [1] Commonwealth Government has given careful consideration to your request for despatch of one Division and two squadrons of aircraft to Malaya. You are aware from cablegram No. 322 [2] of decision to send two further squadrons to...’
6. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 3 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 239 LONDON, 3 July 1940, 11.50 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET [On 30 June 1940 the U.K. Govt informed the Commonwealth Govt in cablegram D299 that it proposed to issue a declaration that it could not allow Syria or Lebanon to be occupied or used as a haven by any hostile...’
7. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 507 LONDON, 3 July 1940, 8 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ONLY I am most disturbed at the lack of information supplied when advising you in Dominions Office telegram No. 22.8 [1] of complete reversal of the United Kingdom Government’s naval policy in the...’
8. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 3 July 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z168 LONDON, 3 July 1940, 5.10 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Please communicate to the Prime Minister [1] for his Most Secret and Personal information the following appreciation of the military position in the Middle East which has been prepared by the Chiefs of Staff. It is being communicated...’
9. MAJ GEN H. L. ISMAY, CHIEF OF STAFF TO U.K. MINISTER OF DEFENCE, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 4 July 1940; ‘Letter [LONDON], 4 July 1940 SECRET Since our talk yesterday morning, I have now had a look at the telegram about which we spoke [1], and have discussed the matter with my Staff. They point out that our inability to send a Fleet to the Far East in the changed...’
10. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 4 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 4 July 1940, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following from Hard [1] I was present at an Embassy Conference at which information was given that the Young Army group are getting out of hand and will precipitate direct action on the least pretext. Decided change was thought...’
11. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 4 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 514 LONDON, 4 July 1940, 9.57 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF Appreciation of Middle East in Z.168 [1] in my view is mere statement of obvious facts within the knowledge of any reasonably competent person. It stresses the importance of our position in...’
12. MR F. G. SHEDDEN, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE CO- ORDINATION, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 5 July 1940; ‘Teleprinter message D1245 [MELBOURNE] [5 July 1940, 5.40 p.m.] [1] Received 15 July 1940, 5.48 p.m.] SECRET AND URGENT The following Minute from the Director of Naval Intelligence is forwarded for the urgent information of the Department of External Affairs and yourself. Also appended is a copy of the signal...’
13. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 5 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 5 July 1940, MOST SECRET On further reading proposed reply to Japan [1] and latest news regarding increased power of militant party in Japan we are impressed by view that if Great Britain not in fact sending materials of war along Burmese Road there should be no difficulty...’
14. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 520 LONDON, 6 July 1940, 2.52 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL MOST SECRET JAPAN. Chiefs of Staff appreciation strongly stressing impossibility of facing war with Japan was before the War Cabinet when reply further considered this afternoon. Discussion apparently inconclusive but understood that majority view necessary...’
15. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 6 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 33 LONDON, 6 July 1940, 2.52 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR CASEY My telegram Number 32. [1] Position here is one of confused thinking and apprehension of American reaction if agreement is made re Burma road. Nevertheless in my view, in [face] [2] of the Chief[s] of Staff report and...’
16. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 523 LONDON, 6 July 1940, 9.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Japan. Instructions for reply have been despatched to Craigie and Dominions Office are cabling you the text. [1] I was informed that the reply opened the way for positive policy and general settlement I had...’
17. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 July 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D318 LONDON, 7 July 1940, 10.45 p.m. MOST SECRET My No. 234 of 1st July. [1] His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokyo [2] has expressed the view that a reply to Japan regarding the closing of the Burma Road on the lines suggested would be regarded by the Japanese...’
18. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 July 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D319 LONDON, 7 July 1940, 9.40 p.m. MOST SECRET My Circular D.318 of today. [1] Following is the text of the replies regarding Hong Kong and the Burma Road. 2. Stoppage of supplies through Hong Kong The transit of munitions over the frontier of Hong Kong has in...’
19. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 8 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 526 LONDON, 8 July 1940, 11.49 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Had long conference on Saturday with joint Planning Committee of General Staff The discussion which was quite informal and unofficial was most valuable, and has done a lot to clear the air. In opening...’
20. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 9 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 9 July 1940 [1], MOST SECRET Reference your cables [2] and Dominions Office cables Circulars D.318 and D.319 [3], I agree with you that last instructions to Craigie indicate a regrettable want of willingness to face up to the whole Japanese problem in a spirit of reality. Australia...’
21. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 9 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 9 July 1940, MOST SECRET Sir Geoffrey Whiskard [1] has conveyed to me a request from the British Government that, pending the termination of present discussion with Japanese Government, an approach to the Japanese on the question of the establishment of a Legation at Tokyo should be deferred....’
22. MEMORANDUM READ TO WAR CABINET BY MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 July 1940; ‘Agendum 162/1940 9 July 1940 MOST SECRET ANGLO-JAPANESE RELATIONS 1. I wish to draw attention to certain facts which emerge from the exchange of cables regarding the three Japanese demands made upon the United Kingdom. 2. I feel that the Japanese cannot read the text of the reply which His...’
23. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 10 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 35 LONDON, 10 July 1940, 9.20 p.m. I have suggested Lothian [1] should be instructed to sound out whether the United States by a calculated indiscretion or some other method would let it be known that in the event of the Burmese road being dosed as a result of...’
24. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 536 LONDON, 11 [July] [1] 1940, 5.47 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram of 9th July, Minister to Tokyo. [2] The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [3] has advised me that necessary instructions are being sent forthwith to Craigie. [4] In view of extreme delicacy...’
25. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 12 July 1940; ‘Cablegram [370] [1] 12 July 1940, SECRET Commonwealth Government has given close consideration question of New Caledonia. Our present information is that position likely to deteriorate unless some positive action and assistance is immediately forthcoming. We have taken certain measures, as indicated in draft telegram below, and have arranged to...’
26. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 17 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 17 July 1940, CONFIDENTIAL CODE The allocation of wool to Japan for May has all been shipped but no release granted for June. British wool control a few weeks ago asked Central Wool Committee to suspend further shipments because of other negotiations. Matter is now becoming most embarrassing....’
27. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 July 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D354 LONDON, 17 July 1940, 4.25 a.m. MOST SECRET My telegram 14th July Circular D.345. [1] JAPAN BURMA ROAD Before the fall of the Yonai Government, reports of which will, it is presumed, have appeared in the press, agreement had almost been reached on the following lines. We...’
28. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 568 LONDON, 17 July 1940, 8.32 p.m. IMMEDIATE PRIME MINISTER SECRET PERSONAL JAPAN. Have great difficulty in appreciating significance and effect of concluding an agreement with an expiring if not expired Government. [1] My enquiries have done nothing towards clarifying my views. No further appreciation yet from Craigie re...’
29. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 576 LONDON, 18 July 1940, 11.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF JAPAN. Following summarizes very real anxieties I feel lest owing to failure to face the facts and in the light of them to lay down a definite policy we may fall between two stools. ‘(1) Basis...’
30. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 22 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 22 July 1940, SECRET AND PERSONAL [On 12 July the U.K. Govt dispatched to the Commonwealth Govt cablegram D340 which outlined arguments that might be used in the public rejection of any peace conference proposed by Hitler. Bruce complained the same day (cablegram 548) that the arguments suggested...’
31. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 21 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 265 LONDON, 21 July 1940, 6 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 339 of 1st July regarding the proposed establishment of an Australian Legation in China. [1] We agree with the appreciation of the Commonwealth Government of the difficulties inherent in this question, and it is difficult to offer definite...’
32. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, LONDON: 23 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 23 July 1940, CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 19th July Wool for Japan. [1] We are anxious to co- operate as fully as possible with United Kingdom regarding exchange control, and are continuing our contacts with them on that subject. We are, however, very strongly averse from involving the wool...’
33. MR. R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, 33 U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 24 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 384 24 July 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference My No. 280 of 11th June.[1] It is proposed to send to Palestine by convoy sailing late August further Contingent of 6,000 A.I.F. Troops including 3,800 Reinforcements and certain Auxiliary Units to complete organisation of Forces already there. Early advice...’
34. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 25 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 25 July 1940, MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your 576 of 18th July, FAR EAST [1]: Our views on this question remain generally as set out in my telegram of 27th June to Secretary of State. [2] From the cables we have received it is now clear that United...’
35. MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT, TO MR R. R. SEDGWICK, OFFICIAL SECRETARY OF THE U.K. HIGH COMMISSION IN AUSTRALIA: 26 July 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 26 July 1940 SECRET With reference to your letter of 22nd July, in regard to the proposed appointment of an Australian diplomatic representative to Tokyo [1], I am directed by the Prime Minister [2] to advise that it is the desire of the Commonwealth Government that all necessary...’
36. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 602 LONDON, 26 July 1940, 10.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF MOST SECRET High Commissioners had a meeting with the Prime Minister [1] this morning. Principal questions discussed: (1) Smuts’ and your cables re possible economic offensive by Hitler [2], (2) Japan, and (3) Possibility...’
37. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 27 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 27 July 1940, IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 26th July. [1] 1. We did not reply to the request in telegram 254 of 17th July paragraph 6 [2] because we thought that request was superseded by amended proposals in Dominions Office telegram No. 269 [3] for a payments agreement...’
38. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 27 July 1940; ‘Cablegram 271 LONDON, 27 July 1940, 5. 10 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 384 of 24th July. [1] As regards the first paragraph, His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia will appreciate that it is impossible to guarantee passage through the Red Sea with absolute certainty, but the...’
39. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, LONDON: 30 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 July 1940, IMMEDIATE SECRET Meat. Essential that we know what United Kingdom Government have in mind. Gordon as representative [U.K.] Ministry of Shipping has instructions regarding quantities and the Meat Board meets tomorrow to consider position. It is quite clear that proposed United Kingdom action is not...’
40. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 July 1940; ‘Cablegram [176] [1] WASHINGTON, 29 July 1940, 11.28 p.m. Repeated London No. 64. My telegram No. 168 repeated to London No. 62. [2] Proclamation issued on 26th July made export of aviation spirit and lubricating oil and certain prescribed scrap metals subject to licence. I was informed today that whilst...’
41. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 30 July 1940, 4.27 [p.m.] United Kingdom Food policy. My telegram 23rd July. [1] I have now received from Woolton 12] a considered reply [3] of which the following is a summary:- ‘After expressing appreciation of the desire of the Commonwealth Government to adapt Australian agriculture to...’
42. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WELLINGTON, 30 July 1940, 9.10 p.m. MOST SECRET I am very much obliged to you for your telegram July 27th [1] and for the opportunity of perusing the instructions you have forwarded to your High Commissioner in London [2] with reference to the Far East situation. Our own...’
43. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 30 July 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 30 July 1940, 9.30 p.m. Your telegram 30th July, Agricultural products [1], reached me after mine to-day’s date had been despatched. Summary contained in my telegram is best estimate of position which can be obtained having regard to existing conditions here and uncertainty of future. Meat. I...’
44. NOTE OF MEETING BETWEEN LORD HALIFAX, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND THE DOMINION HIGH COMMISSIONERS: 31 July 1940; ‘Extract [LONDON], 31 July 1940 SECRET 11 FAR EAST Lord Halifax then discussed the position which had arisen in the Far East. His view was that the Japanese were definitely out to make trouble, but although they were likely to pursue a policy of pinpricks it was considered unlikely that...’
45. INSTRUCTIONS DRAFTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: August 1940; ‘n.d. [1] 1. To familiarise himself with all available departmental information concerning the existing relationships between the British Commonwealth and France with especial reference to relationships with the French Colonial Empire and particular reference to relationships between the Commonwealth of Australia and French possessions in the Pacific. 2. To make...’
46. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 August 1940; ‘Circular cablegram M44 LONDON, 1 August 1940, 1.50 p.m. MOST SECRET My circular telegram D.391, paragraph 3. [1] Following for the Prime Minister:- In connection with the recent arrests of British subjects in Japan, His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokyo recommended that we should be prepared for retaliatory action at short...’
47. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 279 LONDON, 2 August 1940, 3.20 a.m. IMPORTANT Reference previous telegrams regarding Tahiti. [1] The general tendency now is for the authorities in French colonies to try to combine acceptance of the authority of Vichy Government with friendly unofficial relations with ourselves. We are, generally speaking, not inclined to...’
48. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 626 LONDON, 2 August 1940,7.17 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram of 30th July reference nickel. [1] Ministry of Economic Warfare has given me a statement of which the following is a summary: In December 1939 arrangements were made with the United States to prevent the shipment...’
49. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 636 LONDON, 5 August 1940, 8.50 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ONLY Have received following from the authorities here: ‘It is understood on reliable authority that Chinese Consul- General at Sydney [1] has reported to his Government that he discussed with the Commonwealth Prime Minister the...’
50. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 6 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 6 August 1940, MOST SECRET Please advise United Kingdom Authorities that we considered measures contemplated in M. 44 [1] and proposed to advise that in our opinion further consideration would be desirable before action. In this we were influenced by the belief that delay of a few days...’
51. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR M. SHIGEMITSU, JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM: 6 August 1940; ‘[LONDON], 6 August 1940 I lunched on Friday with Gwynne. [1] The object was for me to meet the Japanese Ambassador. The only other person present at the lunch was Edwardes [2], who was apparently in the Chinese Customs for years and in 1932 became Adviser to the Manchukuo Government....’
52. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 641 LONDON, 6 August 1940, 6.09 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL IMMEDIATE Repeated to Washington No. 49. JAPAN. At meeting with Halifax [1] last Wednesday I expressed the view that fundamental difficulty was that neither the United Kingdom nor the United States had a definite policy...’
53. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR C. J. PAO, CHINESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA: 7 August 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 7 August 1940 I have to thank you for your recent letters [1] to me in which you inform me of your Government’s instructions to you regarding an exchange of diplomatic representatives between China and Australia. As you were assured last month on behalf of my colleague, the...’
54. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 8 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered8 August 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 638, Middle East. [1] I am completely in accord with your view and have felt ever since the final evacuation from France that our position in Egypt and the Middle East was in grave danger. Egypt and the Canal can be...’
55. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 8 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 8 August 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 641. [1] We have considered your examination of alternative policies in Far East as set out in your memorandum to Halifax. [2] This appears to us in principle to be a reiteration and expansion of the views expressed in your...’
56. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 8 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered8 August 1940, MOST SECRET Please communicate following to United Kingdom Government- The following message was communicated by the Netherlands Consul- General [1] to the Commonwealth Government on August 7th-(begins) The Netherlands Government fear that recent Japanese action and statements indicate increased Japanese activity in the Far East possibly...’
57. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 8 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 652 LONDON, 8 August 1940 FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Chinese Ambassador [1] saw me today for the purpose of making the following representations. If, as the Chinese Government understood, Australia was contemplating the early appointment of a Minister at Tokyo simultaneously a Minister should be appointed to...’
58. SIR HARRY LUKE, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC, TO LORD LLOYD, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES: 9 August 1940; ‘Repeated to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister Cablegram unnumbered SUVA, 9 August 1940, 12.25 p.m. Received 9 August 1940 IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram August 6th, No. 162, to Secretary of State. [1] The following telegram has been received from the British Consul at Noumea [2]:- ‘Further manifestation on August...’
59. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 9 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 99 9 August 1940, SECRET Your telegram No. 652. [1] Legation in China. As you will have seen from my telegram No. 339 of 1st July to Secretary of State [2], I asked specifically for views of United Kingdom Government on this question before arriving at definite conclusion. United...’
60. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, AND TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 198 WASHINGTON, 10 August 1940, 5.40 p.m. SECRET FOR MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND PRIME MINISTER Repeated to Bruce 68 with reference to your telegram 101 [1] and Bruce’s telegram 641. [2] I believe that the Far Eastern situation can be stated in simple terms. Major factors influencing Japan’s...’
61. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 10 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 267 LONDON, 10 August 1940 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL With reference to paragraph 7 of my telegram No. 263 of 11th August [1] I should be glad if you would let the Prime Minister [2] know that the difficulties of equipping from Australian resources a division for Malaya...’
62. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 426 11 August 1940, Reference telegram 9th August [1] addressed to you by High Commissioner Western Pacific [2] concerning situation at Noumea. Commonwealth Government is of opinion that action suggested in last paragraph of High Commissioner’s telegram would be inappropriate and somewhat precipitate at this stage, even if extreme...’
63. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 660 LONDON, 11 August 1940, 7.50 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram 96. [1] As advised in Dominions Office cable to Whiskard, No. 250 [2], would be undesirable to submit Latham’s name until Japanese answer as to appointment of Australian Minister received. Even if this...’
64. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 11 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 262 LONDON, 11 August 1940, 6.48 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET Please communicate to the Prime Minister [1] the following personal and most secret message from the Prime Minister. [2] (Begins). The combined staffs are preparing a paper on the Pacific situation but I venture to send you...’
65. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 11 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 263 LONDON, 11 August 1940, 10.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My following telegram Circular Z.214 [1] contains a full summary of appreciation by Chiefs of Staff of the situation in the Far East. 2. I should be grateful if you would communicate it immediately to the Prime Minister [2]...’
66. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 11 August 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z214 (extracts), LONDON, 11 August 1940, 7.45 p.m. Received 12 August 1940 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following is summary referred to in my telegram of 11th August, No. 1800, to High Commissioner, Ottawa; No. 263 to High Commissioner, Canberra [1]; No. 245 to High Commissioner, Wellington and No....’
67. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 12 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 100 12 August 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE FOR HIGH COMMISSIONER SECRET Your telegram No. 660 [1] and my telegram No. 97. [2] Australian Minister Tokyo. Consul General Japan [3] made special visit to Canberra today on instructions of his Government to state that Japanese Government were anxious to finalize matter...’
68. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER: 12 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 12 August 1940, SECRET Your telegram of 5th August [1] received. Commonwealth Government is grateful for invitation of New Zealand Government to be associated in Mission you propose to send to Tahiti. Certain obligations with regard to New Hebrides and New Caledonia have already been entered into by...’
69. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 661 LONDON, 12 August 1940, 9 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET JAPAN Following has been received through Secret and reliable source. ‘An Intelligence Report from Japanese Consul-General at Sydney [1] to Tokyo included name[s] of British men-of-war in the Harbour and details of power transmission line between...’
70. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 13 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 13 August 1940, Your telegrams, 659 [1], 626 [2], 564. [3] New Caledonian nickel. Position as we see it is as follows. Commonwealth Government on 30th July concluded contract with Le Nickel executed by Vois [4] under authority vested in him, but without knowledge of directorate in France,...’
71. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 August 1940; ‘Agendum 437 13 August 1940 CONSULTATION WITH NEW ZEALAND The interests of Australia and New Zealand are identical in many matters at present affecting the external relations of the two countries, especially the questions of the Far East and of relations with the French Territories in the Pacific. It is...’
72. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, 72 TO U.K. FOREIGN OFFICE: 14 August 1940; ‘Repeated to Commonwealth Government Cablegram 1568/22 TOKYO, 14 August 1940, 6.15 p.m. Received 15 August 1940 My telegram 1563 to the Foreign Office only. [1] The Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] sent for the Counsellor [3] today and informed him that the Japanese Consul-General at Sydney [4] had telegraphed that...’
73. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, TO U.K. FOREIGN OFFICE: 15 August 1940; ‘Repeated to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister Cablegram 1.579/24 TOKYO, 15 August 1940, 6.15 p.m. Received 15 August 1940 IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram No. 1568. [1] 1. Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] sent for Japanese Counsellor [3] this afternoon and informed him orally that the Emperor had signified to...’
74. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 15 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 681 LONDON, 15 August 1940 FOR PRIME MINISTER 1. Your telegram August 13th. [1] (New Caledonia Nickel) Reference in my telegram 659 [2] to 600 tons was due error in decyphering your telegram July 30th [3] by which it read that you had contracted for fifty tons matte monthly...’
75. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. TREMOULET, FRENCH CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA: 16 August 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 16 August 1940 [The S.S. Commissaire Ramel, employed by the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes on the Marseilles-Tahiti run, was requisitioned by the U.K. authorities in Suva on 24 July and sailed to Sydney. When arrangements had been made for the disposition of the crew (some were repatriated while...’
76. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 August 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D426 LONDON, 17 August [1940] IMMEDIATE SECRET The following arrangements are proposed for bringing the Ship Warrant Scheme gradually into operation. A. All vessels flying the flag of, or on charter to charterers in any part of the British Commonwealth of Nations except Eire, all Norwegian, Polish, Dutch,...’
77. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 20 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 279 LONDON, 20 August 1940, 3 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram of 31st July, No. 250. [1] In his telegram 1563 of 14th August [2] (which was not repeated to Canberra) H.M. Ambassador at Tokyo [3] urged that in view of torrents of abuse to which the United...’
78. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 20 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 435 20 August 1940, External Affairs Officer in London [1] has discussed informally with the United Kingdom authorities the question of effect of war with Italy on Anglo-Italian Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of 1883 [2] We understand that view taken is that position of pre-war treaties will be...’
79. MR J. TREMOULET, FRENCH CONSUL-GENERAL IN AUSTRALIA, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 August 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 21 August 1940 I am in receipt of your letter dated the 16th August [1] concerning my activities in relation to the crew of the S.S. Commissaire Ramel. I shall not discuss the information given to the officers of the Commonwealth Government as it obviously emanates from people...’
80. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 24 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 118 24 August 1940, SECRET Having in mind particularly recent exchanges between the Commonwealth Government and the United Kingdom Government on Far Eastern and Pacific policy, we have been impressed of late with the advantages of completing the direct liaison at present existing between the Department of External Affairs...’
81. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 27 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 727 LONDON, 27 August 1940, 8.10 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram 118. [1] I doubt desirability of member of the Foreign Office staff actually in the External Affairs Department at Canberra as would probably be embarrassing if he were aware even in a general way...’
82. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 28 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 28 August 1940, Your telegram No. 700 [1] and No. 279 to Whiskard. [2] Please communicate following to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [3]:- Commonwealth Government is grateful for expression of views contained in telegram 279 to United Kingdom High Commissioner and I wish to give...’
83. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: 29 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 5 29 August 1940, IMMEDIATE Your 2 and 3. [1] Desire you keep us informed immediately of any developments. Last thing Commonwealth Government desires is local revolution or overthrow of French Administration by extremists in New Caledonia. Such an event might as a consequence result in a request to...’
84. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 29 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 457 29 August 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Commonwealth Government have given very careful consideration to cablegrams Nos. 262, 263 and 267 and Z.214. [1] They appreciate the statement on the military situation generally and the comprehensive summary of the strategical appreciation on the Far East situation. I would...’
85. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 5 NOUMEA, 30 August 1940, 8 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram priority 28th August. [1] Further to my telegrams 2 and 3 of 28th August. [2] Popular movement undoubtedly strong and opposed to Governor [3] whom they suspect of playing double game and of having brought sloop here...’
86. MR H. C. SMART, DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION LIAISON OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION: 29 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 29 August 1940, 7.34 p.m. With regard to new high power shortwave broadcasting transmitter being erected at Singapore, Ministry of Information ask that you be informed that it will be under local control of Straits Settlements Government, but that its work, roughly three-fifths of which is designed...’
87. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 30 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 August 1940, Canned fruits. Position in relation to unsold portion last pack is most embarrassing. Industry here knows that United Kingdom imported very large quantities canned fruits from United States in 1939-40 and then shut down on Australia. They consider Commonwealth Government indifferent to needs of industry....’
88. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 30 August 1940; ‘Cablegram 291 LONDON, 30 August 1940, 11.10 p.m. Received 31 August 1940 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram to the Commonwealth Government of 18th August No. 298 [1] and to New Zealand Government No. 259. It is understood that as a result of a report from the Governor of New Caledonia...’
89. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 31 August 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 31 August 1940, SECRET Your No. 744. [1] Position of some delicacy reached in New Caledonia. Conseil General representing strong popular opinion in favour continuing war passed resolution August 28th demanding departure of Governor. [2] Governor subsequently indicated Vichy his intention to leave colony. Ballard [3] considers general...’
90. MR B.C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 8 NOUMEA, 2 September 1940, 7.52 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Vichy Government replaced Governor Pelicier by Colonel Denis, local military head, announced on Australian radio 30th August. The new Governor’s broadcast indicates loyalty to Vichy combined with safeguarding New Caledonia’s economic interests arising from geographical position. The High Commissioner...’
91. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 10 NOUMEA, 2 September 1940 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I have secured willing acceptance policy envisaged by your telegram No. 5 [1] by leaders of representative assembly movement and some councillors. Resignation not yet conveyed and they will try to restrain extremists. No further developments. Your telegram No. 6. [2]...’
92. MR A. R. NANKERVIS, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 2 September 1940; ‘Teleprinter message D192 [MELBOURNE], 2 September 1940 MOST SECRET The following copy of a message which is being despatched by the Naval Board addressed to the Acting Resident Commissioner, New Hebrides [1], and repeated to the New Zealand Naval Board is forwarded for information (begins) Following instructions have been issued...’
93. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR HARRY LUKE, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC (AT VILA): 2 September 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 2 September 1940, SECRET You have no doubt seen cablegram from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs dated 30th August [1], suggesting that the Commonwealth Government should send cruiser ADELAIDE to New Hebrides embark the French Resident Commissioner [2] and proceed to Noumea with view to bringing...’
94. SIR JOSIAH CROSBY, U.K. MINISTER TO THAILAND, TO U.K. FOREIGN OFFICE: 2 September 1940; ‘Repeated to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister Cablegram 292/unnumbered BANGKOK, 2 September 1940, 7.22 p.m. Received 3 September 1940 IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram No. 268 [1] and my telegram No. 277. [2] Thai Government have informed me officially of their desire to send special goodwill mission to British Malaya,...’
95. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 September 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 3 September 1940, 5.40 p.m. MEAT Position has been exhaustively discussed with Ministry of Food down the lines of your cables 13th [1], 24th August. [2] It has been impossible to induce Ministry to agree to contract purchase of quantity in excess of 225,000 tons although they...’
96. SIR HARRY LUKE, U. K. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 September 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered VILA, 3 September 1940, 10 p.m. Prime Minister Canberra, repeated to Secretary of State for the Colonies [1] September 3rd, my telegram touring No. 4, addressed to Secretary of State, repeated to you. [2] As you are aware, New Hebrides have declared for De Gaulle [3] and now...’
97. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 761 LONDON, 3 September 1940, 9.23 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Repeated to Washington No. 55. JAPAN. Craigie [1] in cable of 30th August, after pointing out that nearly half of Burma Road three months gone, again refers to question of general settlement and says: ‘proposal to...’
98. SIR HARRY LUKE, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 4 September 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered VILA, 4 September 1940, 12.45 p.m. SECRET Yours [1] and my [2] telegrams 3rd September and telegram same date from Navy Office, Melbourne, addressed to British Resident Commissioner, New Hebrides. [3] H.M.A.S. ‘ADELAIDE’. I have not seen telegram 31st August from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs...’
99. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 240 WASHINGTON, 3 September 1940, 9.24 p.m. Repeated to London No. 80. Conclusion of United States Canada Defence Council and lease of sites for American bases in British West Indies has inspired press references here and elsewhere to possibility of extension of arrangements either or both of these lines...’
100. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 September 1940; ‘Circular cablegram M58 LONDON, 5 September 1940, 12.30 a.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister- BURMA ROAD. Less than two months remain before the Burma Road Agreement is due to expire, and we have been considering what steps should be taken to meet the situation which will arise...’
101. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 4 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 766 LONDON, 4 September 1940, 9.30 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Middle East. My telegram 757. [1] As indicated in my previous cables I have been doing everything possible to emphasize the importance of the Middle East and to stimulate increased flow of reinforcements, equipment and aeroplanes....’
102. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO ADMIRAL SIR RAGNAR CALVIN, CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF: 5 September 1940; ‘Memorandum 5 September 1940, In light of advices from High Commissioner for Western Pacific _1. H.M.A.S. Adelaide should not proceed beyond Vila, New Hebrides. 2. Sautot, French Resident Commissioner, New Hebrides, should not, under present circumstances, be embarked and conveyed to Noumea in H.M.A.S. Adelaide. In the event of Sautot’s...’
103. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 772 LONDON, 5 September 1940, 8.32 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET My telegram No. 761. [1] Halifax [2] raised the question in the War Cabinet today indicating that half period of agreement expired and necessity to consider policy. He expressed the view that United Kingdom and United...’
104. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 6 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 137 6 September 1940, From the Prime Minister. [1] Your telegram 763. [2] Please convey to Dominions Office that Commonwealth Government would be pleased for Sir A. Clark Kerr to inform Chinese Government unofficially on our behalf that appointment of Australian Minister to Tokyo denotes no change whatsoever in...’
105. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 326 LONDON, 6 September 1940, 3.02 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 465 and 468. [1] Your telegram 130 to Commonwealth High Commissioner in London. [2] High Commissioner for Western Pacific’s telegrams touring Nos. 3 [3] and unnumbered of 3rd [4] and 4th September [5] from Vila. It is known...’
106. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 7 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 471, 7 September 1940 MOST SECRET We have given consideration to position in the Middle East and possible developments in the Mediterranean area. While recognising that under no considerations [1] should the defences of the British Isles themselves be depleted and that the first consideration must be to ensure...’
107. SIR HARRY LUKE, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 7 September 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SUVA, 7 September 1940, 11.30 a.m. SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE On my return to Suva to-day from Vila, I have received telegrams unnumbered [1] and 151 [2] from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [3] of 6th September on the subject of Sautot [4] proceeding to Noumea. Now...’
108. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: 8 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 13 8 September 1940, IMMEDIATE SECRET My No. 11. [1] In response to suggestion from United Kingdom Government we have agreed to dispatch of H.M.A.S. Adelaide to Vila, with date of arrival September 7, having in mind possibility that local situation in New Caledonia might necessitate dispatch of vessel...’
109. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 8 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 140 8 September 1940, PERSONAL FOR STIRLING IMMEDIATE You have no doubt seen and examined point of view of Commonwealth Government on situation in New Caledonia expressed in cablegram to High Commissioner of 31st August. [1] Telegram from Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs dated 6th September [2] on...’
110. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 15 NOUMEA, 8 September 1940, 6.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegrams. [1] Am holding all messages for the present. [2] Recipient (3) received message on 6th September in similar terms direct from de Gaulle, following which he is forming de Gaulle Committee with press publicity. Understand some leaders...’
111. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 9 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 473 9 September 1940, Your telegrams 326 [1] and 328 [2]: 1. Concur in proposal that Sautot [3] be appointed by De Gaulle [4] as Governor New Caledonia. 2. Am arranging Sautot be conveyed to Noumea in S.S. NORDEN, Norwegian tanker now at Port Vila. H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE will accompany...’
112. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 778 LONDON, 9 September 1940, 7.20 a.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 140. [1] NEW CALEDONIA. This evening I saw Morton [2] (personal assistant to Mr. Churchill) who has been handling matter personally and Dawe assistant under-Secretary Colonial Office and put points contained in your telegram under reference. With...’
113. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 10 September 1940; ‘Minute 492 (extract) SYDNEY, 10 September 1940 AGENDUM No. 199/1940 [1]-WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORTS BY CHIEFS OF STAFF (No. 34-WEEK ENDED 7TH SEPTEMBER, 1940) (The following were present when the above Agendum was under discussion:- Admiral Sir Ragnar Colvin, K.B.E., C.B., Chief of the Naval Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles...’
114. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 10 September 1940; ‘Minute 498 SYDNEY, 10 September 1940 NEW CALEDONIA (Previous reference-War Cabinet Minute No. (418) [1]). (The Chief of the Naval Staff [2] was present for the discussion of this subject). The Minister for External Affairs [3] brought to the notice of War Cabinet cablegram No. 182 of 9th September from...’
115. MEMORANDUM BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: September 1940; ‘n.d. [1] POLICY IN THE FAR EAST 1. The Burma Road agreement expires on October 17. By the terms of the agreement the three months for which the road was to be dosed in accordance with the Japanese request was to be utilized to investigate the possibility of a general...’
116. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 10 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 133 10 September 1940, SECRET Your telegrams Nos. 761 and 772. [1] Burma Road Agreement. Cabinet discussed today but finds it intensely difficult to offer Specific advice at the moment. Every day the factors on which a decision can be based are changing, but we shall offer a positive...’
117. MR R. D. BLANDY, U.K. RESIDENT COMMISSIONER IN THE NEW HEBRIDES, TO SIR HARRY LUKE, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC: 10 September 1940; ‘Repeated to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister Cablegram 184/unnumbered VILA, 10 September 1940, 11.10 p.m. Received 11 September 1940 IMPORTANT SECRET Have discussed the position again with Sautot [1] who is ready to take advantage of S.S. NORDEN and the support of H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE immediately he has been duly...’
118. MR A. R. NANKERVIS, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 13 September 1940; ‘Teleprinter message D262 [MELBOURNE], [13 September 1940, 6.28 p.m.] [1] MOST SECRET IMPORTANT The Prime Minister [2] has approved of the following message being despatched by the Naval Board to H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE repeated to the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific [3] and the New Zealand Naval Board- (Begins) ‘Pass...’
119. MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 14 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 166 14 September 1940, 4.20 p.m. Your telegram 254. [1] Commonwealth Government decided on June 13th, 1940 against imposition of embargo on export of scrap iron [2] main reasons being (1) avoidance of further resentment in Japan following Yampi decision [3]; (2) export of any commodity is valuable at...’
120. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: 16 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 21 16 September 1940, SECRET Understand Admiralty Reporting Officer Noumea [1] is informing you of plan Sautot’s arrival Thursday. Meanwhile we have been asked by United Kingdom Government for views on economic and financial assistance desirable to New Caledonia after Sautot has been installed [2] in accordance with undertaking...’
121. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 483 17 September 1940, MOST SECRET Repeated to New Zealand, 11. [1] His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia have carefully considered your cablegram M. 58 [2] relative to the Burma Road Agreement and the difficult position with which the British Empire will be confronted at the expiration...’
122. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 260 WASHINGTON, 16 September 1940, 11.47 p.m. SECRET Repeated to London 85. With reference to my telegram 198 [1], 68 to London and my telegram 246 [2], 81 to London. I called on the Secretary of State [3] today with the British Ambassador. [4] The Secretary of State was...’
123. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 18 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 346 LONDON, 18 September 1940, 3.45 a.m. PRIORITY IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 457 of August 29th. [1] His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom are very grateful for most helpful message, the points raised in which have been very carefully examined. 2. As regards the principal question...’
124. MR A. R. NANKERVIS, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 19 September 1940; ‘Teleprinter message [D296] [MELBOURNE], 19 September 1940, [6.20 p.m.] [1] Received 19 September 1940 SECRET IMPORTANT The following copy of a message timed 0516 G.M.T. 19th September, addressed to the Naval Board by H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE is forwarded for information:- (Begins). ‘Sautot disembarked 0030 G.M.T. today South Coast. No (repeat no)...’
125. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, AND TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 19 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 268 WASHINGTON, 19 September 1940 SECRET FOR MINISTER AND PRIME MINISTER ONLY I am told under conditions of absolute secrecy by good authority that it is possible that Willkie [1] will announce in near future that he is in favour of some form of mutual defensive arrangement with Australia....’
126. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 22 NOUMEA, 20 September 1940, 12.55 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Understand information sent on September 19th from H.M.A.S. ‘ADELAIDE’ has been passed to you. [1] The position today still marked by calm; Sautot welcomed by the people on landing; formally assumed functions [2] yesterday afternoon; has interned the ex-Governor and...’
127. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 269 WASHINGTON, 19 September 1940, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Mission from Indo-China has been here lately endeavouring to get aircraft 80 fighters 32 bombers and 10 training aircraft. United States has none available at Philippines. Berle [1] asked me today if I thought Australia would be able to...’
128. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 20 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 177 20 September 1940, PERSONAL FOR CASEY MOST SECRET Your conversations with Secretary of State [1] seem to us to be accomplishing one of their objectives of keeping Japanese guessing. I have had two visits from Consul General Japan [2] during last week especially for purpose of endeavouring to...’
129. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO: 20 September 1940; ‘Mr R. G. Casey, Minister to the United States Cablegram 179 20 September 1940 Your Was. No. 43/40. [1] Would be glad of advice whether wheat and flour exports still being subsidised and if so whether it is intended to continue subsidy. Commonwealth Government recently decided that no further sales...’
130. CAPTAIN H. A. SHOWERS, COMMANDING OFFICER OF H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE, TO COMMONWEALTH NAVAL BOARD: 21 September 1940; ‘Naval signal 0357Z/21 NOUMEA, 21 September 1940, 3.57 a.m. Received 21 September 1940, 6.21 a.m. IMPORTANT Have received formal protest from ‘DUMONT D’URVILLE’ claiming violation of French territorial waters. Have replied ship remains at official request of Government of New Caledonia and cannot agree that under present circumstances any violation...’
131. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 21 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 495 21 September 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram 348 of 19th September. [1] Assuming New Caledonia generally accepts De Gaulle regime, the situation will not be stabilised while French sloops DUMONT D’URVILLE and AMIRAL CHARNER remain in a position to interfere. In view of United Kingdom Government policy (telegram...’
132. MR A. R. NANKERVIS, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 21 September 1940; ‘Teleprinter message D314 [MELBOURNE], [21 September 1940, 1.20 p.m.] [1] IMPORTANT MOST SECRET The following message, timed 2200 G.M.T. 20th September has been received from H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE- begins- All quiet yesterday and during night. Abortive Vichy rebellion by country gendarmes during day. Denis [2] interned 60 miles inland. British Consul...’
133. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: 23 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 23 23 September 1940, IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET [This document has been corrected from a slightly revised version contained in teleprinter message 1918 of 23 September on file AA:A981, New Caledonia 1, iv.] Reference Admiralty message for Sautot dated 22nd September, 1940 [1], sent through [H.M.A.S.] Adelaide, the situation so...’
134. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 24 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 500 24 September 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Repeated to the Prime Minister of New Zealand [1], No. 16. With further reference to your cablegram No. 346 [2], His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has considered your conclusion that after balancing the risks between the Middle East...’
135. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 24 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 501 24 September 1940, MOST SECRET Repeated to Prime Minister of Canada [1], No. 2, Prime Minister of New Zealand [2], No. 17, Prime Minister of South Africa [3], No. 7. With reference to your cablegrams Nos. 350 and 352 of 19th and 21st September respectively [4], relative to...’
136. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 836 LONDON, 24 September 1940, 7.10 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET MIDDLE EAST. Have just heard, though not yet confirmed, that air reinforcements which were being steadily sent to Middle East have been stopped. This due to the Prime Minister’s [1] obsession with problem of defence of...’
137. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 279 WASHINGTON, 24 September 1940, 8.11 p.m. SECRET My telegram No. 262. [1] Paragraph 3. During the past five days possibilities of Australian-American defence arrangements have been discussed widely. Press correspondents and radio commentators have played up rumours of secret defence agreement embracing south-west Pacific and Singapore and ‘involving...’
138. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 25 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 359 LONDON, 25 September 1940, 9.46 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 495 21st September. [1] We are not altogether clear as to the position with regard to DUMONT D’URVILLE, since recent messages from Sautot [2] to General De Gaulle [3] through the Commonwealth Naval Board imply that the...’
139. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 26 September 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z258 LONDON, 26 September 1940, 12.10 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET [On 22 September the U.K. Govt informed the Commonwealth Govt that because of the strategic importance of French West Africa and the desirability of establishing General de Gaulle, leader of the Free French movement, in French territory, it...’
140. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 26 September 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z259 LONDON, 26 September 1940, 1.05 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. Please tell the Prime Minister [1] as a personal message from me how greatly I regret the fact that it was not possible to give him earlier information of the final stages of operations at...’
141. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 843 LONDON, 26 September 1940, 12.42 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER DAKAR. Have made strongest protest that developments and decision to withdraw were not communicated to you prior to public announcement. I made every effort yesterday afternoon to obtain information but up to 7 when I...’
142. LORD CALDECOTE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 27 September 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z268 LONDON, 27 September 1940, 3.40 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram of 26th September Circular Z.No.265. [2] Following is message from Prime Minister [3] for Prime Minister’s [4] most secret and personal information. You will have seen from the Secretary of State’s message sent through...’
143. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 28 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 190 28 September 1940, MOST SECRET Last paragraph your telegram 240. [1] Following arguments have been suggested by Defence Committee with approval of War Cabinet. (A) Only sure way to defeat Japan and protect U.S.A. interests in the Far East is by naval forces in Far East. These require...’
144. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 29 September 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 29 September 1940, MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER [1] HIMSELF We are very disturbed in regard to the Dakar incident which has had unfortunate effect in Australia. First, as to matter of substance: It is difficult to understand why attempt was made unless overwhelming chances of success....’
145. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 September 1940; ‘Cablegram 28 NOUMEA, 28 September 1940, 6.30 p.m. SECRET Stability continues. Governor [1] states 25 gendarmes, also some noncommissioned officers and men now interned desire to adhere with [sic] him. Proposed to demobilize such men and transfer such non-commissioned officers to Tahiti. To counteract statements of malcontent minority that recent...’
146. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY SENATOR G. MCLEAY, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND CUSTOMS: 30 September 1940; ‘Agendum 219/1940 30 September 1940 SECRET APPLICATION OF SHIP WARRANT SCHEME TO JAPAN The United Kingdom Government has asked the Commonwealth Government to apply the ship warrant scheme to Japanese ships entering Australian ports. If we agree to the proposal it will require steps to be taken to delay the...’
147. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 1 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 439 1 October 1940, MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL We have again been embarrassed by a premature announcement by the B.B.C. this morning of the arrival of R.A.A.F. Squadrons at Singapore and the press here have cablegrams from Singapore giving details of the R.A.A.F. Squadrons. It will be recalled from...’
148. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 869 LONDON, 1 October 1940, 7 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET JAPAN Have been endeavouring to obtain reactions of United Kingdom Government to German Japanese pact but even now difficult to obtain any definite view as to possible effect on Japanese actions. Pact regarded as far more favourable...’
149. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 2 October 1940; ‘Minute 545 MELBOURNE, 2 October 1940 SECRET AGENDUM No. 217/1940 [1]-EASTERN GROUP CONFERENCE-AUSTRALIAN POLICY War Cabinet noted that the object of the Eastern Group Conference, which has been convened by the Government of India with the consent of the United Kingdom Government, was to determine a joint war supply policy...’
150. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: 2 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 37 2 October 1940, MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My No. 36. [1] Following is revised text of instructions which you should act upon in lieu of text in No. 36. (Begins) Desire you advise Sautot [2] that ‘Adelaide’ cannot (repeat cannot) remain at Noumea indefinitely and that she will leave...’
151. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 292 WASHINGTON, 1 October 1940 SECRET TO THE PRIME MINISTER (Repeated to London 89). In conversation with the British Ambassador [1] yesterday, Secretary of State [2] asked whether it would not be possible for United States, Britain, Australia and Dutch to have private staff conversations immediately on technical problems...’
152. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 October 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 2 October 1940 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I am very sorry to receive your message of 29th September [1] because I feel that the great exertions we have made deserve a broad and generous measure of indulgence, should any particular minor operation miscarry. You already have the...’
153. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 2 October 1940; ‘_ As Caldecote [1] had announced his appointment as Chief Justice, I felt it was essential to see the Prime Minister and stress to him the importance of Caldecote’s successor. I went over to Downing Street and although Morrison [2] and Duncan [3] were waiting to see the Prime Minister,...’
154. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 873 LONDON, 2 October 1940 FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Had long talk this afternoon with Prime Minister. [1] He is very sensitive about Dakar incident knowing I think in his heart that criticism which has been very general had justification. He was inclined to be resentful of...’
155. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 3 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 53 TOKYO, 3 October 1940, 4.50 p.m. VERY CONFIDENTIAL MOST SECRET Following from Mr. Hard. [1] Conclusion of alliance between Japan Germany and Italy brings nearer possibility of hostilities in the Pacific and hence day when it may be necessary to evacuate British subjects from Japan, especially those of...’
156. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 875 LONDON, 3 October 1940, 2.25 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF My first reaction to the appointment of Cranborne as Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs was that my words to the Prime Minister [1] yesterday had fallen on barren ground, that he does not approach the...’
157. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 October 1940; ‘Circular cablegram M63 LONDON, 3 October 1940, 11.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET BURMA ROAD Following for the Prime Minister:- We greatly value the views which you have furnished in reply to my circular telegram M.58 of 4th September [1] and these have been most carefully considered. Since my telegram was...’
158. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 4 October 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 4 October 1940, MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR MR CHURCHILL HIMSELF I have received your message of 2nd October [1] and am very disturbed by some of its contents. We were, and are, concerned about the failure at Dakar. My telegram [2] concerning it was somewhat crudely expressed,...’
159. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 October 1940; ‘Cablegram B188 LONDON, 5 October 1940, 10.56 p.m. IMMEDIATE Discussion here of desirability of reviving the Imperial War Cabinet might not have arisen but for unsatisfactory results of circuitous methods of communication at present employed between United Kingdom and Commonwealth Government wherever (sic) it is recognized that the Commonwealth must...’
160. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 October 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 6 October 1940 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I am deeply grateful for your generous message. [1] Forgive me if I responded too controversially to what I thought was somewhat severe criticism. I am having an account prepared of the Dakar incident, in all its stages, which I...’
161. DRAFT FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 October 1940; ‘7 October 1940 EXPORT OF SCRAP IRON TO JAPAN The question of the export to Japan of scrap iron was considered by a Cabinet Sub-Committee in May. The Sub-Committee recommended, on the information before it, that an embargo should not be imposed on scrap export to Japan at that time....’
162. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 7 October 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z291 LONDON, 7 October 1940, 11.30 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1]- BEGINS. Recent reports from His Majesty’s Ambassador at Washington [2] show a stiffening of United States attitude and suggest possibility of arranging for some form of concerted reaction...’
163. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 7 October 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z292 LONDON, 7 October 1940, 11.40 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following message to the Prime Minister. BEGINS. As will be seen from the message in my telegram Circular Z.291 of today [2]’ the question of further action in relation to Japan by the...’
164. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 307 WASHINGTON, 7 October 1940, 9.08 p.m. MOST SECRET Secretary of State [1] told the British Ambassador [2] today that instructions have been given to American Consuls both in China and Japan to warn American women and children to leave both countries as soon as possible. Secretary of State...’
165. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 8 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 334 LONDON, [8] [1] October 1940, 5.35 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET My telegram Circular Z.291 of 7th October, 1940, paragraph 2. 2] Please inform the Prime Minister [3] for his most secret and personal information that His Majesty’s Ambassador at Washington [4] has reported that in conversation between him...’
166. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 311 WASHINGTON, 8 October 1940, 10.28 p.m. SECRET My telegram No. 305. [1] Department of Agriculture have announced publicly abolition as from today of subsidies previously paid on exports of wheat and wheat flour from Pacific coast to China including Manchukuo and Hong Kong. No such [subsidies] [2] have...’
167. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 10 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 526 [10 October 1940] [1], MOST SECRET (Repeated to Prime Minister of New Zealand. [2] No. 35, and Aust. Min. Washington [3] 8). Cablegrams Nos. 333 and Z. 290 [4] have been read with much interest. With reference to Z. 291 and No. 334 [5], His Majesty’s Government in...’
168. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 312 WASHINGTON, 9 October 1940,11.22 a.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to London 97. I accompanied British Ambassador [1] to-day to see Secretary of State [2] and Welles. [3] Conflicting attitude various senior members administration in last twenty-four hours is evident. Some think United States has gone too far in respect...’
169. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO U.K. EMBASSY IN TOKYO: October 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered it October 1940, Your telegram No. 53 of 3rd October. [1] I Following for Hard [2]- For your guidance in first approach subject possible evacuation of British subjects from Japan, following information is sent- It will be necessary to consult various State Governments as to whether they would...’
170. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 10 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 338 LONDON, 10 October 1940, 9.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram of 8th October, No. 334. [1] Plan which we propose for conversations in London and Washington is as follows:- We are appointing a senior representative of each of the three Services to meet in London forthwith with...’
171. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 13 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 535 13 October 1940, MOST SECRET Repeated to Prime Minister of New Zealand [1], No. 40. Australian Minister, Washington [2], No. 9. High Commissioner, London [3], No. 625. Your telegram No. 338 of 10th October. [4] Commonwealth Government are in agreement with proposed plan for conversations in London and...’
172. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 12 October 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z303 LONDON, 12 October 1940, 7.59 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram of 10th October Circular Z.298. [1] Since my telegram of 9th October No. 334 [2] His Majesty’s Ambassador at Washington [3] has reported that the United States Secretary of State [4] now feels it necessary to...’
173. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 321 WASHINGTON, 14 October 1940, 10.31 a.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to London 100. British Ambassador [1] flies to England October 15th for fortnight’s consultation. Prior to leaving he saw the President [2], Secretary of State [3], Welles [4], Hombeck [5] today. Regarding the Pacific, President says that it is...’
174. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: 16 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 53 16 October 1940, Reference your 51. [1] For your information Consul General Japan [2] visited Canberra to state his Government had received authentic information that Commonwealth Government had requested Sautot [3] to place an embargo on all goods exported to Japan. He was informed no such request made....’
175. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 16 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 921 LONDON, 16 October 1940, 6.15 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Dutch Minister [1] on authority of his Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] has approached me with a formal proposal for an exchange of diplomatic representatives between Holland and Australia. In putting forward the proposal Minister stressed...’
176. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 17 October 1940; ‘Minute 565 CANBERRA, 17 October 1940 SECRET EASTERN GROUP CONFERENCE (Previous reference Minute No. (545) [1]) War Cabinet confirmed the following directions given by the Prime Minister [2] to the Leader of the Australian Delegation to the Eastern Group Conference [3], prior to his departure:- 1. GENERAL BASIS OF POLICY...’
177. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO MR J. MCEWEN, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 324 WASHINGTON, 17 October 1940, 1 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE MINISTER FOR I saw the President [1] today. He said he wanted to keep ‘up his sleeve’ for the present proposal to send some United States warships on trip to Australia and elsewhere....’
178. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 19 October 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z308 LONDON, 19 October 1940, 2.40 a.m. MOST SECRET My telegram of 15th October Circular Z.305. [1] In anticipation of discussions at Singapore with representatives of the United States and of the Netherlands, certain instructions had been prepared and sent to Commanders in Chief in the Far East...’
179. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 21 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 738 21 October 1940, MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL The sustained air attacks on London, the main industrial centres, and the south-eastern counties generally, are creating some anxiety as to the effects that are being achieved by the enemy. At this distance from the scene of operations and source of...’
180. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 22 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 14 22 October 1940, MOST SECRET Your telegram 324 of 17th October [1]: Should the President [2] decide to send United States warships to visit Australia, they would be assured of a warm welcome. The President’s desire at present to avoid commitments or publicity about staff conversations is considered...’
181. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 23 October 1940; ‘Cablegram 348 LONDON, 23 October 1940, 1.50 a.m. SECRET My telegram of 19th October, Circular Z.311. [1] Trade with Japan. Now that the United States Government have imposed an embargo on exports of scrap iron, the position in regard to exports of scrap iron to Japan from Empire sources should,...’
182. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE: 29 October 1940; ‘Minute 4 MELBOURNE, 29 October 1940 RELATIONS WITH JAPAN (Sir John Latham was present for the discussion of this subject). As Sir John Latham’s departure for Japan had been delayed for consultations with the new Government, Sir John attended the War Council for a discussion on matters relating to Japan....’
183. MR R. R. SEDGWICK, OFFICIAL SECRETARY OF U.K. HIGH COMMISSION IN AUSTRALIA, TO MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 30 October 1940; ‘Letter 2/114 CANBERRA, 30 October 1940 SECRET AND URGENT I am directed by the High Commissioner [1] to refer to the Commonwealth Government’s telegram No. 524 of the 9th October [2] on the subject of the announcement of the postponement of Sir John Latham’s departure for Tokyo, and to Sir...’
184. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR R. G. MENZIES, MINISTER FOR DEFENCE CO-ORDINATION: 31 October 1940; ‘Agendum 243/1940 31 October 1940 MOST SECRET CO-ORDINATION OF FAR EASTERN DEFENCE-CREATION OF POST OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FAR EAST Proposals of United Kingdom Government 1. In a cablegram dated 25th October, No. 351 (Annex ‘A’) [1] the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [2] advises that, with a view to securing...’
185. MR F. STRAHAN, SECRETARY OF PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT, TO MR R. R. SEDGWICK, OFFICIAL SECRETARY OF U.K. HIGH COMMISSION IN AUSTRALIA: 1 November 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 1 November 1940 SECRET I am directed by the Prime Minister [1] to acknowledge receipt of your letter, Ref. 2/114, of 30th October [2] referring to the establishment of an Australian Legation at Tokyo. Your letter was placed before the Prime Minister on the afternoon of 30th October....’
186. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR E. J. HARRISON, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND CUSTOMS: 1 November 1940; ‘Agendum 483 1 November 1940 AUSTRALIA’S COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH JAPAN In view of the rapid deterioration in the relations between the British Commonwealth and Japan, a comprehensive review of the principal outstanding problems in connection with Australian- Japanese commercial relations has become a matter of urgency. The following statement refers...’
187. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 1 November 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D553 LONDON, 1 November 1940, 10.27 p.m. MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister- We are considering holding during the course of the next ten days a meeting in London of representatives of Allied Governments which could be described as a revival of the Supreme War Council. 2....’
188. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 2 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 949 2 November 1940, MOST SECRET The reply which I have received to a cable despatched to the G.0.C., A.I.F. in the Middle East [1], asking whether he was satisfied with the degree to which the Sixth Division was equipped, their standard of training and general preparedness, is considered...’
189. SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 2 November 1940; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 2 November 1940 With reference to telegram 921 from Mr. Bruce [1] conveying the proposal of the Netherlands Government for the exchange of diplomatic representatives between Holland and Australia, I desire to offer the following comments. Subsequent to the invasion of Holland and the collapse of France, the...’
190. SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 5 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 395 CANBERRA, 5 November 1940 MOST SECRET Your telegram Circular Z. 308 of 19th October [1], paragraphs 2 to 4. In contingencies in question, Commonwealth Government agree in principle to establishment of unified naval strategic command (under American Commander-in-Chief) in the Pacific Ocean and Far East, and also that...’
191. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 November 1940; ‘Agendum 486 5 November 1940 ACTIVITIES OF FRENCH CONSUL-GENERAL, M. TREMOULET Consequent on the collapse of France, and the installation of a ‘Free France’ Committee in London, the Commonwealth Government has been embarrassed by the extreme pro-Vichy activities And anti- British attitude of the Consul-General for France in Australia, M....’
192. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 8 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 579 8 November 1940, Reference your Circular D. 553 [1] and cable to you from Prime Minister, Canada. [2] I feel too much has been read into the projected resolutions which seem to me to go far enough but not too far. He raises in paragraph 12 a question...’
193. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 8 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 375 LONDON, 8 November 1940, 1.04 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Please convey following message to Prime Minister [1] immediately- BEGINS- We have received information that Greeks intend removing six of their nine battalions now at Crete for employment elsewhere. In the circumstances we cannot ask them to reconsider...’
194. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 8 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 580 8 November 1940, MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Repeated to Prime Minister of New Zealand [1], No. 59, and to Commander in Chief, Middle East. [2] Reference your telegram No. 376 to United Kingdom High Commissioner [3]: Agree that holding of Crete is of first importance and we are...’
195. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 7 November 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z350 LONDON, 7 November 1940 MOST SECRET Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. BEGINS. China. General Chiang Kai Shek [2] has proposed to His Majesty’s Ambassador at Chungking [3] that expression of Anglo-American- Chinese collaboration which he...’
196. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 9 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 379 LONDON, 9 November 1940, 11.30 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Commonwealth Government telegram No. 580 of 8th November. [1] Please convey to the Prime Minister [2] the great appreciation of H.M. Government in the United Kingdom of the co-operation of H.M. Government in the Commonwealth in this...’
197. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 373 WASHINGTON, 12 November 1940, 9.30 p.m. I saw Secretary of State [1] today and handed him Prime Minister’s message of congratulations for the President. [2] He told me confidentially that the Administration has under consideration list of items, the export of which to Japan may shortly be rendered...’
198. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 November 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 13 November 1940, 8.30 p.m. PERSONAL HIMSELF Food Policy. Since my telegram 30th July [1], discussions have been continued with the Minist[er] of Food [2] and with his officials on the probable trend of United Kingdom food imports policy. Have cabled you separately on canned fruits [3],...’
199. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 14 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 587 14 November 1940, SECRET Your telegrams No. 373 30th September [1] and Circular D.548 30th October [2] Ship Warrant Scheme. Commonwealth Government have given careful consideration to this matter and are agreeable to carrying out the interim procedure in so far as Japanese ships are concerned. This procedure...’
200. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 379 WASHINGTON, 15 November 1940, 11.49 p.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to London 114. I called on Berle [1] today. I started by advancing argument in the penultimate paragraph of my telegram No. 358 repeated to London 109. [2] After referring appreciatively to the economic and other action taken by...’
201. CABINET SUBMISSION BY SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 November 1940; ‘Agendum 491 18 November 1940 RECOGNITION OF CZECHOSLOVAK NATIONAL COMMITTEE AND OF PROVISIONAL CZECHOSLOVAK GOVERNMENT On 20th December, 1939, letters were exchanged between Lord Halifax [1] and Dr. Benes [2] on the subject of the formation of a Czechoslovak National Committee. [3] In his letter Lord Halifax recognised ‘that the...’
202. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 20 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 1023 LONDON, 20 November 1940, 5.40 p.m. FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PALESTINE. The United Kingdom Government’s statement of policy in May, 1939, set a definite limit of 84,000 to further Jewish emigration except with Arab consent. This policy was reaffirmed in March of this year after considerable discussion...’
203. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 21 November 1940; ‘Circular cablegram Z380 LONDON, 21 November 1940, 9.27 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please convey the following to the Prime Minister [1] for his Most Secret and Personal information. BEGINS. CHINA Chiang Kai Shek [2] indicated in putting forward Anglo-Chinese proposals set out in my telegram Circular Z. 350 [3]...’
204. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 22 November 1940; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 22 November 1940 I have to inform you that the proposals put forward by your Government in cablegrams Z311 and Z312 dated October 19th and 20th [1] have received the consideration of the Commonwealth Government. 2. The Commonwealth Government is in agreement with the interim measures proposed to...’
205. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 November 1940; ‘Circular cablegram D581 LONDON, 23 November 1940, 4.31 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My Circular D553 [1] and connected correspondence. [2] As a result of further consultation with His Majesty’s Government in Canada, the 3rd clause of the proposed resolution has again been revised. Certain further amendments have also been made to...’
206. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 24 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 611 24 November 1940, IMMEDIATE SECRET Japanese Consul-General [1] has informed us of intention of South Seas Trading Company to send party of commercial travellers to visit Papua, New Guinea and various Southern Pacific Islands including New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, New Hebrides and Solomon Islands, between December and March....’
207. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 389 WASHINGTON, 22 November 1940 I saw Hornbeck [2] today. He is convinced that Japanese are concentrating at Hainan and Southern Formosa so as to be ready to move by sea to an unknown destination which may possibly be Saigon or Camranh Bay. He clearly regards it as most...’
208. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE: 25 November 1940; ‘Minute 39 CANBERRA, 25 November 1940 SINGAPORE CONFERENCE The Prime Minister [1] referred to the alarming position in regard to the defence of Singapore, as revealed by the report of the recent Singapore Conference [2], and the probability that a request would be made to Australia for the despatch of...’
209. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 26 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 1357 26 November 1940, MOST SECRET Following for Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [1]- Your Circular Z. 380. [2] We approve of your proposed action regarding China. We would like to emphasize- (a) That the danger of China abandoning the struggle if not given immediate assistance seems to...’
210. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 November 1940; ‘Cablegram 395 WASHINGTON, 26 November 1940, 7.19 p.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to London 120. I took Burrell [1] to call on Secretary of the Navy [2] and Chief of Naval Operations [3] today. Secretary of the Navy holds the same views as expressed in first two paragraphs of my telegram...’
211. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN: 30 November 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 30 November 1940, Repeated to Washington No. 231 and Ottawa No. 64. Commonwealth Government has prohibited exportation of scrap iron and steel to all destinations except British Empire as from 27th November for purpose of conserving supplies for National and Empire requirements. Release of official statement on this...’
212. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 1 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 627 1 December 1940, MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE The Commonwealth Government has considered the report of the Singapore Defence Conference [1] and is gravely concerned at the most serious position revealed in regard to the defence of Malaya and Singapore. We realize of course that the United Kingdom Government also...’
213. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 407 WASHINGTON, 2 December 1940, 7.49 p.m. VERY SECRET President [1] has agreed to complete the confidential strategic staff conversations between Great Britain and the United States. The President had some misgivings arising from the possibility of leakage of information that they were taking place. Officers mentioned in my...’
214. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 3 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 1464 3 December 1940, IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET My cablegram No. 627 to Dominions Office [1] relative to Singapore Naval Base has since despatch been placed before the Advisory War Council, and it has recommended to the Government that representations be made to the United Kingdom Government regarding...’
215. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 3 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 1053 LONDON, 3 December 1940, 5.45 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL MOST SECRET PALESTINE. Illicit immigrants. As a result of [disaster] [1] ‘Patria’, question of refusing admission reconsidered by the United Kingdom Government. I strongly questioned the wisdom and urged adherence to decision already taken-my telegram No. 1023....’
216. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 411 WASHINGTON, 4 December 1940, 12.35 a.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to London 123. I had general talk with Secretary of State [1] to-day. He interprets the war as entering a new and dangerous phase with heavy sinkings of merchant vessels in Atlantic and he says that he has spent...’
217. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 634 6 December 1940, MOST SECRET His Majesty’s Government in Commonwealth of Australia have been informed [1] that attempts are being made at instigation of Axis Powers to resume illicit entry of Jewish immigrants into Palestine. In view of the vital importance of the Middle East and the concentration...’
218. SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 9 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 238 9 December 1940, MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR THE MINISTER Repeated to Tokyo No. 1. My immediately following telegram [1] summarizes representations made here by Japanese Consul-General [2] December 4. These, and form in which they were made, seem of considerable importance and have raised question in my mind...’
219. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN: 9 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 2 9 December 1940, SECRET At interview in Canberra December 4th the Consul-General of Japan [1] raised formally several questions affecting Australian- Japanese relations which his Government considered of first importance. Consul-General first referred to refusal of Commonwealth Government to allow transfer to London of approximately 400,000 held here...’
220. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 1073 LONDON, 10 December 1940, 6 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Some trouble here owing to Press report indicating that you stated in Parliament ‘British armoured forces 12 miles from East Buq Buq’ [1]; as suggested this was disclosure of information sent in most confidential cable....’
221. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 424 WASHINGTON, 11 December 1940, 1.13 a.m. Repeated to London No. 124. Your telegrams Nos. 238 and 239. [1] Technical discussions have been proceeding for the last month between Ministry of Economic Warfare, Officials of the British Embassy and the relevant Division of the State Department in an attempt...’
222. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 12 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 1607 12 December 1940, MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your cable 1073. [1] It had been announced by B.B.C. and from other sources that Australian troops had been engaged in battle in the Western Desert. Government under pressure for a statement and as usual in humiliating position of having to say...’
223. MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 9 TOKYO, 12 December 1940, 7.37 p.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to Washington No. 1. Secret your telegrams Nos. 1, 2, 3. Washington Nos. 238, 239. [1] From my conversations here and from what I have read in Embassy Papers regarding Japanese tactics it would seem that Japanese Consul General...’
224. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 14 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 649 14 December 1940, My telegrams 625 and 638. [1] We have conferred with Mansard [2] on defence and overseas force proposal. (1) As French Pacific has always been a single defence command, (2) as Noumea will be headquarters of proposed three battalions to be raised, (3) for facilitation...’
225. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 December 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 13 December 1940, 9.05 p.m. PERSONAL AND PRIVATE SECRET I am sure that you will be heartened by the fine victory the Imperial Armies have gained in Libya. This, coupled with his Albanian disasters, may go hard with Mussolini. Remember that I could not guarantee a few...’
226. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1940; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WASHINGTON, 15 December 1940, 1.29 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER AND I have excellent reasons to believe that there is a grave risk of Lloyd George [1] being made British Ambassador to U.S.A. [2] This is viewed with real alarm in high quarters...’
227. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 17 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 1701 17 December 1940, PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET It seems to me desirable that I should accept outstanding invitation to visit London to discuss matters of mutual war importance. Commonwealth Parliament has gone into recess until March and I could leave towards middle of January. Could you confirm that...’
228. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN: 17 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 7 17 December 1940, SECRET Repeated to Washington No. 247. For your personal information. Japanese Consul-General [1] yesterday communicated on instructions from Japanese Government name of Mr. Tatsuo Kawai as person it is proposed to appoint Japanese Minister in Australia. Name is now being submitted for approval of King....’
229. DEFENCE COMMITTEE MINUTE: 17 December 1940; ‘Minute 123/1940 17 December 1940, SECRET PRESENT Admiral Sir Ragnar Colvin, Chief of the Naval Staff Lt Gen V. A. H. Sturdee, Chief of the General Staff Air Commodore W. D. Bostock, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Essington Lewis, Director-General of Munitions F. R. Sinclair, Assistant Secretary of Department...’
230. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 18 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 653 18 December 1940, SECRET Your telegram 487 [1] conveying message for Sautot [2] from de Gaulle [3], regarding nickel. We do not quite appreciate your concern in desiring to prohibit entirely to Japan this ore. Ballard [4] has been in Australia for three weeks conferring with Interdepartmental Committee...’
231. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 1098 LONDON, 18 December 1940, 4 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Your cablegram No. 1701. [1] Have seen Prime Minister [2] and showed him your cable with omission of sentence re list of matters. He asked me to tell you how greatly your visit will be welcomed and...’
232. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 19 December 1940; ‘[LONDON], 19 December 1940 I saw the Prime Minister this afternoon [1] and gave him a copy of Menzies’ cable [2], explaining that I did not want to keep him a minute but as a brother Prime Minister was concerned, I felt I had to see him personally and get...’
233. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 436 WASHINGTON, 18 December 1940, 11.23 p.m. SECRET I had a long talk today to Hopkins, formerly Secretary of Commerce, who lives in the White House. I am on confidential terms with him. This may be used as a discreet channel to President’s [1] ear. President has returned completely...’
234. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 21 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 502 (extract) [1] Received [21 December 1940] [2], Separate notice of termination under Article 20, even if it were possible under terms of that article which makes no provision for it, would involve assumption that Treaty (and by implication other 45 in similar position) is still operative, notwithstanding the...’
235. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 1107 LONDON, 20 December 1940 SECRET Japanese Ministry at Canberra. Legation at Tokyo will have advised as to the career and personality of Mr. Kawai [1], but you will no doubt wish to have the Foreign Office view of him. Following based on talk with Dening and Ashley Clarke...’
236. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 510 LONDON, 23 December 1940, 2.50 a.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Your telegram 1st December No. 627. [1] Following for the Prime Minister [2], personal from the Prime Minister [3]- 1. I am most grateful for your promised help at Singapore in respect both of troops and of equipment and...’
237. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 28 December 1940; ‘Letter 232 LONDON, 28 December 1940 I have the honour to state that, following on the recognition of the Provisional Czechoslovak Government established in London, an enquiry has been received from that Government as to what steps should be taken to regularize the position of their consular representatives in the...’
238. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 20 TOKYO, 28 December 1940, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Reported here from Melbourne German raider using Japanese colours attacked Nauru. Please telegraph known facts and whether I should ask Japanese Government to protest against the misuse of colours. LATHAM _ _ [AA:A816, 56/301/21] ’
239. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN: 29 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 14 29 December 1940, Your No. 20. [1] Enemy raider shelled Phosphate Commission’s plant and buildings Nauru December 27th, causing serious damage. Not yet fully established what exact markings on raider were, but latest evidence indicates that during bombardment vessel flew Nazi flag and covered certain external Japanese markings...’
240. SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN: 30 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 16 30 December 1940, Repeated to External Affairs Officer, London [1], No. 187. My No. 14. [2] Naval Board now advises that first report from Administrator Nauru [3] of attack on island stated that raider had Japanese name and marking. Subsequent report from Administrator in reply to request for...’
241. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 676 30 December 1940, SECRET Reference telegram 118 to Foreign Office from Consul-General, Batavia. [1] In view of inauguration of Darwin-Dilli air service and authentic reports of Japanese encroachment and establishment of Japanese broadcasting station in Portuguese Timor, His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia would welcome the...’
242. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 December 1940; ‘Cablegram 677 30 December 1940, SECRET Your telegram 502. [1] Anglo-Italian Treaty. We appreciate your reasoning and in view of your statement that treaties of this character are ipso facto nullified by outbreak of war and the fact that this attitude would be taken at peace settlement we are prepared...’
243. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 3 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 24 3 January [1941] [1], IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For your urgent consideration and reply. I am a good deal exercised about projected visit to Great Britain as political position here precarious and principal lieutenants in Cabinet not very experienced. However I feel strongly that much mutual benefit might result...’
244. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 3 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 4 LONDON, 3 January 1941, 7.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET NEW CALEDONIA AND TAHITI With reference to Commonwealth telegram of 14th December, 649 [1], and New Zealand telegram No. 519 [2], arrangements proposed by the Commonwealth Government are desired by General de Gaulle. [3] His Majesty’s Government in the United...’
245. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 3 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 4 LONDON, 3 January 1941, 11.30 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram of 11th December, Circular Z.407. [1] Please give the following information, which is of the highest degree of secrecy, to the Prime Minister [2] for his most secret and personal information. BEGINS. 1. Staff conversations with...’
246. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 5 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 14 LONDON, 5 January 1941 FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF Your cablegram 24 [1] has caused me much anxious thought. In my view decision dependent on weighing political position in Australia against results you could achieve here. On former at this distance I can offer little useful comment. On...’
247. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 6 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 1 WASHINGTON, 6 January 1941, 10.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Justice of United States Supreme Court [1], whom I know well and who is great friend of Hopkins and close to the President [2], saw me today. He regards it as urgent and most important that following should be...’
248. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 7 January 1941; ‘Circular cablegram Z8 LONDON, 7 January 1941, 4.19 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following message, which is of the highest degree of secrecy, to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. BEGINS- 1. Following is brief summary of recommendations received from the Commander-in-Chief,...’
249. NOTE BY SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR Y. MATSUOKA, JAPANESE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 10 January 1941; ‘TOKYO, 10 January 1941 On 10th January, 1941, I called upon Mr. Y. Matsuoka, Foreign Minister. In the course of our conversation I said that I noticed a great difference between Japan in 1934 and in 1940. In 1934 I met a bright, happy, smiling and friendly people. The people...’
250. MEMORANDUM BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 January 1941; ‘Extract 13 January 1941 SECRET FRANCO-BRITISH RELATIONS SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF WAR [matter omitted] Free French Movement in Australia 43. In Australia, while, in accordance with the wishes of the French Government that its diplomatic and consular relations with the British Dominions should be retained, the Commonwealth Government has continued...’
251. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 29 LONDON, 19 January 1941, 12.05 a.m. SECRET (1) His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have had under consideration the recommendations of the Eastern Group Conference at Delhi, and in particular the scope and methods of operation of the arrangements proposed. We should be glad to receive as...’
252. SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, U.K. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, TO MR A. EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 21 January 1941; ‘Dispatch 27(2/381/41) (extract) TOKYO, 21 January 1941 I have the honour to report that the following appointments in the Japanese Diplomatic Service were announced in the official gazette of the 9th January:- Mr. Tatsuo Kawai, to be the first Minister to the Commonwealth of Australia; and Mr. Shinichi Chiba, to...’
253. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 21 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 63 LONDON, 21 January 1941, 7 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Bangkok. [1] Necessary arrangements can be made to hold Flying Boat for 24 hours and itinerary would be 1 day later at subsequent points. I gather your decision to pay official visit influenced by view...’
254. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR J. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN, NETHERLANDS CONSUL IN SYDNEY: 22 January 1941; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 22 January 1941 MOST SECRET I am in receipt of your letter of 18th January [1] in regard to the despatch of a Military Mission from Australia to the Netherlands East Indies for secret staff conferences. [2] The Commonwealth Government are in agreement with the proposals made in...’
255. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 23 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 43 23 January 1941 [1], My telegram 649. [2] Overseas force from French Oceania. In connection with question of raising, training and despatch of men from New Caledonia and Tahiti, the Naval Board expressed the view that due to general weakness of defence position in South Pacific and extreme...’
256. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 22 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 35 LONDON, 22 January 1941, 10.20 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 11 of 6th January Palestine. [1] In using the phrase which you quote, I had in mind no specific promises other than those conveyed in the Balfour declaration of November 1917 which as you may remember was formulated...’
257. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 January 1941; ‘Agendum 561 25 January 1941 AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE IN PORTUGUESE TIMOR The question of official British representation in Portuguese Timor was raised by the British Consul-General, Batavia [1], early in December last. The Consul-General expressed the view that if, as was reported, Japan intended to establish a Consulate at Dilli, a...’
258. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 59 TOKYO, 28 January 1941 In the event of severance of relations it will be necessary to entrust protection of our interests and legation property to some friendly neutral representative. The United Kingdom have selected Argentine and I suggest that you take the necessary steps at Buenos Aires and...’
259. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 29 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 57 29 January 1941, MOST SECRET Your telegrams 21 of 13th January [1], and 4 of 3rd January [2] to the United Kingdom High Commissioner. [3] Commonwealth Government have received, through the Consul of the Netherlands [4], invitation from the Governor-General of the Netherlands East Indies [5], to send...’
260. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR H. L. HOPKINS: 29 January 1941; ‘LONDON, 29 January 1941 I had a long conversation with Hopkins. [1] He was most cordial and friendly. I asked him how the President was standing up to the strain and expressed to him my intense admiration for the President and the work that he is doing. I particularly stressed...’
261. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 29 January 1941; ‘Cablegram GR228 (extract) SINGAPORE, 29 January 1941, 5.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Following is from the Prime Minister of Australia for personal information of the Acting Prime Minister and communication to the Ministers for the Navy, Army, Air and Chiefs of Staff. [1] After discussions at Singapore and with the Governor-General...’
262. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 88 LONDON, 29 January 1941, 7.40 p.m. SECRET Portuguese Timor. Your telegram No. 197 [1] and your telegram No. 201. [2] I conveyed your views to the Far Eastern Department [3] whose comment is as follows: We welcome the proposal of the Commonwealth Government to send someone to Timor...’
263. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 31 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 203 31 January 1941, SECRET Your No. 88. [1] Portuguese Timor. Recommendation for appointment of Commonwealth Official Representative as described in my No. 201 [2] is at present before Cabinet. [3] As Foreign Office were aware of proposal from my No. 197 [4] am surprised that they are now...’
264. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 76 WASHINGTON, 31 January 1941, 12.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram No. 407. [1] United Kingdom and United States conversations between delegations have now commenced. Burrell [2] is in daily consultation with United Kingdom delegation and is kept fully informed of all aspects of the conversations. Canadian representative...’
265. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 31 January 1941; ‘Cablegram 69 LONDON, 31 January 1941, 10.30 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 57 of 29th January. [1] It is understood from the Commander-in-Chief, Far East [2], that arrangements are now being made for a meeting at Singapore on 22nd February between representatives of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth of Australia and...’
266. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 3 February 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M17 LONDON, 3 February 1941, 7.10 p.m. Following for the Prime Minister. Telegram No. 5 to Canberra of 20th January from His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokyo. [1] JAPAN The Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in an interview with Australian journalists on 17th January stated that the Japanese ‘expansion...’
267. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 4 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 336 4 February 1941, IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 76 of 31st January. [1] We appreciate arrangements to inform us of progress of conversations. We have not yet been advised of United Kingdom Delegation’s instructions. Considerable importance is attached to early receipt of progress reports, especially in view of...’
268. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 4 February 1941; ‘Cablegram BA53 GAZA, 4 February 1941, 10.47 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For personal information of Acting Prime Minister- Reference your cablegram relative staff conversations Netherlands East Indies [1], it is noted that proposals are not in line with suggestions made in my cablegram from Singapore. [2] The latter course appeared...’
269. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 4 February 1941; ‘Cablegram BA52 GAZA, 4 February 1941, 12.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference Latham’s suggestion relative to Thailand [1], it will be recalled from the British Minister’s observations before my recent visit that the Thais did not desire it to be of official nature at the present time, for reasons stated....’
270. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN GAZA): 5 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 35 5 February 1941, MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your cablegram B.A.53 of 4th February. [1] Following is for personal information of Prime Minister from the Acting Prime Minister:- Proposals made in your cablegram of 29th January despatched from Singapore [2] were discussed with Chiefs of Staff. In view of your...’
271. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE: 5 February 1941; ‘Minute 119 MELBOURNE, 5 February 1941 JAPAN AND THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION (The three Chiefs of Staff [1] and the Minister for Air [2] were present during the latter part of the discussion on this subject). At the request of the non-Government members, a discussion took place in regard to the...’
272. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 68 TOKYO, 4 February 1941, 10.45 p.m. Repeated to Washington 12; London 12. My telegram No. 60. [1] Your telegram No. 46. [2] According to latest reports (which since they are reported to Naval Board Melbourne no doubt you have seen them) although Japanese cruisers at present in Gulf...’
273. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 6 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 341 6 February 1941, SECRET Recent press messages reaching here from United States sources refer to conclusion of defensive arrangements between United States and Australia-New Zealand. We are also informed by Latham [1] that prominence has been given to similar messages from New York in Japanese press. So far...’
274. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 80 6 February 1941, SECRET Portuguese Timor. Reference my telegram 767 [1] December 30th last. You will no doubt be already aware of communications from External Affairs Officer [2] to Foreign Office on question of representation in Portuguese Timor arising out of Batavia telegram 188 of December 10th last...’
275. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 92 WASHINGTON, 6 [February] [1] 1941, 7.22 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 341. [2] No press references to current talks [3] have been made here. Talks are unknown outside the very restricted official circles. On 2nd February references to the Hull-Casey talks of last year [4] appeared in...’
276. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 7 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 81 7 February 1941, MOST SECRET Your telegram 69 of 31st January. [1] His Majesty’s Government in Commonwealth of Australia will be represented at conversations at Singapore commencing 22nd February by Sir Ragnar Colvin [2] and Senior Officers from Army and Air force. In meantime, more junior representatives are...’
277. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 7 February 1941; ‘Circular cablegram Z38 LONDON, 7 February 1941, 1.20 a.m. MOST SECRET Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. BEGINS. Far East. Evidence is accumulating that the Japanese may already have decided to push on southward even if this means war....’
278. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 98 WASHINGTON, 7 February 1941, 4.01 p.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of Naval Staff [1] only from Naval Attache. [2] With reference to your telegram No. 336. [3] (1) Summary of United Kingdom delegation’s instructions. Begins. (A) Conversations to be based on hypothesis of war between Germany, Italy, Japan...’
279. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 99 WASHINGTON, 7 February 1941, 5.51 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram No. 98. [1] For Chief of Naval Staff [2] only from Naval Attache. [3] (1) First progress report. Discussion has been opened on major lines of strategy and co-operation in all theatres of war. Present position is as...’
280. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 73 TOKYO, 8 February 1941, 7.30 p.m. SECRET Repeated to Washington No. 13, London 13. Situation. Since my telegram No. 62 [1] press attacks on United States have continued until the last few days when there has been a lessening possibly in an attempt to create a better atmosphere...’
281. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER: 10 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 48 10 February 1941, Your telegrams of 6th February, No. 3 and of 27th January, (unnumbered). [1] The understanding of the Commonwealth Government is that, as French Pacific has always been a single Defence command, Sautot [2] will be responsible for Defence of all French possessions in Pacific, and...’
282. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING MINISTER FOR DEFENCE CO-ORDINATION: 11 February 1941; ‘Agendum 61/1941 11 February 1941 MOST SECRET SINGAPORE CONFERENCE REPORT-MODIFICATION OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND NAVAL DISPOSITIONS Dispositions proposed in Report of Singapore Defence Conference 1. In the report of the Singapore Defence Conference, 1940, the following observations were made in regard to the Naval Forces required in Australian and...’
283. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 112 WASHINGTON, 11 February 1941 Personal for Hodgson from Watt. Tonight I reluctantly suggested to Minister [1] he should return to Washington at once if his health permitted. As I see position, staff conversations may reach impasse very soon, and political representations become necessary in endeavour to overcome United...’
284. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 12 February 1941; ‘Minute 793 SYDNEY, 12 February 1941 SUPPLEMENT NO. 1 TO AGENDUM NO. 282/1940-ASSISTANCE FOR NEW CALEDONIA [1] (Previous reference-Minute No. (740) [2]). With reference to Minute No. (681) of 7th January, 1941 [3], it was noted that General de Gaulle [4] had agreed to Staff Conversations being held in New...’
285. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 12 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 87 12 February 1941, Your cablegram No. 50 of 28th January [1] received through the United Kingdom High Commissioner [2]- Service advisers of His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia have most carefully considered the views put forward in your telegram referring to the Singapore Conference Report. Part...’
286. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 12 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 681 12 February 1941, MOST SECRET War Cabinet has today given consideration to question of armed forces necessary for defence of Australia combined with adjacent areas in the Pacific and the Far East, having regard to present menacing Japanese position. [1] If situation should deteriorate calling for further reinforcement...’
287. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN CAIRO): 12 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 57 12 February 1941, War Cabinet today gave consideration to cablegrams Nos. 49 and 50 of the 28th January from the United Kingdom Government dealing with report of Singapore Conference in event of war with Japan. [1] In latter cable suggestion made that we might agree not to insist...’
288. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 12 February 1941; ‘Memorandum 12 February 1941, UNITED STATES POLICY IN THE PACIFIC 1. During the past few weeks there has been increasing evidence that Japan intends to make a major move south in the near future. No single piece of this evidence is strong enough to justify the conclusion that she has...’
289. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE: 13 February 1941; ‘Minute 145 SYDNEY, 13 February 1941 INTERNATIONAL SITUATION-FEBRUARY 11TH, 1941 (Previous reference-Minute No. (125) [1]). (The Minister for Supply and Development [2] was present for the discussion of this subject). The statement on the international situation prepared by the Department of External Affairs, dated 11th February, 1941 [3], was read...’
290. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 12 February 1941; ‘Circular cablegram Z44 LONDON, 12 February 1941, 9.20 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram Circular Z. 43. [1] Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [2] for his Most Secret and Personal information. BEGINS. Following message has been sent by Chiefs of Staff to our Naval...’
291. SIR WILLIAM GLASGOW, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN CANADA, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 12 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 160 OTTAWA, 12 February 1941, 4.19 p.m. FOR ACTING PRIME MINISTER I recently suggested to the Minister of National Defence [1] desirability of closer liaison between Canada and Australia in the exchange of information regarding military dispositions in the Pacific area. I suggest that this exchange of information should...’
292. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 114 WASHINGTON, 12 February 1941, 6.25 p.m. MOST SECRET With reference to my telegram 113. [1] (2) Summary of interview between Halifax [2] and the President. [3] (3) Halifax gave the President summary of the latest British information concerning Japanese plans, and the President said much of it corresponded...’
293. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 13 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 91 13 February 1941, IMMEDIATE SECRET Censorship authorities intercepted message dated 31st January between Head Office Mitsubishi and Sydney instructing all dispensable employees to return to Japan. As the message was in clear language and known to be open to censorship, this may be only bluff. The Japanese Consul-General...’
294. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 117 WASHINGTON, 13 February 1941, 12.22 a.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] (1) Conversations are proceeding and have reached following stage:- (a) In their view main United States contribution should be in Atlantic and Mediterranean. With this United Kingdom delegation has agreed...’
295. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 14 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 93 14 February 1941, URGENT Reference cable No. 29 of 19th January. [1] Proposed Eastern Group Supply Council, whilst we are generally in accord with the proposals as a commencing point for the establishment of the Council, we desire to offer the following comments, related in each case to...’
296. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 120 WASHINGTON, 13 February 1941, 5.46 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR HODGSON FROM WATT Reference my telegram No. 114. [1] (1) For what they are worth my purely personal comments are as follows: (a) No man (not excluding President Roosevelt) can foretell precisely how American opinion will react...’
297. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 14 February 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CAIRO, 14 February 1941, 7.15 p.m. SECRET General impression particularly in Netherlands East Indies, Singapore and Bangkok that the Japanese mean some sort of mischief and that only very strong line by the United States will restrain them. Casey [1] should be instructed to concert with Halifax [2]...’
298. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 14 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 125 LONDON, 14 February 1941, 7.35 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR ACTING PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Far East situation. Press here have given great publicity to joint statement by yourself and Curtin after meeting of War Advisory Council [1] featuring it with large headlines on front and other pages, eg., ‘Grave...’
299. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 14 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 128 LONDON, 14 February 1941, 7.35 p.m. FOR ACTING PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram No. 681. [1] Chiefs of Staff appreciation on the Far East, summary of which Dominions Office will cable you, shows first reinforcements for the Far East will be drawn from India as the...’
300. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 15 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 97 [15 February 1941] [1], My Government has recently given consideration to a combined Far Eastern Appreciation of the Australian Chiefs of Staff, February, 1941 [2], which is summarized hereunder: The situation on which the appreciation is based is as follows: A. The war position is that obtaining on...’
301. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 87 TOKYO, 15 February 1941, 1.30 p.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to Washington 15, London 16. I saw Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs [1] to correct the statement reported in my telegram No. 84. [2] He deplored messages sent by British and United States Ambassadors [3] which he said were...’
302. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 126 WASHINGTON, 15 February 1941, 9.52 p.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to London No. 7, repeated to Tokyo No. 7. I saw Hornbeck [1] yesterday. State Department have no evidence that Japan intends early southward action. He believes it more than probable that they will consolidate Indo-China and prepare springboards...’
303. BROADCAST MESSAGE BY MR W. M. HUGHES, ATTORNEY-GENERAL AND MINISTER FOR THE NAVY: 16 February 1941; ‘Extracts SYDNEY, 16 February 1941 [evening] [1] The rapid deterioration of affairs in the Far East during the last few days has created a situation which Mr. Fadden and Mr. Curtin have declared in a joint statement to be grave. [2] The meetings of the War Cabinet and War Council...’
304. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 16 February 1941; ‘Circular cablegram Z47 LONDON, 16 February 1941, 5.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. BEGINS: 1. Reference my Circular telegram Z.43 of 11th February. [2] Review by our military advisers of strategical implications of a...’
305. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 100 17 February 1941, SECRET We have considered your request contained in Circular D.74 of 15th February [1], to suspend forthwith existing practice in dealing with Japanese vessels and to refer all applications to Ministry of Shipping for approval. We think there are some factors which we should mention...’
306. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 101 LONDON, 17 February 1941, 11.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET In connection with United States lease or loan bill, we have been asked by the United States Administration to submit as a matter of the utmost urgency estimates of our requirements not only of warlike stores, but also of other...’
307. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH JONKHEER E. MICHIELS VAN VERDUYNEN, NETHERLANDS MINISTER TO THE UNITED KINGDOM: 18 February 1941; ‘Extract [LONDON], 18 February 1941 The Dutch Minister came to see me [1] and told me that he had recently drafted a note to the Foreign Office on behalf of his Government. He pointed out that as Australia had been mentioned in the note he felt he should come and...’
308. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 93 TOKYO, 19 February 1941, 6.35 p.m. [Repeated to] Washington 16, London 18. My telegram No. 87. [1] Defensive measures in Malaya and reports of concern with respect to Eastern situation shown in London Washington and Australia have had steadying effect here. LATHAM _ 1 Document 301. _ [AA:A1608,...’
309. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 141 WASHINGTON, 19 February 1941, 4.58 p.m. SECRET Repeated to Tokyo 11 Secret. Netherlands Minister here [1] tells me that his Government has been informed by Portuguese Government that they believe Japanese attack on Portuguese Timor is a serious possibility. Portuguese state that their defence plan includes the evacuation...’
310. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 110 LONDON, 20 February 1941, 9.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 62 of 30th January [1] and 100 of 17th February _consider that it is essential that we should attempt to secure the co-operation of Japanese shipowners in the Ship Warrant Scheme; only alternatives appear to be either to...’
311. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 21 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 69 21 February 1941, SECRET Exchange of Ministers with China- Although matter has not yet been formally discussed in Cabinet, we have given some consideration this week to question of exchange of Ministers between Australia and China. Minister External Affairs [1] received on 17th February letter from Chinese Consul-General...’
312. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 21 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 73 21 February 1941, SECRET Your telegram of 14th February, Far East and Thailand. [1] We have had whole question under close examination during last fortnight [2] and are communicating to you, Latham [3] and Casey [4], our considered views. [5] As you are now aware, Casey and Halifax...’
313. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 109 22 February 1941, Your secret telegram 110 of 20th February. [1] Ship Warrant Scheme. Commonwealth Government quite appreciates that possibilities of securing co-operation of Japanese shipowners for this scheme should be fully tested. The points made by Japanese Consul General [2] were forwarded to you for information and...’
314. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 110 22 February 1941, SECRET IMMEDIATE Repeated to Prime Minister of New Zealand [1] No. 263. Your telegram 101 of 17th February [2] re Lease or Loan Bill. We agree with your suggestions, namely- (i) Australian figures to be included with your own. (ii) Orders, both for warlike stores...’
315. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 95 TOKYO, 22 February 1941, 2.20 p.m. [Repeated to] London No. 19, Washington No. 19. Minister for Foreign Affairs [1] has told the British Ambassador [2] that reports of movements of troops and what was regard[ed] as defensive preparations in Australia and elsewhere have resulted in strong pressure by...’
316. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 151 WASHINGTON, 21 February 1941, 10.10 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF. [1] FROM NAVAL ATTACHE [2] Fourth Progress Report. Following is summary of the United Kingdom Delegation appreciation, vide paragraph (2) of my telegram 117 [3], begins. Maintenance of fleet base at Singapore cardinal point in...’
317. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 116 LONDON, 23 February 1941, 5.45 p.m. MOST SECRET Commonwealth Government’s telegram No. 87 of 13th February. [1] NAVAL DISPOSITIONS. Matter has been very carefully considered here, and following sets out our views:- 1. It is agreed that the South Western Pacific: area should be regarded as a whole,...’
318. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 159 WASHINGTON, 24 February 1941, 12.15 a.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] Fifth Progress Report. (1) Following is summary vide last paragraph of telegram No. 151. [3] The views expressed have received the approval of the United States Chiefs of Staff but...’
319. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO SENATOR H. S. FOLL, MINISTER FOR INFORMATION: 24 February 1941; ‘Letter 24 February 1941, CONFIDENTIAL On January 14th, I addressed the following telegram [1] to the Department of External Affairs for you:- ‘Secret. I have been told privately by State Department of possibility of Congressional investigation of all British publicity organisations here. I would ask therefore that no further reference...’
320. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR M. SHIGEMITSU, JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM: 25 February 1941; ‘LONDON, 25 February 1941 I had a long talk with the Japanese Ambassador. The Meeting was the result of the attached letter [1] from the Ambassador asking me to lunch with him, to which I had to reply I could not do that, but suggesting I would come and have...’
321. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 25 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 153 LONDON, 25 February 1941, 9.20 p.m. MOST SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL FOR THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER You are receiving from Dominions Office a cable regarding proposed military assistance to Greece. [1] Matter is of great moment to us because the forces initially contemplated are 2 Australian divisions, 1 New...’
322. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 26 February 1941; ‘Cablegram 82 26 February 1941, MOST SECRET Your No. 153 [1] was considered by War Cabinet this afternoon. After full discussion, and after giving full weight to the points made by you in its favour, it was decided to concur in the proposed use of two Australian divisions in the...’
323. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1941; ‘Dispatch S-22/1/41 TOKYO, 26 February 1941 I have the honour to report that I have seen Mr. T. Kawai [1] on several occasions. At first he may impress you as a very reserved and possibly suspicious man, but I think that a great deal of this is due to shyness...’
324. RECORD OF MEETING AT U.K. FOREIGN OFFICE: 26 February 1941; ‘LONDON, 26 February 1941, 3.30 p.m. SECRET PRESENT R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London F. G. Shedden, Secretary of the Department of Defence Co- ordination Lord Cranborne, U.K. Dominions Secretary R. A. Butler, U.K. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Sir Alexander Cadogan,...’
325. MR F. K. OFFICER, COUNSELLOR OF THE LEGATION IN TOKYO, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 27 February 1941; ‘Letter (extract) TOKYO, 27 February 1941 There is one thing that makes me rather anxious and that is whether London, in collaboration with Canberra, is thinking out our future policy with regard to this country. It is, of course, generally agreed that under present conditions, with a more or less...’
326. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 1 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 973 1 March 1941, The following message has been received from the Australian Minister, Tokio [1]- Begins. ‘Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] sent for me specially to ask that consideration be given to Japanese wool requirements. Did not disguise that some required for Army use but also wishes...’
327. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 1 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 165 LONDON, 1 March 1941, 4.05 p.m. FOR THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 82 [1] was conveyed by me to the Prime Minister [2] and fully discussed at the War Cabinet. The Government here recognizes that the size of the force must seem relatively small....’
328. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 1 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 166 LONDON, 1 March 1941, 1.40 p.m. FOR THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Following is summarized report of official discussions during the week ended 28th February, the references being to parts of brief PART I (1) Political Far East and Anglo-French policy discussed with Foreign Office. Following are...’
329. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR H. L. ANTHONY, MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO ASSISTING THE TREASURER AND THE MINISTER FOR COMMERCE (IN WELLINGTON): 4 March 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 4 March 1941, Your cablegram of 26th February [1] suggesting creation of Council consisting of Minister or Ministers to meet periodically to discuss war questions affecting New Zealand and Australia, particularly in relation to Munitions, was considered by War Cabinet which feels that heavy demands at present made...’
330. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 4 March 1941; ‘Cablegram M1 LONDON, 4 March 1941, 8.24 p.m. MOST SECRET AND FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLY So far the chief value of my visit has undoubtedly been its effect on the general opinion and the spirit of the people here. There has been a good response to such speeches as I...’
331. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 4 March 1941; ‘Cablegram M2 LONDON, 4 March 1941, 8.24 p.m. MOST SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL I have been interested to find here from discussions in the highest quarters that there is intense feeling against the neutrality policy of Southern Ireland. I can tell you quite positively as a result of very long and...’
332. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 113 TOKYO, 4 March 1941, 6.55 p.m. My telegram No. 112. [1] The Minister for Foreign Affairs on day of publication took steps to inform both the British and United States Ambassadors [2] that he had been misquoted and that his answer had been to the effect that Japan...’
333. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 116 TOKYO, 5 March 1941, 1 p.m. I have received to-day letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs [1] requesting me to bring to your notice a report from Japanese Consulate General Sydney that ‘on 26th February Minister for the Navy, Mr. W. M. Hughes in a national radio...’
334. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 5 March 1941; ‘Minute 894, MELBOURNE, 5 March 1941 SPEECH BY MR. MENZIES AT THE FOREIGN PRESS ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON IN LONDON The Acting Prime Minister [1] referred to press references to the speech made by Mr. Menzies [2] at the Foreign Press Association luncheon, which appeared to have been interpreted by some local...’
335. LT GEN SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, G.O.C. 2ND A.I.F. IN THE MIDDLE EAST, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 5 March 1941; ‘Letter [CAIRO], 5 March 1941 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I sent a wire to you in the following terms- ‘Operations plan in preparation includes Australian Corps less one division (.) Have pointed out necessity of obtaining concurrence Australian Government (.) With New Zealand troops majority of force from Dominions (.)...’
336. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 5 March 1941; ‘Cablegram M3 LONDON, 5 March 1941, 1.33 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Notice in press cables that Beasley [1] thinks that I have minimised the seriousness of the Pacific situation. Do not know how this impression arises. In reality my speech was primarily addressed to the Foreign Office which, though I...’
337. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 118 TOKYO, 5 March 1941, 7.40 p.m. SECRET Repeated to Washington No. 20 London No. 21. Improvement of the attitude reported in my telegram No. 105 [1] has been maintained and I find some of my colleagues who should be well informed believe in the truth for the time...’
338. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 6 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 17 LONDON, 6 March 1941, 10.49 p.m. Following is text of statement I have to-day made to Press: ‘In view of the fact that some misapprehension appears to exist in Australia as to true nature of my recent speech on Pacific, I desire to recapitulate substance my statement as...’
339. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 7 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 112 7 March 1941, Now that Cabinet and War Council meetings have concluded you should know the atmosphere here, particularly in relation to the Pacific situation. Despite anything you may have read on recent developments I would like you to know there is no need for concern. Any difficulties...’
340. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 122 TOKYO, 7 March 1941, 6.25 p.m. I have seen your telegrams 62 [1] and 109 [2] to Dominions Office and Dominions Office telegram No. 110 [3] to you and gathered from your telegram 109 that you are satisfied with the position. British Embassy has almost concluded its negotiations...’
341. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, AND TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 7 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 183 WASHINGTON, 7 March 1941, 8.08 p.m. SECRET FOR MINISTER AND PRIME MINISTER In reported proposed secret session of Parliament no doubt it will be ensured that no reference is made that might compromise the Lease-Lend Bill which is in delicate final stage. Although the warning is probably quite...’
342. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 8 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 218 8 March 1941, URGENT SECRET Charge d’Affaires Japanese Legation [1] in submitting names of staff of Legation informs Commonwealth Government that Japanese Government are appointing Military, Naval and Assistant Military Attaches to Legation. [2] He has been informed that question is under consideration, that policy of Commonwealth Government...’
343. NOTE OF CONVERSATIONS AT U.K. ADMIRALTY: 8 March 1941; ‘Extract LONDON, 8 March 1941 MOST SECRET 2. GENERAL NAVAL STRATEGICAL POSITION [matter omitted] (ii) Far East The Vice Chief of the Naval Staff [1] stated that in the plans made for war with Japan it had not been contemplated that the British Empire would be fighting Germany, Italy and...’
344. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 8 March 1941; ‘Cablegram M13 LONDON, 8 March 1941, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET I am sending you a complete copy of telegrams that have been passing on the question of Aid to Greece. [1] The code words refer to the Island[s] [2] which it is proposed...’
345. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 10 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 123 10 March 1941, MOST SECRET War Cabinet has given close consideration to your cable M.13 [1] together with copy of telegrams which have been passing on the question of aid to Greece. [2] The grave risk which is involved in the adventure is fully recognised. The factors to...’
346. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, LONDON: 11 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 1118 11 March 1941, Flour shipments North China. Australian Wheat Board experiencing difficulty securing British Ministry of Shipping Warrants for North China. Navy Office has informed Board that vessels not to proceed north of Hong Kong without its consent. Board cabled London recently and asked if the Norwegian Mission...’
347. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 11 March 1941; ‘Cablegram Z66 LONDON, 11 March 1941,9 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. BEGINS. 1. We have had in mind for some time that it would be desirable to persuade the United States Government that...’
348. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN: 12 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 83 12 March 1941, Your telegram No. 122. [1] Your advice regarding position of Japanese shipping companies in relation to ship warrants scheme is noted with interest. The scheme as originally applied to Japanese ships amended as regards bunker supplies to comply with the United Kingdom Government’s latest request...’
349. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 191 WASHINGTON, 11 March 1941, 9.02 p.m. SECRET Pacific Air Routes As you know the question of our granting landing rights in Australia to Pan American Airways has been the subject of many representations on behalf of Pan American and has frequently been referred to by State Department. According...’
350. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR M. SHIGEMITSU, JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM: 12 March 1941; ‘[LONDON], 12 March 1941 As a result of the Japanese Ambassador telephoning to me last Friday asking when our next tea party was to take place, he came to my flat at 5.0 p.m. yesterday afternoon when we had a further long conversation. The Ambassador opened by expressing his appreciation...’
351. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 12 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 188 LONDON, 12 March 1941, 6.25 p.m. URGENT FOR THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER FROM THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 218. [1] My view coincides with yours that under the present circumstances it would be most undesirable to have Japanese Service Attaches in Australia. I agree that...’
352. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 192 NOUMEA, 13 March 1941, 3.30 p.m. My telegram No. 189. [1] Political side of this question will not have escaped your notice. Whatever the origin of the present mission, all that the Governor [2] knows is de Gaulle’s [3] statement in your telegram No. 152 [4] that the...’
353. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 194 WASHINGTON, 13 March 1941, 6.55 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE I was asked by Hornbeck [1] today if informal visits to Australian waters would be agreeable to the Australian Government of a detachment consisting of two cruisers, CHICAGO and PORTLAND, plus five destroyers CLARK, CASSIN, CONYNGHAM, DOWNES and...’
354. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 135 TOKYO, 14 March 1941, 6.40 p.m. SECRET I paid a visit to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the evening of 12th March at his private house immediately before his departure for Europe and emphasised the earnestness of Great Britain and the Dominions in the war, our determination...’
355. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 199 WASHINGTON, 14 March 1941, 7.29 p.m. MOST SECRET From Naval Attache [1] to Chief of Naval Staff. [2] With reference to my telegram No. 159. [3] Progress report 6. (1) Probable date of completion of conversations, March 25th. (2) United States have accepted the responsibility for strategical direction...’
356. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 15 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 194 LONDON, 15 March 1941, 2.51 p.m. Your telegram No. 1118, flour shipments to North China. [1] Matter has again been discussed with Ministry of Shipping. Two considerations have influenced their decision. The first and most important arises out of the extreme difficulty of the shipping position and the...’
357. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 16 March 1941; ‘Cablegram M18 LONDON, 16 March 1941, 5.42, p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET I have been interviewed by General de Gaulle [1] with reference to problems associated with New Caledonia, Tahiti and the New Hebrides. As the French Colonial Administration system has always been much more centralised...’
358. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 137 TOKYO, 18 March 1941, 7.40 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 87. [1] I am in agreement completely with the attitude you have adopted in your second and third paragraphs but suggest that you urge in addition the difficulty of receiving the Attaches under the present conditions of Japan being...’
359. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO: 19 March 1941; ‘Sir John Latham, Minister to Japan Cablegram 89 19 March 1941 SECRET Your telegram No. 120. [1] All instructions regarding control of exports by Governor in New Caledonia [2] are given by General de Gaulle [3] and suggestion that Commonwealth Government exercising influence in this connection can be definitely repudiated....’
360. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 21 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 180 LONDON, 21 March 1941, 3.30 a.m. MOST SECRET My telegram 13th March Commonwealth of Australia 160 [1], New Zealand 88. Following are the views of our military advisers on telegraphic report of the conference. [2] These have been communicated to Commanderin-Chief Far East. Considered views of H.M.G. in...’
361. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY: 25 March 1941; ‘Sir Frederick Stewart, Minister for External Affairs Agendum 615 25 March 1941 AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE IN PORTUGUESE TIMOR On the recommendation put forward in Agendum No. 561 of 25th January last [1], Cabinet gave its approval for an approach to the Portuguese Government with a view to obtaining Portuguese assent to...’
362. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 25 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 185 LONDON, 25 March 1941, 4.30 a.m. SECRET Commonwealth Government’s telegram No. 93 of 14th February [1], and New Zealand Government’s telegram No. 32 of 30th January. [2] His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom are glad to note that His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth and His Majesty’s...’
363. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 26 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 162 26 March 1941, SECRET War Cabinet today gave consideration to Circular Z.66 of the 11th March from Dominions Office [1] which, in view of the present situation, has given us some cause for optimism as to the possibility of a joint declaration on the lines indicated therein. A...’
364. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 26 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 164 26 March 1941, SECRET Washington telegram No. 21 to you. [1] Pacific Air Service. For reasons of high policy touched on in Casey’s telegram, Cabinet has been considering desirability of reopening question of extension of Pan-American Airways South Pacific service to Australia. As you are aware, the Commonwealth...’
365. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 227 (extract) WASHINGTON, 25 March 1941, 5.31 p.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] With reference to my telegram No. 199. [3] Seventh Progress Report. (1) Final report envisages exchange of Military Missions with the United States when the United States enter the...’
366. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 187 27 March 1941, MOST SECRET His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has considered report of Anglo-Dutch-Australian Conference at Singapore, February, 1941 [1], and submits following observations:- MUTUAL REINFORCEMENTS 1. The Commonwealth Government will provide Army units to reinforce Ambon and Koepang and also an air striking...’
367. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 27 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 166 27 March 1941, MOST SECRET Please see cablegram No. 187 to Dominions Office regarding AngloDutch-Australian Conversations at Singapore. [1] 2. In expressing the views indicated in paragraph 7 of the cablegram, War Cabinet were influenced by the opinion contained in your telegram M.20 of 12th March [2] that...’
368. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 27 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 427 27 March 1941, Following from Commerce. Begins. Prime Minister [1] is at Present discussing with British Government possible effects on Australian food exports of shipping developments and American Lend Lease programme. We are most disturbed at prospects for some of our major foodstuffs particularly meat, eggs, wheat and...’
369. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO: 27 March 1941; ‘Mr R. G. Casey, Minister to the United States Cablegram 430 27 March 1941 For your information Tremoulet, ex-French Consul General, left Australia on 7th March for United States and Censorship discloses that French Ambassador at Washington [1] is being instructed to lodge a formal protest with you regarding certain...’
370. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 27 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 176 27 March 1941, Despatches received today from General Blamey [1] regarding Lustre Force [2] include copy of letter addressed to you dated 5th March. [3] It is assumed that aspects regarding command of Force outlined therein were discussed by you with the United Kingdom authorities. Am particularly concerned...’
371. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN TOKYO: 28 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 99 28 March 1941, Following for your confidential information. From 1st April action is being taken to restrict exports from Australia to Japan of commodities of strategical significance mentioned hereunder. Zinc concentrates limited to 20,000 tons. Pig lead and lead concentrates limited to 4,500 tons of pig lead or...’
372. NOTE BY SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR T. KAWAI, JAPANESE MINISTER TO AUSTRALIA: 28 March 1941; ‘SYDNEY, 28 March 1941 I saw the Japanese Minister for 60 minutes today, during which he spoke for 50 minutes and I for ten. The single subject was that of Attaches. I advised him that we would prefer that the request for an exchange of Attaches should be deferred for...’
373. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 29 March 1941; ‘Cablegram M35 LONDON, 29 March 1941, 1.30 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 176 of 28th March. [1] I have not yet received letter from Blamey dated 5th March [2] to which you refer. It seems curious for Blamey to write and not cable on matters of such urgency. I pointed...’
374. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 March 1941; ‘Dispatch S-35 (extracts) TOKYO, 30 March 1941 CONFIDENTIAL I have the honour to report that articles in the Japanese press in the past few days show that the Japanese feel greatly flattered by the reception given to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Matsuoka, in Berlin. [1] The reports of...’
375. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 March 1941; ‘Cablegram 241 WASHINGTON, 31 March 1941, 6.26 p.m. SECRET Repeated to London 37, and to Tokyo 15. In accordance with diplomatic practice, I called on the Japanese Ambassador [1] today. He made the following observations: (1) That his mission was to endeavour to keep peace. (2) That the Japanese Navy...’
376. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 1 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M38 LONDON, 1 April 1941, 9.03 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your telegram 162. [1] Circular Z.66 [2] was despatched subsequent to discussions with the Foreign Office at which I had urged the importance of a joint declaration and drawing up some line beyond which Japan should not go....’
377. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TOMR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 2 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 185 2 April 1941, The reduction in value of our exports of foodstuffs to United Kingdom to 13.6 million in 1941-42 and subsequent years for duration of war would spell the death-knell of our primary industries if war were prolonged; would create very serious problems in public and private...’
378. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 206 [2 April 1941] [1], MOST SECRET My telegram No. 187 of 27th March [2] paragraph s. The Commonwealth Government’s views as to the scope of and points for discussion at the proposed conference at Singapore are as follows:- 2. The suggested scope of the conference is:- (a) To...’
379. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 169 TOKYO, 2 April 1941, 6.55 p.m. Vice-Minister [1] sent for me yesterday and gave me long message from Matsuoka [2] asking for my assistance to his appeal that Wilhelm Herman Solf be released from internment in Australia and either be allowed to return to Germany or to stay...’
380. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 250 WASHINGTON, 2 April 1941, 6.21 p.m. MOST SECRET Chief of Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] Reference my telegram 199 [3], paragraph 2, and Acting Prime Minister’s telegram No. 16 [4], paragraph 17. Final report envisages in some circumstances Pacific Fleet (with main base at Hawaii) operating...’
381. SIR EARLE PAGE, MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 3 April 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 3 April 1941, Information received from Casey [1] and Macgregor [2] indicates that representatives of British Ministry of Food are already in United States for purpose negotiating on Lend-Lease programme. We gather that 50,000 tons cheese, 100,000 tons of dried milk, 80,000 tons of pork, 100,000 tons of...’
382. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 3 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 197 3 April 1941, MOST SECRET Reference penultimate paragraph my 176 of 27th March. [1] Lengthy appreciation of position has now been received from General Blamey [2] which gives us better understanding of position and makes us more confident of the outcome. 2. We are seriously disturbed however in...’
383. MR A.W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 4 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 200 4 April 1941, Following telegrams received from Latham [1], forwarded for your information:- ‘No. 168. Have heard wireless report of proposed appointment of Australian Minister to Chungking. If this is done it is sure to produce strong anti-Australian reaction here. Accordingly I suggest announcement of appointment if made...’
384. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 4 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 210 4 April 1941, MOST SECRET Wallis Island. Your telegram 71 of 3rd February transmitting message for Sautot from de Gaulle [1] and reply from Sautot No. 189 of 27th March. [2] It is clear from the latter that resistance on the part of the Islanders is most likely....’
385. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 5 April 1941; ‘Cablegram [202] [1] 5 April 1941, MOST SECRET Following communique dated 4th April has been received from General Wavell [2] and repeated to General Blamey [3]:- ‘1. At time enemy advanced Australian Division less one brigade were on escarpment east and north east of Benghasi. Capture [of MSUS] [4] by...’
386. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 5 April 1941; ‘Circular cablegram D182 LONDON, 5 April 1941, 3.51 p.m. SECRET 1. We have been considering the possible steps which we could take inter alia in economic sphere as counter action in the event of further Japanese moves to the south. Two suggestions have been made which seem to be worth...’
387. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 6 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 204 6 April 1941, Following cablegram has been received by Spender [1] from Blamey [2]:- ‘Reference proposal withdraw Australian Units from Lustre for reinforcement Cyrenaica. Have cabled Commander-in-Chief [3] today as follows- BEGINS-In view difficulty maintaining large enemy force in North Africa consider full advantage should be taken of...’
388. MEMORANDUM BY MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 10 April 1941; ‘n.d. [between 5 and 10 April 1941] IRELAND On Thursday last, April 3rd, I flew to Belfast, where I had a series of conversations with Mr. Andrews, the Prime Minister, and with other leading citizens. On Friday morning I proceeded to Dublin, where on Friday and Saturday I had lengthy...’
389. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 7 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M44 LONDON, 7 April 1941, 4.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your No. 202 [1], I appreciate and share your anxieties though I hope that after reading this cable you may feel somewhat reassured. In regard to the earlier opinion that the Benghazi front could be held, it...’
390. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 230 LONDON, 7 April 1941, 10.10 p.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Arising out of staff talks at Washington, it is proposed to convene a conference at Singapore to prepare plans for conducting military operations in the Far East on the basis of Anglo-United States, Dutch co-operation in conformity with the...’
391. SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN: 8 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 112 8 April 1941, Understand that British Ambassador [1] will be consulting you on certain economic measures which United Kingdom Government have in contemplation as possible counter-action in event of further Japanese moves southward. Two suggestions which have been made in this connection are (a) placing of Mitsui, Mitsubishi,...’
392. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY SENATOR H. S. FOLL, MINISTER FOR THE INTERIOR: 8 April 1941; ‘Agendum 130/1941 8 April 1941 ADMISSION OF POLISH REFUGEES FROM JAPAN The Australian Minister at Tokyo [1] states that the Polish Ambassador in Japan [2] has made strong representations to him in regard to the Commonwealth agreeing to allow a certain number of Polish refugees, at present in Japan, to...’
393. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 8 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 209 8 April 1941, In cable to Dominions Office, dated 22nd February [1] setting out our requirements for war and essential civil needs from U.S.A. up to June 1942 we agreed that all orders both for warlike stores and other commodities should be placed through British Supply Council in...’
394. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 8 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M47 LONDON, 8 April 1941, 8.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Active discussions at War Cabinet last night about the Middle East. I spoke freely about the Benghazi business. It is admitted that Wavell [1] completely under-estimated the speed and power of the German attack and I think that...’
395. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 9 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 454 9 April 1941, MOST SECRET For Naval Attache [1] from Chief of Naval Staff [2] Your telegram No.250 of 2nd April, 1941. [3] We learn with great satisfaction that it is envisaged in some circumstances that Pacific Fleet (with main base at Hawaii) would operate in Caroline area....’
396. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 9 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 455 9 April 1941, 6.15 p.m. Your telegram No. 254. [1] Request that Macgregor [2] should be accredited direct to the State Department was made by the Minister for Commerce [3] because he felt in some respects our interests might not be in the minds of the representatives of...’
397. MR P. FRASER, N.Z. PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 9 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 73 WELLINGTON, 9 April 1941, 11.55 p.m. SECRET Free French Pacific Territory. With reference to your telegrams 89 and 94. [1] The following are among the questions which it is suggested should be discussed between representatives of Australian and New Zealand Governments and the Free French authorities in the...’
398. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 11 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 217 11 April 1941, 12.15 a.m. MOST SECRET Your M. 49 [1]: During Anthony’s [2] visit to New Zealand proposal made by Prime Minister of New Zealand [3] for appointment Committee consisting of New Zealand and Australian Cabinet Ministers to confer periodically in New Zealand and Australia alternately on...’
399. MR R. A. BUTLER, U.K. PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 11 April 1941; ‘Letter LONDON, 11 April 1941 I attach a fair copy of the account of our talk. I told Bruce [1] at a lunch at the Chinese Embassy on Thursday that our Prime Minister [2] feels that America must be in on any decision in order to make it effective. He...’
400. MEMORANDUM FOR U.K.WAR CABINET BY U.K. CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE: 11 April 1941; ‘COS(41)230 Final (extract) LONDON, 11 April 1941 MOST SECRET VISIT OF THE AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER REPLY BY CHIEFS OF STAFF TO MEMORANDUM BY THE PRIME MINISTER or AUSTRALIA We have examined the Memorandum prepared by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia [1] and submit our comments below. LOCAL...’
401. SIR BERTRAM STEVENS, AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE ON EASTERN GROUP SUPPLY COUNCIL, NEW DELHI, TO SENATOR P. A. M. MCBRIDE, MINISTER FOR SUPPLY AND DEVELOPMENT: 13 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 2184 NEW DELHI, 13 April 1941, 1.25 a.m. SECRET PRIORITY PERSONAL From Stevens to Senator McBride (to be delivered to him specially at once wherever he is in Australia). Have completed review on number of considerations affecting the demands likely to be placed on Australia for Eastern Group countries....’
402. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 14 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 181 LONDON, 14 April 1941, 3.46 p.m. MOST SECRET Please give the following message which is of the highest degree of secrecy to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. Begins: 1. I am sure you are anxious to know how we view the present...’
403. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 186 TOKYO, 15 April 1941, 7.35 a. m. SECRET [On 13 April in Moscow the Japanese Foreign Minister, Yosuke Matsuoka, signed a five-year Neutrality Pact with the Government of the U.S.S.R.] Repeated to Washington 27. My telegram 185 to Canberra. [1] Not yet clear whether agreement means end of...’
404. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 15 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M59 LONDON, 15 April 1941, 7.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET The present position in the Middle East is most disturbing but we must all keep our courage up and take every possible measure to retrieve it. Our reinforcements to Greece undoubtedly had a great deal to do...’
405. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 15 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 263 LONDON, 15 April 1941, 11.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference my immediately preceding telegram, paragraph 4 [1]: The following are the tentative views of our military advisers: References are to paragraphs in the telegraphic report of the Anglo-Dutch-Australian Conference - (1) Paragraphs 2 and 5: Influence of the...’
406. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 17 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 231 17 April 194i, Further to my cables on Eastern Group programmes, with special reference to India [1], I give hereunder the full message from Mr. Essington Lewis [2], which you will observe makes special reference to the United Kingdom Government’s delay in authorising the Indian programme. My first...’
407. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 235 17 April 1941, Your telegram No. 181 of 4th April [1] has been noted with much interest by my Government, which is greatly concerned at the present situation in North Africa and Greece, in both of which theatres our Australian troops are so vitally affected. Since the decision...’
408. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 287 [1] WASHINGTON, 16 April 1941, 10.13 p.m. MOST SECRET I saw Sumner Welles [2] today. I discussed proposal that had reached British Embassy from Commander in Chief of the Far East [3] through the Foreign Office that forthcoming Singapore conference should be given publicity subject to views of...’
409. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO SIR WILLIAM GLASGOW, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN CANADA: 18 April 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 18 April 1941, SECRET Reference your telegrams No. 160 dated 21st February [1] and No. 173 dated 12th April [2], regarding exchange bi-monthly service liaison letters. Regarding the Air Department, the liaison letters exchanged regularly between the Chief of the Air Staff [3] in Australia and the Australian...’
410. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 18 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 237 18 April 1941, MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Receipt is acknowledged of your cablegrams of 16th and 17th April, Z. 122 and Z. 123 [1] regarding position in Greece. In the circumstances the immediate evacuation of our troops from the mainland of Greece is essential. We note and fully...’
411. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 April 1941; ‘Dispatch S-39 TOKYO, 18 April 1941 CONFIDENTIAL I have the honour to report that yesterday I called upon Mr. Chuichi Ohashi, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and discussed with him a number of subjects. 2. Treatment of Foreigners. In the first place I thanked him for the speech [1] which he...’
412. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 18 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M64 LONDON, 18 April 1941, 9.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 233. [1] Had already taken up this question of war news, and had said somewhat offensively in War Cabinet that the War Office must not under-estimate public intelligence as grossly as British Generals under-estimate German military capacity....’
413. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 19 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M66 LONDON, 19 April 1941, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 18th April. [1] Have just had long and frank discussion with Dill. [2] Wavell [3] has gone to Greece to discuss evacuation and in the meantime plans are well advanced though you will appreciate that the utmost...’
414. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 20 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 238 20 April 1941, MOST SECRET With reference your M.38 of 1st April [1] please see my 239 of even date to Dominions Office. [2] Latham [3] has advised of report that 10 divisions concentrated in Formosa and 3 in Hainan and transports for whole force in readiness for...’
415. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 295 WASHINGTON, 19 April 1941, 1.37 p.m. MOST SECRET For the Chief of the Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] Tropic [3] 3. Report of conversations book 2, appendix 7, paragraph I I and B.U.S. (J) (41) fourth meeting [4], paragraph (2). Admiral Danckwerts [5] has now returned...’
416. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 21 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 31 LONDON, 21 April 1941, 9.21 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR THE MINISTER Steps being taken through Halifax [1] and [Winant] [2] to press for joint declaration by British Empire, United States of America and Netherlands East Indies. Please do everything you can to take part in these representations. Position...’
417. SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 22 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 473 22 April 1941, IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 283 and Latham’s No. 26 to you. [1] On receipt of report regarding Singapore we made known to United Kingdom Government through Prime Minister [2] great importance which we attach to contemplated joint declaration by British Empire, United States and...’
418. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M71 LONDON, 22 April 1941 MOST SECRET Your unnumbered cable of yesterday regarding Advisory War Council. _alternatively an all-party War Cabinet. If however proposal is to give Advisory Council executive authority independently of the Cabinet then I do not see how it can work because it will at once...’
419. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR CORDELL HULL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: 22 April 1941; ‘Letter 72/41 [WASHINGTON], 22 April 1941 I have the honour to refer to the conversation of this morning between yourself, the British Ambassador and myself, during which Lord Halifax and I submitted on behalf of our respective Governments that urgent consideration be given to the issuing of a declaration by...’
420. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M75 LONDON, 22 April 1941, 6.13 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Reference my earlier cable re conversation with Dill [1] and the probability of giving Blamey [2] a higher post in the Middle East organisation, I am now authorised by the Prime Minister [3] to say that subject to...’
421. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M76 LONDON, 22 April 1941, 8.39 p.m. MOST SECRET Your cable 244. [1] Quite agree that should call Parliament together. Important however to wait a few days for the Greek and Tobruk position to clarify. Churchill does not intend to make full statement or have full dress debate at...’
422. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M77 LONDON, 22 April 1941, 8.39 p.m. MOST SECRET Publication here of complaints by members of Parliament and others is doing our reputation harm. Your own reported statements and those of Spender [1] are excellent and breathe a spirit of courage and defiance which is regarded as in true...’
423. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 22 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 82 LONDON, 22, April 1941, 6.05-10.40 p.m. [1] Your telegram 185 of 2nd April [2] and Page’s supplementary cables 188 of 2nd April [3] and 195 of 3rd April. [4] I fully appreciate the grave anxiety you feel with regard to the diminution of our exports in the third...’
424. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 23 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 252 23 April 1941, MOST SECRET In my message No. 235 of 18th April [1] request was made for intended strategic redistribution of the forces in the Middle East. The evacuation of our troops from Greece and our reverses in North Africa may quite probably have an adverse effect...’
425. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA: 24 April 1941; ‘Memorandum 24 April 1941, With reference to the discussions had last week with the Commonwealth authorities by yourself and Captain Dubois of New Caledonia [1], it is desired that you should make a communication along the following lines to His Excellency the Governor of New Caledonia [2]: His Majesty’s Government...’
426. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 23 April 1941; ‘Circular cablegram Z143 LONDON, 23 April 1941, 9.20 p.m. MOST SECRET Following for your Prime Minister. [1] FAR EAST. My immediately preceding telegram. [2] 1. We have received from source which we cannot ignore but whose reliability we cannot assess, a report that Japanese expeditionary force of 12 to 15...’
427. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 24 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 50 WASHINGTON, 24 April [1941], 11 p.m. I have lately suggested following to British Ambassador. [1] The United States has expressed, through the President [2], in unmistakable terms, its interest in the survival of the British countries and in the defeat of our enemies. Both the President and Churchill...’
428. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, AND TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 305 WASHINGTON, 24 [April] 1941, 10.36 p.m. For Acting Prime Minister, Minister for External Affairs and Ministry of Information. Whilst expressing no opinion on the merits of political and press discussion as to whether War Advisory Council should have been consulted on participation of Australian troops in Greece, I...’
429. A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 April 1941; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 25 April 1941 NEW CALEDONIA-REPORT OF MILITARY MISSION-ASSISTANCE BY COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT With reference to the discussion which took place at the meeting of the War Cabinet in Melbourne on 17th April, 1941, on the above subject, I am forwarding for your information, copy of Minute No. (959) [1]...’
430. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 197 TOKYO, 25 April 1941, 12.15 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 123. [1] As now advised I am generally in accord with the views contained in your telegram No. 112. I agree strongly that we should avoid mere polemics and pinpricks. I understand suggested measures are intended to be...’
431. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 25 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M81 LONDON, 25 April 1941, 7.20 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 164 of 26th March [1] and Casey’s 21 to me of 12th March [2] regarding landing rights. I have now discussed the matter with the appropriate British authorities and it has been agreed that Pan-American Airways might be given...’
432. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 26 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 247 26 April 1941, On receipt your 109 of the 25th February [1] containing Lustreforce proposals my Government realising utmost importance of assistance to Greece agreed to participation of Australian troops and advised you to this effect through Australian Prime Minister (Mr. Menzies) who was then in London but...’
433. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 26 April 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 26 April 1941, 11.05 p.m. PRIORITY MOST IMMEDIATE I have given to the press the following statement begins: Australia to a man stands solidly behind Great Britain in this war. The Australian people were proud to be associated with British and Greek troops in the Balkan sector of...’
434. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LONDON): 27 April 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered 27 April 1941, IMMEDIATE In a press statement issued today, Mr. Curtin, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the A.L.P., emphasised that there was no political disunity in Australia about the prosecution of the war. On the contrary, Australians face it as a united and determined people:...’
435. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 27 April 1941; ‘Cablegram M87 LONDON, 27 April 1941, 2.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET With further reference to your telegram 252 [1], I have continuously been pressing for early reply. The Chief of Naval Staff [2] on behalf of the three Chiefs of Staff has stated that though they fully share your...’
436. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 313 WASHINGTON, 28 April 1941, 11.07 p.m. MOST SECRET Repeated to London No. 52, to Tokyo No. 19. I saw the Secretary of State [1] today. He was very pleased with Fadden’s and Curtin’s statements which were exactly what was needed here and which have had wide publicity. [2]...’
437. MRR.G.CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 29 April 1941; ‘Cablegram 317 WASHINGTON, 29 April 1941, 10.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR ACTING PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 37. [1] In extension of the first paragraph of telegram No. 313. [2] Both yours and Curtin’s [3] statements [4] admirable and equally met the situation here. They were released and...’
438. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 321 WASHINGTON, 1 May 1941, 11 a.m. MOST SECRET From Naval Attache [1] for Chief of Naval Staff. [2] TROPIC No. 6. Various proposals have been put forward by the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations [3] regarding the transfer of portion of the U.S. Pacific Fleet to the Atlantic....’
439. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 1 May 1941; ‘Cablegram M94 LONDON, 1 May 1941, 7.55 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 269. [1] Have discussed the matter with Eden [2] who sees no objection to the proposed Chinese appointment but on the contrary would welcome it. This is my own view also. Suggest you instruct Bruce [3] to make the...’
440. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 268 2 May 1941, SECRET Repeated to Prime Minister of New Zealand [1], Wellington No. 155. Your telegram No. 298 [2], 3rd paragraph, indicating suggestions of discontent in French Pacific islands. Following upon visit of Military Mission to Noumea, Ballard [3] recently returned to Australia accompanied by Captain Dubois...’
441. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 324 WASHINGTON, 1 May 1941, 6.53 p.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] TROPIC No. 7 Navy Department have received with great satisfaction details regarding defences of Rabaul given in your telegram No. 454. [3] (2) They had in mind the possibility of...’
442. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER (1940, JULY - 1941, JUNE - VOLUME 4): 2 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 308 LONDON, 2 May 1941, 1.47 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. [1] Halifax [2] has telegraphed that the Secretary of State for the Navy, Knox, on 29th April summoned the British Naval Mission to the Navy Department and stated that he wished to consult them...’
443. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 2 May 1941; ‘Cablegram M97 LONDON, 2 May 1941, 5.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PRIORITY MOST SECRET Received 3 May 1941 Dominions Office telegram 308. [1] The proposal put forward by Knox [2] and Stimson [3] is of profound importance, particularly having regard to Stimson’s view of how the naval movement would be interpreted....’
444. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 2 May 1941; ‘Cablegram M100 LONDON, 2 May 1941, 11.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. With further reference to your 252. [1] There have been meetings of the Defence Committee presided over by the Prime Minister [2] followed by a meeting of the Chiefs of Staff [3] and myself 2. The following is...’
445. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 328 WASHINGTON, 2 May 1941, 10.20 p.m. SECRET My telegram 321. [1] You will have been consulted by the British Government on certain naval proposals made to them by the United States Government to move a large part of the United States Pacific fleet to the Atlantic. Possible consequences...’
446. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 4 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 269 4 May 1941, MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 308. [1] The proposal of Knox [2] and Stimson [3] has been fully considered by His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia. The profound significance is appreciated and for our part we welcome it as an outstanding sign of...’
447. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN WASHINGTON): 9 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 296 9 May 1941, We understand it is likely that question of trade agreement will be raised by United States Government. Without finality in our discussions with United Kingdom on food supplies and in absence knowledge of nature of discussions between United Kingdom and United States on trade agreement...’
448. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 340 WASHINGTON, 8 May 1941, 7.09 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF [1] FROM NAVAL ATTACHE [2] TROPIC No. 10. United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff have informed United States authorities that they are in provisional agreement with the report of the recent Staff Conversations in Washington and...’
449. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 11 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 334 LONDON, 11 May 1941, 2.35 a.m. My telegram 167 of 15th March. [1] Your telegram 186 of 27th March. [2] The British Supply Council in the United States have been actively pursuing the question of the treatment which the United States Administration are prepared to give to Dominion...’
450. MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN WASHINGTON): 12 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 303 12 May 1941, LEASE-LEND We understand that Australia is not definitely under the Lease- Lend Act and that goods which have been obtained for Australia under the Act (e.g. Lockheed Hudsons, tin plate, etc.) have been obtained by specially approved assignment by the United Kingdom. There appear to...’
451. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 12 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 513 12 May 1941, MOST SECRET For Naval Attache [1] from Chief of Naval Staff [2] CNSNA [3] No. 4. With reference to report of United States-British staff conversations, Washington [4], Annex 3, paragraph 18, and A.D.B. [5] paragraph 42, it is requested that you will ascertain at an...’
452. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 320 LONDON, 12 May 1941, 7.10 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 241 and my telegram No. 263. [1] Bayardelle has now arrived in London and Foreign Office have added their remarks to those from the Commonwealth Government and Ballard. [2] Free French Headquarters state that they have no...’
453. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 14 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 290 14 May 1941, SECRET Your telegram D. 182. [1] Possible economic reprisals against some future action by Japan. Commonwealth Government is not clear what precise contingency you have in mind by phrase ‘further southward moves by Japan.’ If this means continuation of present gradual process it will obviously...’
454. MR D. ACHESON, U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER (IN LOS ANGELES): 14 May 1941; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 14 May 1941 CONFIDENTIAL I was very pleased to have the opportunity on May 12 to discuss with you the desirability of utilizing the present favorable situation for placing our commercial relations on a more permanently satisfactory basis. I feel strongly that every effort should now be made...’
455. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING MINISTER FOR DEFENCE CO-ORDINATION: 14 May 1941; ‘Supplement 1 to Agendum 135/1941 14 May 1941 MOST SECRET SINGAPORE CONFERENCE-APRIL 1941-WASHINGTON STAFF CONVERSATIONS Object of Conference As a result of a recommendation made in the report of the United States-British Staff Conversations at Washington, dated 27th March 1941, a conference was held at Singapore in April 1941 to...’
456. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 15 May 1941; ‘Minute 1073 SYDNEY, 15 May 1941 MOST SECRET SUPPLEMENT No. 1 TO AGENDUM No. 135/1941 [1]-SINGAPORE CONFERENCE- APRIL, 1941. WASHINGTON STAFF CONVERSATIONS-MARCH, 1941 (The Chiefs of Staff [2] were present for the discussion of this subject). The following papers were considered [3]:- (a) Report of the American-Dutch-British Conversations at Singapore,...’
457. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 14 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 343 LONDON, 14 May 1941, 4.15 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Your telegram 247 of 27th April [1] we fully recognise that in agreeing to despatch Australian forces to Greece, H.M. Government in the Commonwealth of Australia laid great emphasis on equipment of their troops to the maximum scale. Reference...’
458. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 14 May 1941; ‘Cablegram General 174 NEW YORK [1], 14 May 1941 In reply to your message of 12th instant [2], I may say that, both before and since the receipt of your telegram, I have thoroughly discussed the question of Lease-Lend with Casey [3], Macgregor, and Clapp. [4] Following is the situation....’
459. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 15 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 230 LONDON, 15 May 1941, 2.17 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram No. 93 and Commonwealth Government No. 163. [1] We have reason to suppose that the question of German internees was discussed during the visit to the Netherlands East Indies of the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs [2]...’
460. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 17 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 237 LONDON, 17 May 1941, 4.40 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram of 5th December No. 405. [1] Please inform the Prime Minister [2] that the joint report by the United States staff committee and United Kingdom delegation on staff conversations at Washington January to March [3] has been considered...’
461. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 360 WASHINGTON, 17 May 1941, 5.50 p.m. MOST SECRET For the Chief of the Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache [2] Tropic No. 12. Your telegram CNSNA 4. [3] Matter has been taken up officially with United States authorities through the military mission. 2. Conversation already held indicate that...’
462. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 May 1941; ‘Dispatch S-52 TOKYO, 20 May 1941 CONFIDENTIAL As I have had the honour to report in my telegram No. 234 [1], on the afternoon of the 17th May I called on Mr. Matsuoka, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the Foreign Office. After referring to other matters I spoke of...’
463. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 21 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 254 21 May 1941, IMMEDIATE Reference D.O. Circular D.293. [1] What does expulsion of French Mission from London mean as we had no prior advice. Desire to learn attitude of United Kingdom Government to French Consuls generally as presence of Consuls here embarrassing to Free French movement and we...’
464. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, ACTING PRIME MINISTER: 22 May 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M93 LONDON, 22 May 1941, [2.55 a.m.] [1] MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. [2] NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES Following further developments have now taken place since my message of 29th April [3], regarding the question of a declaration concerning the Netherlands East Indies. (a) Mr. Hull [4]...’
465. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 313 22 May 1941, MOST SECRET Your telegram of 17th May, No. 237. [1] Commonwealth Government are in agreement with report of Washington Staff Conversations. With regard to the plans for the reinforcement of Singapore, they fully endorse the observations made in New Zealand Government’s telegram 192 of 21st...’
466. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR J. G. WINANT, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM: 22 May 1941; ‘[LONDON], 22 May 1941 Winant came to lunch with me at the Flat. We had a quite long, most useful and interesting talk. I took him very closely down the lines of the attached Memorandum, stressing strongly the dangers of a head-on collision after the war unless we did some...’
467. SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 23 May 1941; ‘Letter 27.41 SYDNEY, 23 May 1941 CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands Foreign Minister [1] and Minister for the Colonies [2], whose intention to visit Australia was reported in your personal and confidential letter of 24th March [3], left for New Zealand on 18th May after a week spent in this country as...’
468. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 23 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 315 23 May 1941, SECRET Your 357 of 21st May regarding hospital ships. [1] Germany has shown such little regard for the security of our hospital ships in the past that we fear she would use the occasion to impose reprisals of a more drastic nature, and would also...’
469. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 25 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 317 25 May 1941, MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 230 of 15th May [1] received through the United Kingdom High Commissioner [2] German internees in Netherlands East Indies. Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs [3] informed my colleague, the Minister for External Affairs [4], that whilst under no circumstances would...’
470. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 24 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 363 LONDON, 24 May 1941, 3.44 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL Recent developments in Syria have caused me grave concern and in my view create a situation which requires the clearest and most courageous thinking. Our major strategy in the Middle East must be to hold...’
471. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 26 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 366 LONDON, 26 May 1941, 8 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Czecho-Slovakian Provisional Government. You will have seen from Dominions Office M.95 [1] that Benes [2] has continued to press the United Kingdom Government for fuller recognition. He is now asking for restoration of the original juridical...’
472. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE: 28 May 1941; ‘Minute 346 CANBERRA, 28 May 1941 PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT ABROAD The following is a summary of the main points of the statement made by the Prime Minister [1] to the Advisory War Council on his visit abroad:- 1. UNITED KINGDOM WAR CABINET The Prime Minister stated that he had attended...’
473. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 384 WASHINGTON, 27 May 1941, 6.14 p.m. SECRET Repeated to Tokyo No. 22. My telegram No. 373. [1] Information contained in my telegram No. 378 [2] was conveyed to the Secretary of State [3] in a form that irritated him considerably and caused him to tell the British Ambassador...’
474. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 29 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 2648 29 May 1941, Reference your cable 363 [1], I am sending a message through you to Churchill. [2] I agree with your general approach subject to one criticism: I cannot believe that the occupation of Crete and Cyrenaica by Germany would not result in creating another problem like...’
475. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 29 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 2649 29 May 1941 [1], FOR THE PRIME MINISTER [2] HIMSELF MOST SECRET We are much exercised by the present position in the Middle East and I would like to put one or two points quite shortly to you. The experiences in Greece and Crete indicate that the decisive...’
476. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 328 30 May 1941, MOST SECRET Your telegram M.93 [1]: Commonwealth Government has given full consideration to your proposal for declaration by United Kingdom Government concerning Netherlands East Indies. We are strongly impressed, however, by the objection that the absence of a corresponding and simultaneous declaration by United States...’
477. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 329 30 May 1941, Your M. 95. [1] Recognition of Czechoslovak Government: Commonwealth Government considers that objections to Dr. Benes’ [2] request set out in paragraph 3 of your telegram under reference are substantial and that it is doubtful whether the full recognition of Provisional Government would not on...’
478. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 31 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 386 LONDON, 31 May 1941, 1.32 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your 2649. [1] Everything in human power has been and will be done to strengthen our Air Force in the Middle East. The first part of the JAGUAR operation [2] already completed. Second part starts this morning. We...’
479. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 31 May 1941; ‘Cablegram 388 LONDON, 31 May 1941, 5.40 p.m. MOST SECRET Commonwealth of Australia telegram 313 of 23rd May [1] paragraph 3, and New Zealand telegram 192 of 21st May paragraph 2. [2] The views of the American-Dutch-British Conference on strength of United States Pacific Fleet have been noted, though it...’
480. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 31 May 1941; ‘Circular cablegram Z196 LONDON, 31 May 1941, 10.05 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Please give the following, which is brief review by our military advisers of the present strategic position, to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. BEGINS. 1. Invasion of the United Kingdom probably...’
481. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR GEOFFREY WHISKARD, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 4 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 280 LONDON, 4 June 1941, 12.35 a.m. MOST SECRET My telegram No. 237 of 17th May. [1] Please inform the Prime Minister [2] that, in accordance with the recommendations of the Washington Staff Conversations, we have now established a nucleus military mission in Washington and that a nucleus United...’
482. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, LONDON: 4 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 2768 4 June 1941, Mitsui and Company are enquiring for 50,000 tons wheat and in view of position regarding Japanese desire for copra and the present proposal of the British Government stringently to reduce lead exports to Japan we would like you discuss the wheat question with the British...’
483. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 4 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 344 4 June 1941, MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your cable No. 386 regarding the Middle East [1] much appreciated. With no desire to add to your anxieties but so that you will know the views which we strongly entertain, I send the following for your consideration- 1....’
484. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE CO-ORDINATION: 4 June 1941; ‘Agendum 195/1941 (extracts) 4 June 1941 MOST SECRET PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT ABROAD, 1941 REVIEW OF DEFENCE POSITION IN THE PACIFIC 1. Paper No. C.O.S. (41) 230 [1] is the answer to a memorandum (see Annex VII thereto [2]) reiterating certain points raised in my brief and during discussions with the...’
485. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 406 WASHINGTON, 4 June 1941, 12.22 a.m. My telegram No. 384 [1] and Prime Minister’s telegram No. 55. [2] British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [3] has telegraphed the British Ambassador at Washington [4] to the effect that they regard it important that a public statement should be...’
486. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 4 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 390 [1] LONDON, 4 June 1941 FOR PRIME MINISTER Polish Government has approached me with regard to Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs’ [2] request to you of 11th March for the establishment of a Polish Consulate-General in Australia. He states that his Government have established Consulate-General in Canada and...’
487. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 407 WASHINGTON, 4 June 1941, 1.05 p.m. SECRET FOR PRIME MINISTER & MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS I had a long talk last night to two highly placed individuals who are close to the President. [1] I believe all the President’s senior advisers are in favour of immediate intervention. Winant...’
488. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE: 5 June 1941; ‘Minute 356 MELBOURNE, 5 June 1941 FAR EASTERN SITUATION Mr. Makin [1] referred to the reports in the press of strained Japanese-Dutch relations owing to the failure of the trade negotiations, and enquired whether any report had been received as to the deterioration of the position. 2. The Prime Minister...’
489. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 7 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 260 7 June 1941, Reference telegram 400 [1] from High Commissioner [2] to Prime Minister. [3] There is a Polish Consulate-General in Sydney, but Consul-General Noskowski is not a career man, and we would welcome a Consul General de carriere. No Consulates, however, have been established in Canberra, and...’
490. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 7 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 58 7 June 1941, Your telegram 406 of 4th June. [1] I entirely agree that a private undertaking communicated without publicity to Japanese Government is adequate. I expressed that view in London. I will ask Bruce [2] to advise the Foreign Office in that sense. MENZIES _ 1 Document...’
491. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 7 June 1941; ‘Cablegram Winch unnumbered LONDON, 7 June 1941 PERSONAL AND SECRET It is all right your sending a telegram like your 344 [1] to me through the High Commissioner [2], but if it is anything purely personal I would rather it came to me direct, and there are some things I...’
492. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 June 1941; ‘Circular cablegram D335 LONDON, 7 June 1941, 1 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram D.581 of 23rd November and connected correspondence. [1] Arising out of a sugestion made by two of the allied Governments it is now proposed to hold meeting with representatives of Allied Governments on Thursday 12th June. 2....’
493. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR. S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 8 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 2855 8 June 1941, PERSONAL MOST SECRET We have received cable from Blamey [1] in which he expresses his views regarding Cyprus. It appears that the intention is to hold Cyprus, at least for the time being. It seems clear, however, that the Chiefs of Staff in the United...’
494. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 421 WASHINGTON, 8 June 1941, 11.08 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Admiral Kimmel, Commander in Chief of U.S. Pacific Fleet and Captain MacMorrow, Staff Officer U.S. Pacific Fleet, called on me to-day. After little circumlocution Kimmel began to talk freely. Please do not quote...’
495. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON: 10 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 2904 10 June 1941, Please see my telegram No. 355 to Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs-We have replied agreeing to conference and nominating you as representative. [1] Our view is that any public declaration or resolutions emanating from conference should not go beyond the general principles indicated in...’
496. WAR CABINET MINUTE: 11 June 1941; ‘Minute 1143 MELBOURNE, 11 June 1941 AGENDUM NO. 202/1941 [1]-SUPPLIES FOR AUSTRALIA FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-CO-ORDINATION PLAN Following a discussion in the United States of America with the Australian Minister [2], the Trade Commissioner [3] and the Australian Representative on the British Purchasing Commission [4], the Prime Minister [5]...’
497. MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 409 LONDON, 11 June 1941 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET It is not possible to hold Cyprus without having control of the Syrian airfields. We therefore thought it better to try to gain these, when we should be in a position to support Cyprus more effectively. In the meanwhile...’
498. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 425 LONDON, 11 June 1941 FOR PRIME MINISTER Yugoslav Minister in London came to see me this week with a request from his Government for your approval of their proposal to open a Yugoslav Consulate-General in Australia. M. Soubbotitch referred at length to the present carving up of Yugoslavia...’
499. MR CORDELL HULL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 11 June 1941; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 11 June 1941 I have the honor to refer to a note of May 16, 1941, sent to me by the British Ambassador [1] regarding the possibility of negotiating a supplementary trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. It is understood that a copy of...’
500. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 12 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 363 12 June 1941, MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE I appreciate greatly your cablegram of 11th June [1] and the assurances in your cablegram of 31st May [2] that everything possible will be done to strengthen the air forces in the Middle East. I am delighted to learn of the...’
501. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 12 June 1941; ‘Cablegram Gordon 2 [1] 12 June 1941, PERSONAL I am sending you a cable on behalf of the Advisory War Council. [2] You will gather from it that there is the acutest anxiety regarding air protection. There is a considerable body of public opinion which is being encouraged to believe...’
502. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 11 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 2915 LONDON, 11 June 1941, 10.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET WHEAT TO JAPAN Your telegram 2768. [1] Have taken up the matter with the Ministry of Economic Warfare who have drawn attention to the following facts. (1) Domestic wheat crop of Japan rose from about 1,000,000 tons per annum...’
503. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 289 TOKYO, 12 June 1941, 4.47 p.m. SECRET My telegram No. 288. [1] As it is important to give extremist elements no excuse for picking a quarrel with the Netherlands East Indies, particularly on basis allegations of encirclement, I urge that no public statement be made at present offering...’
504. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 14 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 415 LONDON, 14 June 1941, 2.30 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram of 23rd May No. 313 [1] paragraph 4. Further consideration has been given to question whether move of Australian forces to Koepang and Ambon could take place prior to outbreak of hostilities with Japan. Apart from whether Netherlands...’
505. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 437 LONDON, 14 June 1941 Polish Consul General. High Commissioner’s [1] telegram No. 400 [2] for Prime Minister. [3] I went this morning to see Counsellor of Polish Embassy and told him of considerations set out in latter part of your telegram No. 260. [4] I think his Government...’
506. MR D. ROSS, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION REPRESENTATIVE IN DILI, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 June 1941; ‘Letter DILI, 17 June 1941 I acknowledge receipt of your long radio message, copy attached [1], relating to several matters which are discussed hereunder. I must draw your attention to the inadvisability of sending long code messages by radio, if the subject matter is not very urgent. The transmission of...’
507. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 449 LONDON, 17 June 1941, 8.15 p.m. PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL Repeated to Washington 58. Hankey [1] gave farewell lunch to the Japanese Ambassador [2] and asked me to support him. Only three of us present. Conversation not unlike those I had with the Ambassador when you were in London....’
508. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR. R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 18 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 422 LONDON, 18 June 1941 MOST SECRET My telegram of 10th May Commonwealth of Australia No. 332 [1] New Zealand No. 190. Movement of three United States battleships, four cruisers and fourteen destroyers of the Pacific Fleet through the Canal into the Atlantic has been completed. This was in...’
509. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 19 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 382 19 June 1941, MOST SECRET Your cable No. 422 [1] regarding movement of United States warships into the Pacific. Hope that view previously expressed by us [2] relating to the minimum force which United States should be asked to retain in the Pacific will not be overlooked. In...’
510. SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 20 June 1941; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 20 June 1941 I have recently given renewed consideration to the question of an exchange of diplomatic representatives between the Netherlands Government and Australia, and feel strongly that in view of current developments an early decision is desirable. You will recall that the formal proposal for an exchange...’
511. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 20 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 316 LONDON, 20 June 1941, 6.10 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET [The office of U.K. High Commissioner in Australia was temporarily vacant. Sir Geoffrey Whiskard left Canberra on 17 June to return to the United Kingdom. His successor, Sir Ronald Cross, took up office on 16 July.] Please give the...’
512. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 424 LONDON, 20 June 1941, 2.36 a.m. MOST SECRET NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES 1. We are grateful for your views as set out in your telegrams of 30th May, 328 [1], and 13th June, 365. [2] As you will see from my telegrams of today M.114 and 115 [3], His...’
513. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 454 (extract) WASHINGTON, 20 June 1941, 12.23 a.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache [2] Tropic 29. [matter omitted] 2. Reference [A.B.C.1] [3] annex 3 paragraph 18 (d) following is an expression of United States intentions as communicated to the British military mission by...’
514. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LT GEN SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, G.O.C. 2ND A.I.F. IN THE MIDDLE EAST: 21 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 13 21 June 1941, PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET I am most disturbed by the failure at and about Sollum. So far as I can make out we had equality in tanks and superiority in the air, yet we failed. Your own view appears to be that training of mechanised...’
515. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 457 WASHINGTON, 20 June 1941, 10.53 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. [522] [1], and later telegrams exchanged. State Department seems no nearer being willing or ready to discuss co-ordination of economic sanctions. Discussion today with the Economic Section of the British Embassy makes it clear that the United States...’
516. MR T. KAWAI, JAPANESE MINISTER TO AUSTRALIA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 21 June 1941; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 21 June 1941 I have the honour to inform you that, when your Government introduced last April the 25% reduction in the import permits for cotton piece goods from non-sterling countries, including Japan, to take effect for the three months ending 30th June, 1941, I addressed a letter...’
517. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 23 June 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M120 LONDON, 23 June 1941, 10.25 p.m. FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET My Circulars M. 114 and M. 115. [1] In support of anything which H.M. Ambassador at Tokyo [2] may say regarding the effect on us of a Japanese attack on the Netherlands East Indies,...’
518. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 310 TOKYO, 23 June 1941, 8.50 p.m. SECRET Repeated to London No. 45. I have seen Foreign Office telegram No. 728 to Tokyo. [1] Estimates of Japan’s supplies are no doubt correct and provide a strong case economically for the stoppage of all supplies to Japan. But politically the...’
519. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 462 WASHINGTON, 23 June 1941, 11.52 p.m. SECRET Repeated to Tokyo No. 69. Repeated to London No. 27. I saw the Soviet Ambassador here [1] today who greeted me: ‘My dear Casey now we are allies.’ I just avoided personal embrace. His respect for me has increased as I...’
520. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN: 25 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 183 25 June 1941, SECRET Your 310. [1] We have under immediate consideration this and other telegrams from you on economic warfare measures as affecting Japan and propose consulting United Kingdom Government on general policy. In the meantime the following summary of economic policy adopted by Australia and at...’
521. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 27 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 440 LONDON, 27 June 1941, 4.35 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 382 of 19th June [1]: We have fully in mind the views of the Commonwealth Government regarding the minimum force which the United States should be asked to maintain in the Pacific and the reply which has been...’
522. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 28 June 1941; ‘Cablegram 402 28 June 1941, MOST IMMEDIATE Most grateful for information contained in your cable 426 [1] which has been submitted to Advisory War Council. Naturally, we are disappointed with results at Sollum, particularly as we understand our forces had equality in tanks and air superiority. Members of Advisory Council...’

Documents on Australian Foreign Policy

Volume 4: July 1940 – June 1941

Total

Earliest date

Latest date

Explore