Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 5: July 1941

1. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO FIELD MARSHAL J. C. SMUTS, SOUTH AFRICAN PRIME MINISTER, AND TO MR W L. MACKENZIE KING, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER: 3 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 46/2 [1] CANBERRA, 3 July [1941] MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I have been much exercised about the relations of the Dominions to the important matter of central control of war policy. We all have the greatest admiration for the genius, personality and work of Churchill, but I was greatly...’
2. 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: 9 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 507 [1] WASHINGTON, 9 July 1941, 1.10 p.m. MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs. My telegram No. 502. [2] I saw Sumner Welles [3] today. He believes that the secret information available and the known concentration of Japanese naval forces make it evident...’
3. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 10 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 430 (extract) [1] CANBERRA, 10 July 1941 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Reference your M.140 and 141. [2] 1. NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES Further consideration has been given to plans under which Commonwealth Government will provide Army units to reinforce Ambon and Koepang and also an air striking force at Darwin...’
4. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 10 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 3649 (extract) CANBERRA, 10 July 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET For the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. [1] Prior to the outbreak of hostilities between Germany and Russia, we had been reviewing the position that had been reached in regard to economic policy towards Japan. We were about to...’
5. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR TATSUO KAWAI, JAPANESE MINISTER TO AUSTRALIA: 11 July 1941; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 11 July 1941 The Government has given very careful consideration to your letter of 27th June [1] regarding the desire of your Government to secure supplies of copra from the Territory of New Guinea, and has made enquiries regarding the position. You are doubtless aware that Japan is...’
6. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 July 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M149 LONDON, 12 July 1941, 11.17 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. My circular M.1[3]6 of 5th July [1], my circular M. 140 of 9th July. [2] JAPAN In conversation with H.M. Ambassador [3] on 8th July, the United States Under Secretary of State [4]...’
7. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 12 July 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M151 LONDON, 12 July 1941, 11.51 p.m. MOST SECRET Following for Prime Minister. My Circular M.140. [1] JAPAN Possible denunciation of Commercial Treaty [2] in the event of further southward movement by Japan was one of the suggestions upon which the views of Dominion Governments were invited in...’
8. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 562 (extract) WASHINGTON, 26 July 1941, 2 a.m. MOST SECRET My No. 559. [1] I saw Secretary of Navy. [2] He told me confidentially that naval arrangements under which the United States Navy take over the protection of merchant shipping in north-west Atlantic were well advanced and that this...’
8. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 16 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 3769 [1], MOST SECRET & IMMEDIATE CANBERRA, 16 July 1941 Following for the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. [2] Reference your M.151. [3] We have given careful consideration to your views but we are not convinced that your proposed course of action is correct. In paragraph (2) you...’
9. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 17 July 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M161 (extract) LONDON, 17 July 1941, 10.50 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister: My Cite. M. 151. [1] All of His Majesty’s Governments in the Dominions have now concurred in our proposal to proceed at the appropriate moment with denunciation of the Commercial Treaty. [2]We...’
10. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 20 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 456 [1] CANBERRA, 20 July 1941 PERSONAL MOST SECRET & URGENT For your Prime Minister [2] from Prime Minister. We regard it as of first class importance that, now that the Syrian Campaign has concluded, Australian Troops in the Middle East should be aggregated into one force. This would...’
11. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 21 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 461 [1] CANBERRA, 21 July 1941 Your telegram 445 Lease-Lend. [2] We are pressing on with organisation for dealing with acquisition of goods under Lease-Lend. Following is present position in relation to requirements listed in your paragraph 3. (a) Generally speaking through import licensing civil imports from United States...’
12. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 543 WASHINGTON, 21 July 1941, 7.50 p.m. I saw Sumner Welles [1] today. They have information that 11 Japanese troopships left Chinese ports today and that a convoy of Japanese troopships (strength unspecified) has also left Formosa for unknown destination. Sumner Welles said that their information was that the...’
13. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS TO MR L. R. MACGREGOR, GOVERNMENT TRADE COMMISSIONER IN NORTH AMERICA: 23 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 2196 CANBERRA, 23 July 1941 Clapp’s [1] telegram 2597 of 19th July. We cannot understand United States request that Commonwealth Government should retain title to all material procured through Lease Lend. Goods to be obtained for non-government use may be classified into: (a) durable equipment for industry, (b) materials...’
14. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 23 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 467 [1] CANBERRA, 23 July 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your M.172. [2] Commonwealth Government is fully in accord with conclusions set out in paragraph 4 of your telegram under reference. [3] As you are aware, we have always attached highest importance to gaining assurance of collaboration of United...’
15. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 25 July 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M179 LONDON, 25 July 1941, 12.10 a.m. MOST SECRET JAPAN We have considered our conclusions further in the light of the views expressed by the Canadian, Commonwealth and New Zealand Governments. We fully appreciate the vital importance, to which all three Governments have called attention, of securing the...’
16. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 25 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 477 [1] CANBERRA, 25 July 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your M.179. [2] His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia appreciates that it would be difficult for constitutional reasons to secure guarantee of armed support from United States Government. We also agree that to attempt to gain acceptance...’
17. 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: 25 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 559 WASHINGTON, 25 July 1941, 2.17 a.m. MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs. Sumner Welles’ interview continued. [1] I pointed out to him that there was a possibility that stringent economic action might bring Japanese retaliation by force of arms on British or Australian...’
18. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 562 (extract) WASHINGTON, 26 July 1941, 2 a.m. MOST SECRET Received 26 July 1941 My No. 559. [1] I saw Secretary of Navy. [2] He told me confidentially that naval arrangements under which the United States Navy take over the protection of merchant shipping in north-west Atlantic were well...’
19. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 26 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 515 LONDON, 26 July 1941, 9.07 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Japan: Your telegram 25th July, 477. [1] 1. We are very glad to know that the Commonwealth Government agree with our view both as to the difficulty in the present circumstances of securing a guarantee of armed support...’
20. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 28 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 479 [1] CANBERRA, [28 July 1941] [2] MOST IMMEDIATE Your M. 174. [3] For our guidance we would appreciate advice as to your policy on import and export transactions to be permitted with respect to- (a) immediate difficulties arising out of transactions commenced before freezing order [4]; (b) future...’
21. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 431: 29 July 1941; ‘SYDNEY, 29 July 1941 AGENDUM No. 102/1941 [1]-REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL SITUATION The Prime Minister [2] traversed the review by the Department of External Affairs dated 2[8]th July and a general discussion arose on the section relating to the Far East, in view of Japan’s recent move into Indo-China. 2. The...’
22. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 366 [1] TOKYO, 29 July 1941, 12 noon My telegram No. 363. [2] Although Japanese Government are probably surprised at the speed of the American and British reaction to their contemplated occupation of South Indo-China, we must recognise that it has failed to prevent it [3] and that Japan...’
23. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 July 1941; ‘Dispatch S-69 TOKYO, 29 July 1941 CONFIDENTIAL I have had the honour to report in my despatch S-68 the circumstances leading up to my interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the evening of July 26th. [1] I began by saying that I had come to Japan for the...’
24. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 486 [1] CANBERRA, 30 July 1941 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram 515. [2] Now that joint action has been taken by the United States and British Empire countries, I urge that the position that will arise if serious Japanese reactions are provoked should at once be taken up and...’
25. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 31 July 1941; ‘Cablegram 600 LONDON, 31 July 1941, 8.30 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER SECRET Your telegram 4048. [1] Greek Government’s proposal for diplomatic mission to Canberra. I agree entirely with your view that an exchange of Ministers would have no advantages for us. As I see it the main aim of...’
26. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 499 [1] CANBERRA, [2 August 1941] [2] MOST SECRET My telegram 486 of 30th July [3]: we assume that the approach to the United States Government will be comprehensive and will attempt to elucidate United States attitude not only in general contingency of war in the Pacific arising out...’
27. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 2 August 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M20[3] [1] LONDON, 2 August 1941, 6.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My circular M.200. [2] JAPAN (i) The possibility that the Japanese may be contemplating dangerous action in relation to Thailand, and a message now received from the Thai Prime Minister [3] have made it imperative that we...’
28. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 589 [1] WASHINGTON, 3 August 1941, 4.05 p.m. SECRET I saw Sumner Welles [2] yesterday in company with the British Ambassador. [3] I submitted the possibility of any Japanese attack falling on British or Dutch rather than on American territories and emphasized the importance that Australia attached in such...’
29. MR L. R. MACGREGOR, GOVERNMENT TRADE COMMISSIONER IN NORTH AMERICA, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 4 August 1941; ‘Cablegram General 295 NEW YORK, 4 August 1941 Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies. Reference Clapp [1] 2869 New York [2], which has just been brought to my notice; as constructive suggestions I recommend as follows: - namely i. Advise that you request joint study of problem by full...’
30. MR F. B. CLAPP, AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BRITISH PURCHASING COMMISSION IN THE UNITED STATES, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 4 August 1941; ‘Cablegram NY 2869 NEW YORK, 4 August 1941, 9.41 p.m. For Mr. Menzies from Clapp. Regret to advise that great deal of difficulty being experienced in procurement of munitions and supplies under Lend Lease, and exasperating delays will inevitably occur, which will be difficult to understand your end. Reasons for...’
31. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 596 [1] WASHINGTON, 4 August 1941, 11.50 p.m. MOST SECRET British Ambassador [2] saw Sumner Welles [3] today in continuation of our joint discussion with him (Sumner Welles) on 2nd August. In terms which British Ambassador describes ‘conversational’ Sumner Welles’ remarks were of first class importance and were very...’
32. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 451: 6 August 1941; ‘MELBOURNE, 6 August 1941 Extracts FAR EASTERN SITUATION In referring to the Far Eastern situation, the Prime Minister [1] said that the following steps had been taken in connection with economic sanctions:- (i) Import and export control to be established by licensing (this was already in existence in Australia); (ii)...’
33. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 452: 6 August 1941; ‘MELBOURNE, 6 August 1941 RELATIONS WITH CHINA (The Hon. Sir Frederick Stewart, Minister for External Affairs, and the Hon. Sir Frederic Eggleston, Australian Minister to China, were present for this discussion.) The Prime Minister [1] explained to Sir Frederic Eggleston that it was desired to afford him an opportunity for...’
34. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 6 August 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M215 LONDON, 6 August 1941, 12.55 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for Prime Minister. My Circular M.213 of 5th August. [1] The question of giving an assurance to the Netherlands Government has been under prolonged consideration here and has been the subject of frequent approaches by the Netherlands...’
35. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR W. S. CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 8 August 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 8 August 1941 (To be re-transmitted from London to Mr. Churchill immediately.) Delighted to know that this meeting between yourself and Roosevelt is taking place. [1] It will have stimulating effect all over the world. You will I think have a great opportunity of influencing his mind...’
36. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 9 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 4339 CANBERRA, [9 August 1941] [1] SECRET Reference your 615 -Free French. [2] We are concerned at decision that d’Argenlieu is to be appointed as High Commissioner for the Western Pacific with headquarters at Noumea. Ballard reports that administration in New Caledonia is running satisfactorily and that political position,...’
37. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 9 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 556 LONDON, 9 August 1941, 12.05 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram 513 of 7th August, 1941. [1] Following for the Prime Minister. 1. Your telegram 456 was immediately referred by telegram to the Commander in Chief, Middle East, with the direction that the views of His Majesty’s...’
38. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 8 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 635 LONDON, 8 August 1941, 8.33 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET FAR EAST Questions of the highest policy have now to be determined and I send you the following thoughts. Problem as I see it is as follows: There would be general agreement that Japan...’
39. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 523 [1] CANBERRA, 11 August 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister [2] from the Prime Minister. My colleagues and I have given anxious consideration to the Far Eastern position. [3] We have, as you know, always regarded Singapore and Malaya as our vital outpost, and...’
40. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR RONALD CROSS, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 12 August 1941; ‘Circular Cablegram Z258 LONDON, 12 August 1941, 5.10 p.m. MOST SECRET Please give the following message to the Prime Minister [1] for his most secret and personal information. Following quotation from message received from Prime Minister [2] reporting his talks with President Roosevelt about Japan:- QUOTATION BEGINS. Position about Japan...’
41. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 13 August 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 13 August 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE URGENT CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL TO MR BRUCE Cabinet has asked me go to London again as it feels Far Eastern position will require important exchanges of policy and strategy. I But, more than this, increasingly convinced that our point of view must...’
42. MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 13 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 527 CANBERRA, 13 August 1941 SECRET His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has had under consideration for some time the question of some official representation at Singapore. [1] As a centre of growing political importance, as a focal point of Imperial communications, a clearing house for political...’
43. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 13 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 2 LONDON, 13 August 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Developments of last 24 hours have intensified desirability of your coming to London and in my view questions of such vital importance to Australia will be under consideration in the immediate future that you should get...’
44. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 466: 14 August 1941; ‘Extract MELBOURNE, 14 August 1941 FAR EASTERN SITUATION The Prime Minister [1] referred to the abandonment of his Australian tour as the result of a decision taken by him on Sunday, 10th August, to summon a meeting of the Full Cabinet in Melbourne on Monday, 11th August, for the purpose...’
45. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 634 WASHINGTON, 14 August 1941, 12.35 a.m. SECRET Reference Prime Minister’s [1] telegram No. 91. [2] I saw the Secretary of State [3] today and made clear to him the degree of importance that you put on Thailand. I said that whilst it was perceived that joint British-American statement...’
46. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 390 TOKYO, 15 August 1941, 4.13 p.m. MOST SECRET 1. MY 388. [1] Your No. 221. [2] Although swift British-United States reaction following the Japanese entry into South Indo-China has, I believe, disturbed the Japanese Government and may cause them to hesitate to make a move on Thailand, I...’
47. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 642 WASHINGTON, 15 August 1941, 7.41 p.m. I saw the Secretary of War’ today and stressed the significance of Thailand and of reinforcing the Philippines as in my telegram No. 634.2 Whilst broadly agreeing he is one of those whose attention is concentrated on Europe and the Atlantic theatre....’
48. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR R. G. MENZIES, PRIME MINISTER: 22 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 14 LONDON, 22 August 1941, 6.58 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegrams 4339 and 4[4]31. [1] Your views were brought at once to the notice of the United Kingdom Government and I have now received the following reply:- ‘Concern expressed by Government of Australia about the...’
49. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 25 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 550 CANBERRA, 25 August 1941 SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram No. 598 New Caledonian nickel ore. [1] For the following reasons we agree that contemplated instruction to Sautot [2] should go forward- (1) It is desirable that Free French should be identified with United States and British Empire policy on...’
50. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO SIR RONALD CROSS, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 24 August 1941; ‘Circular cablegram Z267 LONDON, 24 August 1941, 4.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram of 6th August, Circular Z.256. [1] Following most secret and personal information for Prime Minister from Mr. Churchill. (Begins). You will wish to have full account of my meeting with President Roosevelt. The President was...’
51. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 391 NOUMEA, 27 August 1941, 8.20 a.m. SECRET My telegram No. 386. [1] I saw the Governor early August 26th, when he told me that the Conseil at its meeting the day before unanimously resolved to send a telegram to de Gaulle [2] personally, of which substance is: Conseil...’
52. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 August 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M273 LONDON, 28 August 1941, 9.12 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My circular M.268 of August 27th. [1] We have now given further consideration to question of action which it would be appropriate for us to take in respect of Japan to reinforce the warning which has been delivered...’
53. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 29 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 607 LONDON, 29 August 1941, 9.38 p.m. IMMEDIATE PRIORITY SECRET FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER FROM THE PRIME MINISTER. [1] 1. Now that you have taken up your great office [2], I send you my most cordial good wishes for success and assure you that I and my colleagues...’
54. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 31 August 1941; ‘Cablegram 608 LONDON, 31 August 1941, 9.03 p.m. SECRET AND PERSONAL The following is a personal and secret message from the Prime Minister [1] for Mr. Fadden:- ‘Events about Japan seem to have taken a favourable turn in the last month. The Japanese were then threatening to invade Siam as...’
55. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 414 TOKYO, 1 September 1941, 3.55 p.m. SECRET My telegrams 404 and 409. [1] I propose in the course of the next few days to seek an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] and discuss the whole situation from Australian point of view. I would point out...’
56. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 571 [1] CANBERRA, 2 September 1941 SECRET Your M.273 [2] and 274. [3] His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia concurs generally in the line of action proposed, but would prefer Formula (1) or in some way an indication that our action is being taken in concert with...’
57. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 717 [1] WASHINGTON, 3 September 1941, 10.20 p.m. MOST SECRET I saw the Secretary of State [2] today. His main regard is to avoid things being said or done that would precipitate fall of the Konoye Government and its replacement by vicious hot-head Government. Consequently he greatly deplores the...’
58. LT GEN SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, DEPUTY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN THE MIDDLE EAST, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 4 September 1941; ‘Cablegram GOC 179 CAIRO, 4 September 1941, 7.10 p.m. MOST SECRET PRIVATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER FROM GENERAL BLAMEY Reference my telegram G.O.C. 143 dated 18th July and letter of same date. [1] The position re Tobruk garrison now is that unnecessary base personnel brought out and the 18th Australian...’
59. MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 5 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 584 CANBERRA, 5 September 1941 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Following for the Prime Minister. [1] I desire to invite your attention to my predecessor’s cablegram No. 456 of 20th July [2] regarding the re-concentration of the Australian Imperial Force as a single force in one Corps and the relief...’
60. MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 5 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 385 CANBERRA, 5 September 1941 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for Prime Minister. [1] 1. Reference your No. 607 [2] I am grateful for the informative survey of the constitutional and other considerations involved in the question of a Minister from one part of the Empire participating in the work...’
61. MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN: 5 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 11 CANBERRA, 5 September 1941 SECRET Your cable 414. [1] In having your discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs [2] you will no doubt have in mind the recent discussions between Churchill and Roosevelt and the subsequent statements by Roosevelt to Japanese Ambassador in Washington [3] to the...’
62. MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 8 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 588 CANBERRA, 8 September 1941 MOST SECRET Portuguese Timor. Commonwealth Government in recent years has taken increasing interest and some practical measures in Portuguese Timor with the object of checking and preventing an extension of Japanese influence there. In this respect we have previously assisted in keeping oil concessions...’
63. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 592 [1] CANBERRA, 11 September 1941 SECRET Your circular M.259 [2] and previous related telegrams. [3] The Commonwealth Government note that the measures adopted by the United Kingdom Government are being kept abreast of the steps taken in the United States and this accords with our views on the...’
64. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 11 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 620 LONDON, 11 September 1941, 5.59 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST STRICTLY SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister [from Prime Minister] [1] 1. In my immediately following telegram [2] I send you, in its entirety, General Auchinleck’s [3] private telegram to me about the relief of Australian troops...’
65. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 512: 12 September 1941; ‘CANBERRA, 12 September 1941 VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN MINISTER TO LONDON [1] (Previous reference-Minute No. (489)). [2] (The Rt. Hon. Sir Earle Page, G.C.M.G., M.P., was present for the discussion of this subject.) The Prime Minister intimated that before Sir Earle Page left for London it was desired that he should...’
66. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 734 WASHINGTON, 11 September 1941, 3.33 p.m. SECRET British Embassy, Netherlands Legation, Chinese Embassy and ourselves are finding great difficulty in getting any real information from the State Department as to progress of United States-Japanese talk[s]. These talks are apparently proceeding in Washington and in Tokyo but we are...’
67. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 September 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M304 LONDON, 12 September 1941, 11 p.m. MOST SECRET My Circular M.285 of 2nd September. [1] As you are probably aware, the Prime Minister [2] in his broadcast on August 24th took the opportunity of making it clear to the public that if the efforts of the United...’
68. MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 15 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 590 CANBERRA, 15 September 1941 MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER 1. Your telegrams Nos. 620 [1] and 621 [2] of 11th September have been most carefully considered and discussed with our advisers. Vital considerations centred around two points: (1) concentration of Australian Imperial Force in one Corps...’
69. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 14 September 1941; ‘Cablegram 629 [1] LONDON, 14 September 1941, 7.42 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram 549 of 7th August. [2] As you will have seen from my telegram 295 of 6th September [3], we have addressed a note to the Netherlands Minister [4] indicating the extent to which we feel able to...’
70. SIR JOHN LATHAM, MINISTER TO JAPAN, TO SIR FREDERICK STEWART, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 September 1941; ‘Dispatch S-75 [1] (extracts) TOKYO, 19 September 1941 CONFIDENTIAL I have the honour to report that, as I have advised you in my telegram No. 442 [2], on 17th instant I had an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Admiral Toyoda, lasting for about an hour. 2....’
71. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 September 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M308 LONDON, 19 September 1941, 10 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET My Circular M.285 of 2nd September. [1] We have now given full consideration to the question whether it would be desirable to convey a formal warning to Japan as to the consequences which would follow any further encroachments...’
72. AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY COUNCIL IN THE UNITED STATES TO DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS: 27 September 1941; ‘Cablegram AUSCO 28 WASHINGTON, 27 September 1941, 8.45 p.m. The application of Lease Lend principles to the procurement of supplies is still the subject of much discussion and consideration both in United States and United Kingdom circles. Much conflict of opinion is apparent even among American administrative people regarding application...’
73. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 30 September 1941; ‘Cablegram Winch 1 LONDON, 30 September 1941, 1.15 a.m. 1 I think I ought to let you know for your most secret information about Tobruk that Lyttelton [1] and I only with difficulty prevented General Auchinleck [2] from resigning his command on the grounds that the Australian Government had no...’
74. MR DAVID ROSS, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION REPRESENTATIVE IN DILI, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 September 1941; ‘Letter (extracts) DILI, 30 September 1941 In my last report [1] I mentioned some indications which showed that a Japanese consulate was likely to be established in the near future. On September 19th I saw a radiogram from Japan to Segawa, the Japanese director of SAPT [2], in which it...’
75. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE EN ROUTE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 1 October 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SINGAPORE, 1 October 1941, 4.23 p.m. PERSONAL FOR FADDEN SECRET Attended conference 29th with Duff Cooper [1], the Governor of the Straits Settlements [2], Service Chiefs and Diplomatic representatives to Eastern countries, to consider primarily Far Eastern Defence Measures which might act as a deterrent to the Japanese....’
76. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER: 1 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 57 LONDON, 1 October 1941, 10.10 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER SECRET My telegram 14 of 22nd August. [1] D’Argenlieu. [2] Further points contained in Mr. Menzies’ telegram 4714 of 25th August [3] were brought at Once to the notice of the United Kingdom Government who referred them to...’
77. MR A. W. FADDEN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 4 October 1941; ‘Cablegram Arden 1 CANBERRA, 4 October 1941 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 30th September noted. [1] Desire to submit following observations- Paragraph 1. We assure you no want of confidence is felt in the military judgment of Auchinleck. [2] The vital considerations outlined in my cablegram No. 26 of 14th...’
78. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER DESIGNATE: 4 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 5779 LONDON, 4 October 1941, 6.30 p.m. Received 5 October 1941 I hesitate to worry you almost before you are in the saddle [1], but I feel that I should send you something of a background to the proposed agreement dealt with in Dominions Office telegrams 591 [2] and...’
79. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 848 WASHINGTON, 11 October 1941, 8.35 p.m. SECRET 1. I had interview with President [1] today. 2. He spoke at length on changeable attitude on the part of the United States army and navy regarding the Philippines (see my telegrams 328 [2] and 642 [3]) which have been and...’
80. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 13 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 3 CANBERRA, 13 October 1941 IMMEDIATE SECRET For Latham on arrival. [1] I agree with views expressed to you by late Government in cablegram of 4th October that it is desirable you return to your post as soon as possible. [2] Although I would personally welcome consultation with you,...’
81. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR JOHN CURTIN, 81 PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE CO-ORDINATION: 13 October 1941; ‘Agendum 334/1941 13 October 1941 MOST SECRET AIR DEFENCE IN FAR EAST-UNITED STATES PROPOSALS United States Proposals The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [1], in Cablegram No. 666 of 5th October (copy attached) [2], has advised that the United States authorities consider that the air defence of the area...’
82. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 689 LONDON, 13 October 1941, 11.45 p.m. MOST SECRET Your 588 of 8th September. [1] PORTUGUESE TIMOR His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom agree that Japanese occupation of Portuguese Timor would constitute serious threat and that consultation with the Netherlands authorities would be desirable. It is felt, however,...’
83. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 October 1941; ‘Agendum 335/1941 14 October 1941 MOST SECRET AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION ABROAD Netherlands East Indies It was decided by the previous Government in July last that the Netherlands should be invited to exchange diplomatic representatives with Australia. [1] It was proposed that Australian representation should be by means of the accrediting of...’
84. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 533: 16 October 1941; ‘Extracts MELBOURNE, 16 October 1941 DISCUSSION WITH COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FAR EAST [1] 1. INTRODUCTION The Prime Minister [2], in welcoming Sir Robert Brooke Popham, expressed the Government’s appreciation of the opportunity for discussion with him on the matters relating to the Far East which were of vital importance to Australia. He...’
85. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 16 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 683 CANBERRA, 16 October 1941 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 689 of 13th October. [1] Commonwealth Government concurs in approach being made to Portuguese as well as to Netherlands authorities and agrees to lines of enquiry suggested in paragraph 3 of your telegram. Commonwealth Government will co-operate to fullest...’
86. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 16 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 6851 CANBERRA, 16 October 1941 MOST SECRET Your telegrams M.319, M.320 and M.321 of 11th October, 1941. [2] Commonwealth Government has considered the measures outlined for expediting the machinery of intergovernmental consultation in the event of a move by Japan necessitating active military counter measures. [3] We are taking...’
87. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 16 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 686 CANBERRA, 16 October 1941 MOST SECRET For Prime Minister. [1] At first meeting of War Cabinet of my Government observations in cablegrams Nos. 608 of 31st August [2] and 684 of 12th October [3] relative to the intention to despatch a squadron of capital ships and a battle...’
88. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 865 (extract) WASHINGTON, 17 October 1941, 12.25 a.m. MOST SECRET I saw Admiral Turner, Director of [War Plans] I United States Navy, October 14th. On my asking for his views on the possibility of Japanese undertaking southward offensive he said he thought it would take the Japanese considerable time...’
89. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 707 LONDON, 17 October 1941, 9.45 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 621 of 24th September. [1] 1. His Majesty’s Ambassador at Lisbon [2] to whom the information in your telegram was forwarded reported that after having spun out negotiations as long as possible the Portuguese Government could no longer postpone...’
90. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 897 WASHINGTON, 25 October 1941, 5.13 p.m. SECRET I saw Sumner Welles [1] today. He said that Wakasugi [2] had called on him yesterday to say under instructions that the attitude of the new Japanese Government was in no way different to that of the last and that they...’
91. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 26 October 1941; ‘Cablegram Winch 1 LONDON, 26 October 1941, 12.20 p.m. MOST SECRET 1. Your 682 of 16th October. [1] TOBRUK. Relief is being carried out in accordance with your decision which I greatly regret. 2. Your 686 of 16th October. [2] I am still inclined to think that Japan will not...’
92. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 28 October 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M341 LONDON, 28 October 1941, 12.55 a.m. MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister:- We have recently been considering our relations with Finland, Hungary and Roumania. In a message to Stalin delivered by Sir Stafford Cripps [1] on 6th September the Prime Minister [2] said ‘We are willing...’
93. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 708 [1] CANBERRA, 30 October 1941 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Commonwealth War Cabinet has carefully Considered Circular M.341. [2] Its views are in brief that the disadvantages set out in paragraphs 4 to 7 do not to our mind offset the possible effect of refusal on Russia and Russian morale....’
94. MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE' D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 October 1941; ‘Cablegram 486 TOKYO, 30 October 1941, 6.40 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram No. 482 and preceding telegrams. [1] Following is an appreciation of the position formed after discussing the situation with the best informed of my colleagues: New Ministry is both peace and war ministry. Its outstanding features are: (a)...’
95. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 31 October 1941; ‘Cablegram [Johcu 2] [1] CANBERRA, 31 October 1941 MOST SECRET In continuation of my telegram No. 1 last paragraph. [2] Reference Winch 1 [3] we are very gratified with advice of proposed disposition of capital ships and particularly your reference to the PRINCE OF WALES. 2. This action, together with...’
96. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 November 1941; ‘Agendum 36711941 4 November 1941 SECRET DELEGATION TO RUSSIA 1. War Cabinet on October 17th [1] had before it an account of the preliminary steps taken by the previous Government with a view to an invitation to Russia to appoint a Russian Consul-General to Australia. [2] That proposal was not...’
97. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 4 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 714 [1] CANBERRA, 4 November 1941 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Reference your cablegrams M.337, M.338 [2] and M.342. [3] 1. While Japan’s Policy will probably be determined more by the result of the German-Russian struggle than anything else, it would appear that great significance is to be attached to the...’
98. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 4 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 86 LONDON, 4 November 1941, 8.06 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET CHINA Dominions Office cabling text of personal message Chiang Kai-shek [1] has sent to the Prime Minister and President Roosevelt. In considering this message the fact has to be borne in mind that China’s not...’
99. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR M. DE A. FERREIRA DE CARVALHO, GOVERNOR OF PORTUGUESE TIMOR: 5 November 1941; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 5 November 1941 I have the honour to inform you that His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia has decided that, with a view to securing more effective co-operation between itself and your Administration, it is desirable that a fully accredited British Consul should be established in...’
100. MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE' D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 November 1941; ‘Dispatch S-83 (extract) TOKYO, 5 November 1941 CONFIDENTIAL I have the honour to report that on 30th and 31st October the new Minister for Foreign Affairs received in turn the heads of the various Missions accredited to the Court of His Imperial Majesty. As the latest in date of assumption...’
101. MR L. R. MACGREGOR, GOVERNMENT TRADE COMMISSIONER IN NORTH AMERICA, TO DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS: 5 November 1941; ‘Cablegram General 524 NEW YORK, 5 November 1941, 3.58 a.m. 1. Replying your 3890. [1] Following are recommendations:- They are submitted in four parts, namely, Policy and Procedure Changes Paragraphs 2 to 12, Administration Paragraphs 13 to 15, Personnel Paragraph 16, General Comments Paragraph 17. 2. PART 1. Policy and...’
102. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 5 November 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M350 LONDON, 5 November 1941, 8.45 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister:- My Circular M.348, 349. [1] Appeal from Chiang Kai-shek. [2] The Prime Minister [3] has today sent a secret and personal message to President Roosevelt of which the following is the substance:- (i)...’
103. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 5 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 87 LONDON, 5 November 1941, 8.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your cable 6652. [1] In a private conversation with Van Kleffens [2] and the Dutch Minister [3] I told them that I had now been advised that the Commonwealth Government was desirous of finalising exchange...’
104. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 560: 7 November 1941; ‘Extract CANBERRA, 7 November 1941 MOST SECRET DISCUSSIONS WITH MR. DUFF COOPER [1] INTRODUCTORY The Prime Minister [2] welcomed Mr. Duff Cooper to the meeting of the Advisory War Council. He asked Mr. Cooper to give a general talk on the Far Eastern situation and any other war development that...’
105. MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE' D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 495 [1] TOKYO, 7 November 1941, 8.50 p.m. SECRET In my telegram No. 493 [2] I referred to the deterioration of the tone of the Press. Although slightly less tense today this is still bad. Belief here is that this is not promoted by the Government but represents the...’
106. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 8 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 722 [1] CANBERRA, 8 November 1941 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegrams 740 and 741 of 6th November [2] and previous telegrams. Commonwealth Government considers it of the utmost importance that every possible assistance should be given to China. The collapse of Chinese resistance would have serious consequences as Japan...’
107. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS TO AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY COUNCIL IN THE UNITED STATES: 12 November 1941; ‘Cablegram Cosau 29 CANBERRA, 12 November 1941 Would appreciate early report from Australian Supply Council on proposal of United States Lease Lend Administration office that defence articles should be leased lent direct to Dominions on basis of direct submission by Dominions of requisitions countersigned by British Supply Council. Views of...’
108. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 13 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 6982 [1] CANBERRA, 13 November 1941 With reference to Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs telegram Circular D540 [2] and guarantees given in White Paper of 10th September, 1941 [3], before replying officially we desire you to submit to United Kingdom Authorities our observations and proposed assurances for their...’
109. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 14 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 6735 CANBERRA, 14 November 1941 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference Dominions Office Circular telegrams M.357 and 358 of 10th November. [1] In view of Latham’s absence Tokyo and possibility that message to Officer [2] might not enjoy same certainty of immunity, this message is sent to you for information of...’
110. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 14 November 1941; ‘Cablegram P3 LONDON, 14 November 1941, 1.10 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET [FOR PRIME MINISTER] [1] My telegram [P]2. [2] In consultation with Bruce [3] I prepared a statement for the special meeting of the War Cabinet held on November 12th. I set out below a summary of this statement and...’
111. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 969 WASHINGTON, 14 November 1941, 11.40 p.m. SECRET I saw Sumner Welles [1] today. He confirms that they believe Kurusu [2] has no different instructions to those [possessed] [3] by Nomura. [4] I asked him if he thought I was right in believing Japanese-Anglo- American relations were heading fairly...’
112. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 16 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 99 LONDON, 16 November 1941, 6.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram 6735. [1] I have given your message to the United Kingdom Government stressing its importance and urging that the United Kingdom Government endorse it, and in forwarding it to Craigie [2] should instruct...’
113. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 16 November 1941; ‘Cablegram P4 LONDON, 16 November 1941, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET War Cabinet discussion [1] followed on these lines. (Begins):Churchill said that early in August it had been thought that Japan might match immediately into Thailand, but so far she had not done so. He recalled...’
114. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 981 WASHINGTON, 16 November 1941, 1.07 p.m. Received 17 SECRET Your telegram 983. [1] As you know, State Department has been at great pains to conduct conversations with Japan entirely themselves and in the greatest secrecy, assuring the British Ambassador [2] and myself and others interested that if preliminary...’
115. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 17 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 100 LONDON, 17 November 1941, 8.02 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram 6960. [1] I have seen Foreign Office and suggested that they should telegraph immediately to Cripps [2] so that I would have his views before I saw Maisky. [3] Reply now received to the...’
116. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 994 WASHINGTON, 18 November 1941, 11.06 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET [BRONX] [1] In the temporary absence of the British Ambassador [2] from Washington, Secretary of State [3] sent for British Minister [4] today. Owing to his inability to see representatives of all interested Governments, Secretary of State asked British...’
117. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 19 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 102 LONDON, 19 November 1941, 1.29 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram No. 89. [1] When I heard of the decision to replace Brooke-Popham [2] by Paget _interests in the Far East and the number of our troops employed there, the Australian Government...’
118. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 November 1941; ‘Cablegram Ausco 35 WASHINGTON, 19 November 1941, (1) After preliminary talk on November 14th Australian Supply Council (self, Macgregor [2], Lormer [3] for Clapp and McCarthy [4] and Watts present at my request) discussed Cosau 296 from Prime Minister’s Department today. After discussion Macgregor stated that he felt that he...’
119. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 20 November 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 20 November 1941 MOST SECRET I acknowledge with thanks your cablegrams P.2 to P.6 inclusive and have studied with interest the statement made by you to United Kingdom War Cabinet and the summary of the discussion. [1] Your cablegrams are being submitted for early consideration by War...’
120. MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE' D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 511 TOKYO, 21 November 1941, 8 p.m. SECRET My No. 560. [1] Extraordinary session of the Diet has ended and left the situation in much the same state of suspense although the tone of the press is much less violent. The Government have attempted to use the Diet to...’
121. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 750 CANBERRA, 22 November 1941 MOST SECRET Reference your M.367. [1] In view of Commonwealth’s vital interests in the Far East and the naval, military and air forces employed there, the Government is surprised that these changes should be made without preliminary notification of United Kingdom Government’s intentions. It...’
122. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1012 WASHINGTON, [22 November 1941, 4.15 p.m.] [1] SECRET [BRONX] Copy of document marked strictly confidential handed to the Secretary of State [3] by the Japanese Ambassador [4] 20th November, 1941. 1. Both the Governments of Japan and United States undertake not to make any armed advancement into any...’
123. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1013 WASHINGTON, 23 November 1941, 1.01 a.m. SECRET [BRONX] [1] Reference my telegram No. 1011. [2] (a) Secretary of State [3] began by reviewing briefly the history of the conversations between himself and Japanese Ambassador [4] over last eight months (I imagine in order to emphasise his consistent maintenance...’
124. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1014 WASHINGTON, 23 November 1941, 3.40 a.m. SECRET [BRONX] [1] Reference my telegram 1013. [2] To sum up position as I see it. This is first time after many months of discussion that we (i.e. B.C.D. [3] countries as apart from U.S.) have had anything tangible to work on....’
125. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 25 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1009 [1] CANBERRA, 25 November 1941 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE As indicated to you in our 983 [2], Commonwealth Government’s view has been that delay is so important at present that every reasonable step should be taken to avoid breakdown of Hull-Kurusu talks. [3] However, British Government’s attitude was...’
126. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1021 WASHINGTON, 24 November 1941, 9.26-11.05 p.m. [1] MOST SECRET [BRONX] [2] My Nos 1013 and earlier telegrams. [3] I was called to see the Secretary of State [4] today together with the British Ambassador, Chinese Ambassador and Netherlands Minister. [5] Secretary of State produced for us tentative draft...’
127. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 26 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1013 [1] CANBERRA, 26 November 1941 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your 1021 [2] and 1022. [3] Our 1009 to you [4] was despatched before receipt of your 1021 specifying draft counter proposal of Hull [5] to Kurusu. [6] The temporary modus vivendi suggested in your 1021 seems to us...’
128. WAR CABINET MINUTE 1522: 26 November 1941; ‘CANBERRA, 26 November 1941 AGENDUM No. 390/1941 DISPOSITION OF R.A.N. SQUADRON [1] (Previous reference-Minute No. (1499).) [2] This Agendum submitted by the Prime Minister [3] furnishes a review of the national and political considerations relating to Australian Naval Defence which have been the basis for the development of the Royal...’
129. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1037 WASHINGTON, 26 November 1941, 11.11 P.m. MOST SECRET [BRONX] [1] The interested Governments other than the Chinese have now said in effect ‘buy time but as cheaply as possible’. The Chinese Government has taken a strong stand against any such agreement with the Japanese. Chiang Kai-shek’ has telegraphed...’
130. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 27 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 786 LONDON, 27 November 1941, 4.53 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram 767 of 18th November. [1] Ambon, Koepang and Namlea. The Netherlands reply now received points out that A.D.A. [2] conversations at Singapore in February referred to the despatch of Australian troops after outbreak of war in the Pacific....’
131. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 28 November 1941; ‘Cablegram Winch 6 LONDON, 28 November 1941, 1 a.m. MOST SECRET 1. Mr. Evatt, your Minister of External Affairs, is reported as criticizing in public our not yet having declared war on Finland, Hungary and Roumania. [1] The question of Finland is very difficult because a formal declaration of war...’
132. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 573: 28 November 1941; ‘Extract CANBERRA, 28 November 1941 MOST SECRET AGENDUM No. 140/1941 -CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN U.S.A. AND JAPAN [1] [matter omitted] POSITION OF CHINA 3. The importance of safeguarding the interests of China was discussed and the representations of Chiang Kai-shek [2] referred to in Mr. Casey’s cablegram 1037 [3] were noted. 4....’
133. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1045 WASHINGTON, 27 November 1941, 9.54 p.m. SECRET [BRONX] [1] Reference my telegram No. 1040. [2] I saw the Secretary of State. He was depressed and upset by the turn of events. He blamed the Chinese principally for torpedoing of the modus vivendi. We said that he would have...’
134. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 29 November 1941; ‘Cablegram Johcu 4 CANBERRA, 29 November 1941, 6.45 p.m. MOST SECRET I have your Most Secret telegram of 28th November WINCH No. 6 [1] and very greatly regret that you have had distress of mind from any attitude taken by this Government. In Australia, we are endeavouring to educate the...’
135. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 29 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 7509 [1] CANBERRA, 29 November 1941 MOST SECRET AND MOST IMMEDIATE We are naturally disturbed at probability of immediate breakdown of Washington talks. Hull [2] seems to attribute this to two factors, first and foremost, Chinese opposition to any agreement whatever, second, reserve shown by United Kingdom Government at...’
136. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA: 29 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 25 [1] CANBERRA, 29 November 1941 MOST SECRET I have just been speaking to Casey [2] direct telephone. From this and other advices it is clear that Washington talks will almost certainly break down as a direct result of Chinese intervention apparently designed for the very purpose of preventing...’
137. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 29 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1025 CANBERRA, 29 November 1941 MOST SECRET Following our talk. Sending you wires Bruce, Eggleston. [1] Do your utmost help on similar lines, we consider it fundamental Hull [2] and President [3] do not abandon attempts reach agreement even at this late stage. We appreciate initiative, skill and patience...’
138. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1049 WASHINGTON, 29 November 1941, 12.13 a.m. MOST SECRET Reference my 1045. [1] (1) I saw Secretary for War [2] and General Miles, head of United States Army Intelligence, today. Following is summary of relevant United States Army Far East information up to date. (2) Whilst probably a substantial...’
139. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 30 November 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M406 LONDON, 30 November 1941, 2.40 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE Following for the Prime Minister. My telegram M.405. [1] JAPAN 1. There are important indications that Japan is about to attack Thailand, and that this attack will include a Seaborne expedition to seize strategic points...’
140. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1053 WASHINGTON, 29 November 1941, 8.47 p.m. MOST SECRET [BRONX] [1] Following our telephone conversation I saw Secretary of State [2] today. I asked if he would have any objection to my acting as follows: I suggested that I should endeavour through third party to get Kurusu. [3] to...’
141. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 30 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 132 CANBERRA, 30 November 1941 MOST SECRET We have received a request from the British Government asking us to approve authorisation advance into Kra Isthmus by British troops if reconnaissance established fact that escorted Japanese ships are approaching Isthmus. [1] We have received all your telegrams up to the...’
142. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 762 [1] CANBERRA, 30 November 1941 MOST SECRET Your telegram 30th November, M.4062, most secret and personal. Australian Government’s position is that we have been awaiting your advice regarding the four operations presumably open to Japan. We pointed out that attack on Thailand and a further attack on China...’
143. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 1 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 763 [1] CANBERRA, 1 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET In reply to your M.406 [2] decision War Cabinet [3] is as follows:(I) It is plain that the intention of Japan in attacking Thailand will be to establish bases from which to attack China, Burma and Malaya. (2) We...’
144. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1055 WASHINGTON, 30 November 1941, 5.56 p.m. SECRET [BRONX] [1] Kurusu [2] telephoned last night November 29th and I had an hour with him and the Japanese Ambassador [3] privately at the Japanese Embassy this morning on his invitation. I consulted the British Ambassador [4] first who agreed that...’
145. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1056 WASHINGTON, 30 November 1941, 6.39 p.m. SECRET [BRONX] [1] After telephoning to the President [2] the Chief of the United States Naval Staff [3] has told the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet [4] to make reconnaissance flights between Manila and Kamranh Bay as requested by Britain....’
146. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 November 1941; ‘Cablegram 1057 WASHINGTON, 30 November 1941, 11.58 p.m. SECRET [BRONX] [1] I saw the Secretary of State [2] this evening and showed him a copy of my telegram No. 1055 [3] and informed him of the conversation in detail. I had seen the British Ambassador [4] beforehand and so was...’
147. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 1 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 112 LONDON, 1 December 1941, 9.27 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Page’ and I had a long talk with the Prime Minister [2] this morning, based upon the two first paragraphs of your telegram 762 to the Dominions Office [3] and the third last and...’
148. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 1 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 113 LONDON, 1 December 1941, 9.39 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET KRA ISTHMUS Your telegram 763 of 1st December. [1] At a meeting this morning the Prime Minister [2] stressed the importance of not seizing the Peninsula without United States backing even if such backing...’
149. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 2 December 1941; ‘Cablegram Johcu 5 CANBERRA, [2 December 1941] [1] MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I have your telegram WINCH No. 7 [2] and am grateful to you for sending it for our guidance. I most cordially concur in your action in addressing the President [3] in the terms you have used. Your...’
150. MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE' D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 521 TOKYO, 2 December 1941, 12.10 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET No.518. [1] Situation today is that press, no doubt by Government orders, continues attitude of restraint to the United States-Japan conversations though the more extreme papers are beginning to talk again of the necessity for putting a time...’
151. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 20 CHUNGKING, 1 December 1941, 9.30 p.m. MOST SECRET Saw Minister for Foreign Affairs [1] and told him that according to information from Australia China had intervened to prevent so- called modus vivendi thus creating the impression in Australia that China wished the negotiations to fail. This might alienate...’
152. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1064 WASHINGTON, 1 December 1941, 11.48 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET British Ambassador [1] saw the President [2] today. Following is British Ambassador’s telegram to London practically textually. (1) President’s information was that Japanese Government was a good deal disturbed by his return. He told me that the Japanese had returned...’
153. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 765 [1] CANBERRA, 2 December 1941 MOST SECRET The following sets out the views of His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia with regard to the possible contingencies emanating from a Japanese movement. The cases of Japanese aggression which should now be considered are five in number:- (1)...’
154. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 21 CHUNGKING, 2 December 1941, 8.15 p.m. SECRET I felt it essential in the interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs [1] to avoid any impression that Australia was weakening in her support of the common front and therefore suggested that we had learned from Washington that the Chinese...’
155. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, AND TO SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA: 3 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 369/1041/30 CANBERRA, 3 December 1941 MOST SECRET PERSONAL 1. A few days ago the Far Eastern Situation was almost out of hand. Hull [1] seemed to have almost given up hope. Even now of course it is very bad. Throughout the affair and despite discouragement, the Commonwealth Government and...’
156. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 3 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 7614 [A] [1] CANBERRA, 3 December 1941 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET In the event of a state of war coming into existence with Finland, Rumania or Hungary, at the instance of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia will adopt the following...’
157. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 3 December 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M418 LONDON, 3 December 1941, 9.57 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. My circular M.412. [1] JAPAN After consideration of Lord Halifax’s account of his discussion with the President the following reply is being despatched to Lord Halifax this evening. Text begins. 1. We...’
158. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 4 December 1941; ‘Cablegram P8 LONDON, 4 December 1941, 1.50 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF ALONE On the receipt of Halifax’s telegram, M.412 [1], after consultation with Bruce [2], I urged that Australia as being the most vitally interested Dominion in the Far East should participate in framing the...’
159. MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE' D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 527 TOKYO, 4 December 1941, 6.16 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 525. [1] Tone of press threatening. A.B.C.D. encirclement [2] is declared to have developed into a ‘positive offensive against Japan’ in spite of ‘Japan’s sincere efforts in the cause of peace’. Great attention to the position of Siam...’
160. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 5 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 769 [1] CANBERRA, 5 December 1941 MOST SECRET AND MOST IMMEDIATE Replying to your telegram M.416. [2] Proposed declaration of state of War Finland, Hungary and Roumania. We raise no objection to a very limited further delay in this long delayed transaction, but we think the greatest care should...’
161. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 5 December 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M423 LONDON, 5 December 1941, 3.38 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister:- NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES In view of President Roosevelt’s attitude as indicated in Paragraph 7 of my Circular M-412 [1] and confirmed by Para. 6 of my Circular M-421 [2] and in face...’
162. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 5 December 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M424 LONDON, 5 December 1941, 4.21 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. My Circular M.421 of 5th December [1] and M.422. [2] The position is that we have now received an assurance of armed support from the United States. (a) If we find it necessary...’
163. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 5 December 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M426 LONDON, 5 December 1941, 8.20 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister:- THAILAND My Circulars M.418 [1] paragraphs 3-5, M.421 paragraph 7 [2], and M.422 [3] [paragraph 5]. [4] 1. We have explained to His Majesty’s Minister at Bangkok [5] for his most secret and...’
164. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1088 WASHINGTON, 5 December 1941, 5.53 p.m. MOST SECRET (BRONX] [1] British Ambassador [2] saw the President [3] late last night. Owing to its importance I repeat below the British Ambassador’s telegram to London of this morning. MOST SECRET (1) Your telegram No. 6720. [4] (2) I had long...’
165. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 6 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 119 LONDON, 6 December 1941, 1.27 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram 7614 [1], and my telegram 118. [2] The Palace Authorities have now replied that as they see the position: (1) Only a Minister of the Crown can counter-sign the instrument (I gather...’
166. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, 166 TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 7 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 7727 CANBERRA, 7 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 6th December No. 119. [1] In the circumstances alternative procedure suggested by Palace authorities is approved- (a) It will clearly express the unbroken chain of prerogative authority from His Majesty to the Governor-General [2] and (b) it will also...’
167. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1093 WASHINGTON, 6 December 1941, 3 a.m. SECRET [BRONX] [1] British Ambassador [2] saw the Secretary of State [3] this evening who regarded the Japanese reply regarding the Japanese reinforcement of Indo-China (text of which published this evening) as unsatisfactory. The Secretary of State said that he asked the...’
168. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1095 WASHINGTON, 6 December 1941, [3.37 p.m.] [1] IMMEDIATE [BRONX] Reference P. M. Dept. telegram 140. [2] Situation at present is that Far Eastern situation is largely if not entirely in the hands of the President who is said to be still working on his proposed message to the...’
169. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1096 WASHINGTON, 6 December 1941, [9.30 p.m.] [1] MOST IMMEDIATE [BRONX] President [2] sent for British Ambassador [3] late this afternoon to say that he was telegraphing Japanese Emperor (text follows in my immediate following telegram [4]). President said that if he received no answer from Japanese Emperor by...’
170. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 7 December 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M438 LONDON, 7 December 1941, 5.06 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. My immediately preceding telegram M.437. [1] 1. Since the possibility remains open that the immediate destination of the Japanese convoys is another port in Indo-China there may still be time for warning...’
171. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE 171 FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 7 December 1941; ‘Circular cablegram DW1005 LONDON, 7 December 1941, 10.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister. A report timed 5.40 p.m. G.M.T. today has been received from the Commander-in-Chief China I that the Japanese were attempting to land from five ships at Kota Bharu (on the...’
172. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 8 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 7737 CANBERRA, 8 December 1941 MOST SECRET AND MOST IMMEDIATE Please submit to His Majesty a recommendation for the issue to Governor-General [1] of an instrument in similar terms to that already issued with respect to Finland, Hungary and Roumania [2] substituting Japanese Empire for those countries. His Majesty...’
173. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 8 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 777 CANBERRA, 8 December 1941 PRIORITY SECRET Have just received cablegram from Australian Minister, Washington, which reads:- ‘No. 1094. [1] Repeated to London 162. Secretary of State [2] has now telephoned British Ambassador [3] that in view of declaration of war by Japan against U.S.A. there is no need...’
174. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR F. K. OFFICER, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN JAPAN: 9 December 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 9 December 1941 You are instructed to inform the Imperial Japanese Government immediately that a state of war exists and has existed between His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia and the Imperial Japanese Government as from 5 O’clock in the afternoon, 9th [1] December, 1941....’
175. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 8 December 1941; ‘Cablegram P10 LONDON, 8 December 1941, 6.42 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I have now had an opportunity of examining the question of the best method of ensuring adequate representation of Australia’s point of view in determination of matters of high policy in relation...’
176. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 24 CHUNGKING, 9 December 1941, 9 a.m. SECRET The Foreign Minister [1] asked me to see him this afternoon and when I called he handed me the following statement: (1) Despite sincere efforts made by United States in her recent conversations with Japan to settle by peaceful means the...’
177. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 10 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 788 CANBERRA, 10 December 1941 SECRET My telegram 783 of 10th December. [1] We have no telegrams from Australian Charge d’Affaires, Tokyo [2], since Saturday last except short notification in clear that Japan had declared state of war with Australia received today. [3] We have telegraphed Argentine Ambassador, Tokyo...’
178. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 10 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 812 LONDON, 10 December 1941, 8.12 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram 803 Portuguese Timor. [1] The Portuguese Government are arranging to send a representative to Singapore but it is unlikely that he can arrive before 25th December at the earliest and it seems very important to make...’
179. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, 179 U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 789 [1] CANBERRA, 11 December 1941 MOST SECRET In our 714 of November 4th [2] in discussing the notification that we should resist Japanese attack on Russia we also suggested endeavour to obtain reciprocal guarantee from Russia that if Japan attacked southward Russia would declare war on Japan. Subsequently...’
180. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 791 CANBERRA, 11 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 812. [1] Commonwealth Government desires Portuguese Government to issue authorisation to Governor [2] to make local request for military assistance and Australian Forces would give all assistance within their limited resources. We agree similar authority to invite Dutch...’
181. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 793 CANBERRA, 11 December 1941 IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram of 8th December. [1] In view of serious naval losses [2] and grave effects on strategical situation, we would ask that urgent action be taken to furnish appreciation of Chiefs of Staff on Far Eastern position together with comments of...’
182. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 794 [1] CANBERRA, 11 December 1941 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister [2]: War Cabinet and Advisory War Council have had under review the question of the creation of a supreme authority for the higher direction and coordinated control of allied activities and strategy in the war in...’
183. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram P11 LONDON, 11 December 1941, 1.30 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CLEAR THE LINES FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET At War Cabinet tonight after Churchill had told full story of American and British naval and air losses I suggested that the most important question was how we could make the best...’
184. MR B. C. BALLARD, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW CALEDONIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 495 NOUMEA, 11 December 1941, 2 P.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Following for Prime Minister [1] from High Commissioner d’Argenlieu. [2] (Begins) MOST SECRET AND URGENT Telegram 185. (1) I have the honour to inform your Excellency that since the commencement of hostilities between the British Empire and Japan Free France...’
185. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 817 LONDON, 11 December 1941, 1.53 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 8th December 778. [2] We fully understand your wish to have a general review of the new war situation which has now developed, but things are moving so fast that a telegram drafted in the morning is...’
186. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 819 LONDON, 11 December 1941, 6.24 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram 812 of 10th December. [1] PORTUGUESE TIMOR It is now understood that the Governor General of the Netherlands East Indies [2] has authority from his Government to take necessary action for the liquidating of Japanese in...’
187. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 12 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 797 [1] CANBERRA, 12 December 1941 SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram No. 819 of 11th December. [2] The Commonwealth Government is in accord with the proposal to send a combined Australian and Dutch force into Portuguese Timor to liquidate the Japanese and are authorising their commander in Dutch Timor [3]...’
188. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 13 December 1941; ‘CANBERRA, 13 December 1941 Cablegram 153 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Please convey the following personal message to the President [1]:Begins. ‘On the entry of the United States of America into the war against Germany and Italy as well as Japan I desire, on behalf of the people of Australia, to...’
189. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 13 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 124 LONDON, 13 December 1941, 6.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF Page [1] and I feel considerable anxiety that the necessity for coordination on highest plane of the Allies’ strategy both in the political and military spheres is not sufficiently recognised here. While close contacts...’
190. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 28 CHUNGKING, 11 December 1941, 8.40 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Chiang Kai-shek [1] showing great readiness to co-operate and has placed all his resources at our disposal but labouring under a strong sense of grievance that his frequent requests in the past for some form of joint planning...’
191. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 13 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 829 LONDON, 13 December 1941, 8.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 12th December, 797. [1] Portuguese Timor The Portuguese Government have accepted the proposals made to them that, in virtue of their alliance with us, assistance should be provided to Portuguese Timor in the event of a Japanese attack,...’
192. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1145 WASHINCTON, 14 December 1941, 12.08 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET [BRONX] [1] I have had discussions with Harry Hopkins [2], Sumner Welles [3] and with the British Ambassador [4] and heads of the British Naval [5] Military [6] and Air [7] Staff Missions here in the last 24 hours. 2....’
193. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 14 December 1941; ‘Cablegram M52 SINGAPORE, 14 December 1941, 8.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For Minister for External Affairs. This morning I saw Wynne, Chief of the Special Branch of the Singapore Police, whom I consider a most reliable informant. He has received indications from different sources that heavy air attacks on...’
194. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 15 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 40 CANBERRA, 15 December 1941 SECRET For Mr. Duff Cooper [1] from Minister for External Affairs. Begins-We have noted from D.O. M453 of 12th December [2] that you have been appointed Resident Minister and are appointing a War Council, consisting of Governor [3], Heads of Services [4] and Director-General...’
195. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 16 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 798 [1] CANBERRA, 16 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 829 of 13th December [2]-the Australian Government. have been advised through Service channels that the Governor-General Netherlands East Indies [3] has decided to take action without delay with regard to providing assistance for the Portuguese in...’
196. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 16 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1079 [1] CANBERRA, 16 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your 1148. [2] I want you to press and insist that in every conference between representatives of Associated Powers this Government must have the opportunity of separate representation even though it may appear Impracticable at first sight. Your particular...’
197. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 16 December 1941; ‘Cablegram [?Johcu 9] [1] CANBERRA, [? 16 December 1941] MOST SECRET War Cabinet has been considering a report by Chief of Naval Staff [2] on his recent visit to Singapore. 2. We have no doubt as to your deep feelings at the loss of two splendid ships and a great...’
198. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN CHUNGKING: 17 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 32 CANBERRA, [C. 17 December 1941] [1] SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your 30. [2] Commonwealth Government considers it essential that organisations for complete co-ordination of Allied economic, political and military policy should be set up rapidly as possible and we are cooperating to this end to fullest extent. Inform Generalissimo...’
199. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 835 LONDON, 17 December 1941, 2.10 [a.m.] IMPORTANT SECRET Since your telegram 795 of 12th December [1] was despatched, you will have received my telegram 831 of 15th December. [2] This informs you of the urgent measures being taken, at the suggestion of President Roosevelt, by means of regional...’
200. MR M. DE A. FERREIRA DE CARVALHO, GOVERNOR OF PORTUGUESE TIMOR, TO LT COL W. W. LEGGATT AND LT COL W. DETIGER, COMMANDERS OF AUSTRALIAN AND NETHERLANDS FORCES IN PORTUGUESE TIMOR: 17 December 1941; ‘Letter (translation) DILI, 17 December 1941 In reply to the communique which you gentlemen handed me at 9.20 a.m. today [1], requesting me to accept the help of the Australian and Dutch Forces, which will be directed immediately to the territory of this colony, I have the honour to inform...’
201. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR DAVID ROSS, U.K. CONSUL IN DILI: 18 December 1941; ‘Radio message 3 [1] CANBERRA, 18 December 1941 IMMEDIATE SECRET Glad if you would convey following message to Governor of Timor [2] in answer to cablegram received from him today. [3] (Begins) In reply to your communication Commonwealth Government regrets that in order defend against Japanese aggression it has been...’
202. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 17 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 839 LONDON, 17 December 1941, 9.38 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram 834 of 16th December. [1] It is very regrettable that at the last moment the Portuguese Government appear to have lost their nerve and to have completely changed their whole position. His Majesty’s Ambassador at Lisbon [2]...’
203. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1162 WASHINGTON, 17 December 1941, 7.12 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I saw the President [1] this morning and reminded him verbally of the principal points in the Prime Minister’s telegrams 153 and 154 [2] which I had got to him on the night of Dec. 13th. He replied...’
204. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1167 WASHINGTON, 17 December 1941, 11.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE [BRONX] [1] Most important and most disturbing fact in the Pacific is that United States Pacific Fleet based on Honolulu is on the defensive and apparently cannot be induced to take [any] offensive action even directed towards relieving the Philippines. Damage...’
205. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR JOHN G. WINANT, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM: 18 December 1941; ‘[LONDON], 18 December 1941 I went to see the American Ambassador this morning. I had a long talk with him, the principal point being the necessity for the co- ordination of the Allies’ efforts in the military, political and economic fields. Winant opened the conversation by giving me a picture...’
206. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 19 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 49 CANBERRA, 19 December 1941 IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Your 62. [1] Desire you report in detail discussions of Council and report of hostilities. It is quite possible that in some respects the views of the United Kingdom representatives will differ from our own, both in relation to supplies and...’
207. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 63 SINGAPORE, 19 December 1941, 8.48 p.m. FOR MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS VERY SECRET My telegram No. 56. [1] Situation. Unofficial information reaching me continues to point to the air strength here not being adequate for efficient protection or attack. Japanese are using Messerschmidt 109’s and 110 E’s, pursuit...’
208. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (EN ROUTE TO THE UNITED STATES): 20 December 1941; ‘Cablegram Johcu 10 CANBERRA, 20 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET In continuation of cablegram of 17th December [1], I despatched yesterday the following cablegram to the Commander-in-Chief, Far East [2], as a result of a communication received by the Chief of the General Staff [3] from the G.O.C., A.I.F.,...’
209. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 20 December 1941; ‘Cablegram P16 LONDON, 20 December 1941, 7.37 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ALONE Far Eastern situation. The following are my comments on discussions at the Defence Committee meeting last night. At the Defence Committee meeting, which lasted 3 1/2 hours, I broadly agreed with the...’
210. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1185 WASHINGTON, 20 December 1941, 2.49 1pP.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 1149. [1] I have now seen all relevant senior individuals here on this matter and have strongly pressed Prime Minister’s [2] principal points. While lip service is paid to the importance of Singapore its importance is clearly subordinated...’
211. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 21 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 861 LONDON, 21 December 1941, 4.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following telegram has been received from Mr. Duff Cooper [1], 21St December, for you:- Part 1. [2] Conference of inter-Allied representatives took place Singapore on December 18th. [3] All countries originally suggested were represented with the exception of...’
212. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 819 CANBERRA, 22 December 1941 FOLLOWING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER [1] MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL PRESENT CONVERSATIONS WITH RUSSIA [2] With regard to Dominions Office [M] 447, [M] 448, [M] 469 [3] Eden’s visit to Moscow. (1) We should like draft proposed Treaties Russia to be sent to us...’
213. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, AND TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1188 WASHINGTON, 22 December 1941, 12.38 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET [BRONX] [1] Reference my telegram No. 1167. [2] Certain discussions will start here on December 22/23, of which you will be aware. [3] I was made aware of them by the British Ambassador [4] and by the President...’
214. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 23 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1103 CANBERRA, 23 December 1941 MOST SECRET Following is telegram referred to in my immediately preceding message: To (1) President of the United States (2) Prime Minister of Great Britain. [1] 1. At this time of great crisis I desire to address you both while you are conferring for...’
215. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 23 December 1941; ‘Circular cablegram M476 LONDON, 23 December 1941, 3.40 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The following message which is of the highest degree of secrecy is for the Prime Minister. The Defence Committee of War Cabinet have now completed their preliminary examination of the situation presented by the opening phase of the...’
216. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 23 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 873 LONDON, 23 December 1941, 5.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister from Deputy Chairman, Defence Committee. [1] Your JOCHU 10. [2] The Defence Committee have given this telegram earnest consideration while preparing their review on Far Eastern policy, a summary of which has...’
217. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 73 SINGAPORE, 23 December 1941, 11.51 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For Minister for External Affairs. Referring to my recent messages I feel that I must emphasize that the deterioration of the air position in the Malayan defence is assuming landslide proportions and in my firm belief is likely...’
218. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1199 WASHINGTON, 23 December 1941, 6.17 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I saw Winston Churchill in company with [British Ambassador [1], Canadian [2]] and South African [3] Minister[s] and Langstone, New Zealand Cabinet Minister. [4] Prime Minister reviewed the war situation on all fronts. He said ‘my principal task...’
219. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1201 WASHINGTON, 23 December 1941, 11.32 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET United States Lend-Lease authorities here are anxious to know urgently how lend-lease aid to Australia can be stepped up in the most effective way. They ask for a report within 24 hours for the President’s [1] information. In the...’
220. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 24 December 1941; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 24 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your P.15 [1] and P.16 [2] have been studied with interest. 2. I have despatched further cablegram to Churchill [3] advising that we are meeting request of Commander in Chief Far East [4] for 400 members of Armoured Division for...’
221. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 24 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 136 LONDON, 24 December 1941, 10.14 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET & PERSONAL D.O. telegram 872. [1] While the communication set out in this telegram is admittedly only comments by the Chiefs of Staff Committee sent to the Prime Minister [2] in Washington, by whom and...’
222. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1210 WASHINGTON, 24 December 1941, 10.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET I sought and obtained a discussion with Churchill at White House today on the subject matter of your telegrams 1103 [1], 1106 [2], and 1108. [3] I emphasised the facts and point of view expressed in the above telegrams. British...’
223. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1211 WASHINGTON, 24 December 1941, 3.08 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. I was informed of reinforcements that are on the way and of which I do not know if you are aware. 2. First air reinforcements will be 51 [crated] [1] Hurricane fighters which are due to arrive at...’
224. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 25 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 163 CANBERRA, 25 December 1941 The Government has reviewed the Australian organisation at present in the United States for procurement of supplies under Lease Lend and for cash. All views furnished and recommendations made have been carefully considered. It has been decided that:- 1. All sections of Lease Lend...’
225. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 26 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 831 [1] CANBERRA, 26 December 1941 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Reference your telegrams 886, 887, 895, 897, 898. [2] 1. On December 11th you indicated desire of United Kingdom that Australia should associate ‘even a very small token force’ with main Dutch force for the defence of Portuguese Timor...’
226. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 26 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 164 [1] CANBERRA, 26 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Government has carefully considered comment of Chiefs of Staff Committee (dated December 23) [2]upon Duff Cooper’s [3] telegrams of 21St December [4] communicating considered opinion of Singapore Joint Inter-Allied Conference as to reinforcements which were the minimum not...’
227. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 26 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 137 LONDON, 26 December 1941, 9.26 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram 820O. [1] Have passed your telegram to the President and the Prime Minister [2] to the United Kingdom Govt. as also Bennett’s [3] and Bowden’s communications. [4] Page [5] and I are...’
228. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 26 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 905 LONDON, 26 December 1941, [11.30 p.m.] [4] IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram 898 of December 25th. [2] 1. His Majesty’s Ambassador at Lisbon [3] points out that the proposal [4] would:- (a) Get the Portuguese out of the impasse in which they have put themselves by their virtual...’
229. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 836 CANBERRA, 27 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram 831. [1] We have received urgent advice via Koepang that entire Portuguese administration and military forces numbering about 500 have retired to the hills and that Japanese Captain of vessel NANYEI MARU is also in the hills in...’
230. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1220 WASHINGTON, 27 December 1941, 2.43 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference Prime Minister’s telegram No. 164. [1] 1. I have seen the British Chief of the Air Staff [2] and all other relevant individuals here today and have had communication by telephone with Churchill. 2. The British Chiefs...’
231. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 25 December 1941; ‘Cablegram Winch 12 [WASHINGTON, 25 December 1941] [1] PERSONAL MOST SECRET Your telegram 23rd December [2], received through Mr. Casey. 1. On Japan coming into the war we diverted the 18th British Division which was rounding the Cape in American transports with the President’s permission to Bombay and Ceylon and...’
232. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 27 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 140 LONDON, 27 December 1941, 11.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Your telegram 831. [1] Have just seen the draft of a long telegram from the United Kingdom Government in reply. [2] This goes at great length into the sequence of events and is an attempt[ed...’
233. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 27 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 913 LONDON, 27 December 1941, 11.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. We have carefully considered what policy to recommend in the light of your telegram 831 of 26th December. [1] We feel bound to emphasise the consequences to the general strategy of the war which will follow if an...’
234. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 28 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 915 LONDON, 28 December 1941, [1.45 a.m.] [1] IMPORTANT MOST SECRET My telegram 913 of 27th December. [2] 1. We feel that the misunderstandings to which we refer are mainly due to the rapidity with which developments have occurred and, to the impossibility of communicating to you in full...’
235. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 29 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 837 [1] CANBERRA, 29 December 1941 MOST SECRET Your telegram 931. [2] Reviewing all circumstances including advantage of enabling you to meet Portugal’s wishes as far as possible we are agreeable to sending to Dilli certain Australian troops now in Dutch Timor to replace equivalent number Dutch troops whom...’
236. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1228 WASHINGTON, 28 December 1941, 3.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET President [1] and Churchill have drafted ‘a declaration’ full text of which is as follows. Declaration begins. Joint declaration by United States of America, China, United Kingdom [of] Great Britain and Northern Ireland, U.S.S.R., Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba,...’
237. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 29 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 166 [1] CANBERRA, 29 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I shall be glad if you will transmit the following to the Prime Minister of Great Britain [2]:- BEGINS- With reference to Dominions Office Cablegram M. 476 [3] the summary of the appreciation of the Defence Committee of War...’
238. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 30 December 1941; ‘CANBERRA, 30 December 1941 Cablegram 168 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your 1228. [1] 1. This is the first occasion on which the possibility of such a declaration has been mentioned to this Government. 2. Dealing with the actual proposals: (a) The declaration as drafted is assented to by us....’
239. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 29 December 1941; ‘Cablegram Winch 13 [WASHINGTON, 29 December 1941] [1] MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Matters have moved with great speed here and I send you the text of the sub-joined agreement which had been reached between the President [2] and myself with the approval of His Majesty’s Government. The President is sure...’
240. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 29 December 1941; ‘Cablegram Winch 14 [WASHINGTON, 29 December 1941] [1] MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My immediately preceding telegram. Text of the agreement begins:- (a) That unity of command shall be established in the south- western Pacific. Boundaries are not yet finally settled but presume that they would include Malay Peninsula, including Burma,...’
241. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1231 WASHINGTON, 29 December 1941, 6.54 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I have a copy of Churchill’s telegram to Prime Minister [1] (sent via London) regarding unifi[ed] [2] command proposals in the South West Pacific. I have seen General Marshall (Chief of Staff United States Army) and General Arnold...’
242. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 30 December 1941; ‘Cablegram Johcu 12 CANBERRA, 30 December 1941 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Reference Winch 12. [1] Your reference to agreement with Russia quite misinterprets our 819. [2] I stated that it was desirable to conduct exchanges with Stalin on broadest lines to avoid danger that he would suppose we...’
243. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 1240 WASHINGTON, 30 December 1941, 3.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram 1237. [1] 1. Last night joint United States-British planning staffs worked again on [proposed ][2] ‘letter of instructions’. Most important matters discussed were as follows. 2. It is now proposed that geographical limits of the South-west...’
244. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 December 1941; ‘Cablegram 92 SINGAPORE, 31 December 1941, 7.19 p.m. MOST SECRET War Council. Following representations by Duff Cooper [1], Council recognised the need of placing one man with plenary powers in control of all matters associated with civil administration such as fire fighting, air raid precautions, water supply, medical aid, labour,...’
245. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 1249 WASHINGTON, 1 January 1942, 1.05 a.m IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 1240. [1] ‘Letter of instructions’ has been continuously discussed and somewhat amended but I believe not in any really important sense from what I have sent you. It will be considered by President [2] and Churchill tomorrow after...’
246. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 1 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 1 CANBERRA, 1 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your 1242. [1] 1. We agree with amendments to text as proposed by Russia. In certain respects they improve draft declaration. Above all they secure adherence of Russia. 2. Our view is that proposal inclusion of India is questionable because...’
247. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES): 1 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 141 Taut 335 [1], MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE CANBERRA, [1 January 1942] [2] Have cabled Australian Minister in U.S. [3] in following terms. Begins. Reference your No. 1240. [4] The Chiefs of Staff have submitted undermentioned views on following proposals in your telegram: (a) That Australian mainland and...’
248. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 1 January 1942; ‘Cablegram P20 LONDON, 1 January 1942, 11.56 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL HIMSELF ALONE MOST SECRET My telegram P.10. [1] After long consultation and detailed examination of the whole problem Bruce [2] and I submit the following views. In considering the question of Australian representation in the United Kingdom we have to...’
249. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 9 WASHINGTON, 2 January 1942, 3.01 a.m. Churchill (in Ottawa) and British Chiefs of Staffs (in Washington) received Prime Minister’s telegrams No. 166 [1] and 167 on December 30th and contents of 169 and 171 [2] on December 31st. Churchill and Chiefs of Staff conferred on abovementioned telegrams today...’
250. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 3 January 1942; ‘Cablegram [4] [1] CANBERRA, 3 January 1942 STRICTLY PERSONAL FOR MINISTER HIMSELF Your telegrams Nos. 1 [2], 8 [3], 10 [4], 13 [5], draft Declarations. [6] 1. I hope you will agree that the method in which the negotiations and the transactions have been carried out has not been satisfactory...’
251. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 15 WASHINGTON, 2 January 1942, 6.07 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram[s 1102] [1] and 1103. [2] I have now received following message from President Roosevelt for Mr. Curtin. [3] (Begins) Mr. Churchill and I have considered your message with urgency which situation clearly demands. I need not tell...’
252. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 16 WASHINGTON, 3 January 1942, 2.11 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Reference to Prime Minister’s telegram No.2 and his similar telegram to Churchill [1] which I have seen. 2. I had long discussion with Churchill and British Chiefs of Staff today. 3. Prime Minister may expect early telegram...’
253. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 17 WASHINGTON, 3 January 1942, 12.27 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE EN CLAIR I have just been told by Churchill that President has insisted on following announcement being made at 2 p.m. today, i.e. equivalent of 5 a.m. Jan 4th A.E.S. [1] time. I have represented to him strongly that this...’
254. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 3 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 2 [WASHINGTON, 3 January 1942, 4.30 a.m.] [1] MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Your Johcu number 14. [2] General Wavell’s [3] command area is limited to the fighting zone where active operations are now proceeding. Hence it does not include Australia, New Zealand and communications between the United...’
255. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 3 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 3 [WASHINGTON, 3 January 1942, 4.45 a.m.] [1] MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL The following is a note by the First Sea Lord [2] referred to in paragraph 6 of my immediately preceding telegram. [3] The whole Naval situation has been upset by the losses of the...’
256. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 January 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WASHINGTON, 4 January 1942, 3.48 a.m. PERSONAL FOR THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Reference paragraphs 1 and 2 of your personal telegram No. 4. [1] (1) I can entirely appreciate your point of view regarding the method in which negotiations have been carried on. During the past few...’
257. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO U.K. DOMINIONS OFFICE: 6 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 11 CANBERRA, 6 January 1942, 1.05 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram No. 16 of the 3rd January. [1] Commonwealth Government agree to the despatch of the sixth and seventh A.I.F. to Singapore together with corps of troops and maintenance and base organisations from the Middle East to the...’
258. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 13 CANBERRA, 6 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Your No. 10. [1] Our Chiefs of Staff have carefully considered the new proposal as to Portuguese Timor. They advise as follows:- (1) It should be realised that the defence of Timor as a whole is closely bound up with...’
259. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES): 6 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 15 [1] CANBERRA, 6 January 1942, 9.35 P.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL I am in receipt of Winch Nos. 1 [2], 2 and 3 [3] and desire to submit the following observations which have the unanimous endorsement of the War Cabinet and Advisory War Council: (1)...’
260. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 7 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 37 (extract) CANBERRA, 7 January 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I am quoting at the end of this cablegram the substance of a cable from the Prime Minister [1] to Churchill on the directive sent to Wavell [2] and certain supplementary observations, communicated by Churchill. 2. You will understand from...’
261. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 44 WASHINGTON, 8 January 1942, 9.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 37. [1] I discussed with British Chiefs of Staff here this morning Prime Minister’s [2] telegram to Churchill (contain[ed in] [3] your telegram 37) and first draft [of] reply that Churchill had drafted himself and telegraphed from his...’
262. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 8 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 6 [WASHINGTON, 8 January 1942, 2.30 p.m.] [1] MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your JOHCU 15. [2] I fully [sympathise with] your feelings and largely share your views. When Japan attacked U.S.A. and the British Empire immediate war danger confronted Australia. However, the accession of the United States to...’
263. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 10 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 37 CANBERRA, 10 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE AND MOST SECRET Your telegram 23 of 8th January [1], our Chiefs of Staff consider that by the time the Portuguese troops arrive in Timor our position at Darwin due to United States naval and air reinforcements may be improved to such...’
264. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 52 WASHINGTON, 9 January 1942, 3.39 p.m. IMPORTANT United States Government are considering the despatch of ground troops principally anti-aircraft units to Australia, and in this connection they are anxious to know what would be your reaction to proposal that a proportion of these troops should be coloured (Negro)....’
265. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 10 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 54 CANBERRA, 10 January 1942 MOST SECRET Reference your cablegrams Nos. 40 [1], 44 [2] and 53. [3] The conclusion of the War Cabinet and the Advisory War Council on the course of action to be followed was that the central principle of Australia having a voice in the...’
266. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES): 11 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 16 CANBERRA, 11 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Wavell [1] has repeated to us his cablegram to the War Office regarding the plan of campaign for operations in Malaya. [2] It is naturally disturbing to learn that the Japanese have been able to over-run so easily the...’
267. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 42 CANBERRA, 11 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram No.37 [1] and your 34. [2] Portuguese Timor. We still think it of the utmost importance that General Wavell’s [3] opinion should be sought, as he and not our Chiefs of Staff is responsible for the area which...’
268. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 64 WASHINGTON, 12 January 1942, 12.21 a.m. IMMEDIATE (1) Reference my telegram 53. [1] 1 flew south afternoon January 10th, boarded Churchill’s train that night and had some hours with him, returning in his train to Washington January 11th. (2) I repeated and returned to principal points in your...’
269. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 13 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 65 CANBERRA, 13 January 1942 SECRET Your cablegram No. 52 [1] of 9th January and paragraph 4 of your cablegram No. 56. [2] We are not prepared to agree to proposal that proportion of United States troops to be despatched to Australia should be coloured. _ 1 Document 264....’
270. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 14 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 67 CANBERRA, 14 January 1942, IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR CASEY FROM EVATT Reference your 64. [1] I should like to ask you two questions for my immediate guidance: (1) Did you and do you really suppose that we suggested a joint A- B-D-A body for South-western Pacific operations was to...’
271. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 12 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 7 [WASHINGTON, 12 January 1942, 2.10 p.m.] [1] IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your JOHCU 16. [2] 1. I do not see how anyone could expect Malaya to be defended once the Japanese obtained command of the sea and whilst we are fighting for our lives against Germany...’
272. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 74 WASHINGTON, 14 January 1942, 12.04 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET President [1] returned Washington Jan. 11th. I saw him and represented to him substance of your telegram No. 37 [2] and specified that Australia’s great stake and responsibilities in South-west Pacific warranted our having adequate voice in the direction...’
273. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER (IN THE UNITED STATES), TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 12 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 9 [WASHINGTON, 12 January 1942, 2.35 P.m.] [1] MOST SECRET Reference Winch 7. [2] The following are proposals for naval operations in the Anzac Area, which have been agreed to by the American Naval Staff, and by the President. [3] 1. Definition of Area A new naval area...’
274. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 75 WASHINGTON, 13 January 1942, 11.43 p.m. Reference your telegram 67. [1] My discussion with Churchill on night of Jan. Loth lasted for four hours and I can assure you that all aspects of the subject were covered. In accordance with your telegram 54 [2] I based my representations...’
275. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 15 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 19 CANBERRA, 15 January 1942 Further your telegram 91. [1] Cabinet has approved admission for duration of war of token number of Chinese and Eurasian women and children and men of non-military age the numbers in the first place to include Chinese fifty souls Eurasians fifty souls. Admission will...’
276. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 89 WASHINGTON, 16 January 1942, 1.56 a.m. SECRET The significance of the contents of my telegram 73 [1] is (confidentially) as under. After my talk to the President [2] (my telegram 74 [3]) on Jan. 13th, subject matter was discussed between President and Churchill. Whether as a result of...’
277. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 85 WASHINGTON, 16 January 1942, 1.55 a.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of the Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] Tropic No. 149 New Caledonia. Paper now approved by British and United States Chiefs of Staff contains inter alia a recommendation as follows:- ‘Defence of New Caledonia should, in...’
278. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 17 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 17 CANBERRA, 17 January 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your telegram Winch 7. [1] 1. I do not understand how you can read into Johcu 16 [2] any expression of opinion that we expected the whole of Malaya to be defended without superior seapower. 2. On the contrary...’
279. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 31 LONDON, 17 January 1942, 6.48 p.m. FOR MINISTER SECRET Your telegram 18. [1] I have felt out with Netherlands Government positions regarding higher status but their reaction is strongly against. The reason for this attitude which I have been given privately and which I transmit for your personal...’
280. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 18 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 27 CANBERRA, 18 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR BOWDEN You will take immediate steps to procure full daily or more frequent reports of activities of A.I.F. in Malaya. If necessary you will obtain information from Fitchett [1] or other sources and you will communicate it to myself for...’
281. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 19 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 10 LONDON, 19 January 1942, 4.20 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your Johcu 17. [1] 1. I thank you for your frank expression of views. I have not been responsible for the neglect of our defences and the policy of appeasement which preceded the outbreak of war....’
282. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 54 SINGAPORE, 19 January 1942 [1] MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR EVATT I feel justified in replying at length to your telegram 27 [2] as its contents suggest some misunderstanding regarding my position here. 1. Information regarding Activities of A.I.F. (a) The only access I have to official...’
283. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 19 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 72 LONDON, 19 January 1942, 2.16 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following from the Prime Minister [1] for the Prime Minister. The following are proposals for machinery in London to secure full and continuous association of Australian, New Zealand and Netherlands Governments with the whole conduct of the war...’
284. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR DAVID ROSS, U.K. CONSUL IN DILI: 20 January 1942; ‘Radio message 2 CANBERRA, 20 January 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET My telegram 6th January. [1] As result of London discussions it was decided with concurrence of Netherlands and Commonwealth Governments to put following proposal to Portuguese Government for settlement of high political issues involved in occupation of Portuguese Timor: (a)...’
285. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K PRIME MINISTER: 21 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 18 [1] CANBERRA, 21 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference Winch 9. [2] 1. The War Cabinet and the Advisory War Council have examined the naval arrangements proposed for the Anzac area in order to bring it more closely into the sphere of operational activity of the...’
286. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 21 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 65 [1] CANBERRA, 21 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your No. 58 [2], it is noted that the only senior Australian officer proposed to be provided on the Staff of the Supreme Commander is the Deputy of the Administrative Branch. As Australia is to have three divisions...’
287. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 21 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 19 CANBERRA, 21 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference Winch 6, paragraph 4. [1] I have obtained the views of our Chiefs of Staff on the danger of invasion and the reinforcement of our home defence forces. They are as follows:- THE DANGER OF INVASION OF AUSTRALIA...’
288. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 21 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 20 CANBERRA, 21 January 1942 MOST SECRET Reference Winch 10. [1] I appreciate your full reply and reciprocate your sentiments on the unity of our efforts. 2. Just as you foresaw events in Europe so we feel that we saw the trend of the Pacific situation more clearly...’
289. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 21 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 68 [1] CANBERRA, 21 January 1942 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister [2] from the Prime Minister. 1. Reference your 72. [3] The proposal has been considered by War Cabinet and submitted to Advisory War Council, representing all political parties here. 2. The unanimous conclusion of...’
290. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 21 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 95 CANBERRA, 21 January 1942 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE With further reference to my cablegram No. 65 [1] you may accept the following as guiding instructions on the subject of coloured troops: Whilst the Advisory War Council decided that the Australian reaction to the despatch of negro troops to Australia...’
291. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 22 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 103 CANBERRA, 22 January 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR MINISTER 1. There is great resentment here at speech of Knox and it is satisfactory to note his reassurance that there will be no slackening of American effort in relation to Pacific war. [1] 2. Knox can give an...’
292. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 22 January 1942; ‘Cablegram P29 LONDON, 22 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET CURTIN FOR HIMSELF ALONE Last night as a result of a personal wire from Wavell [1] to Churchill a special meeting of the Defence Committee was called. This wire pointed out the deterioration of the situation in Malaya. One Indian...’
293. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 66 (extract) SINGAPORE, 23 January 1942, 1 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET PERSONAL FOR EVATT [matter omitted] 10. Fitchett [1] describes the present position of the British Forces as ‘desperate and perhaps irretrievable’ and I feel this is justified. 11. General Officer Commanding Malaya [2] is clearly uneasy about...’
294. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 23 January 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 21 CANBERRA, 23 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I am communicating the following message as the result of an emergency meeting of the War Cabinet summoned today to consider reports on the situation in Malaya and New Guinea. [1] PART I-MALAYA 1. The General Officer Commanding A.I.F.,...’
295. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 77 CHUNGKING, 23 January 1942 PERSONAL FOR EVATT FROM EGGLESTON Your telegram No. 21. [1] I agree entirely with your view and have been opposed to it [sic] for more than twenty years and disputed it personally with Alexander in 1936. _your point of view, it is largely preaching...’
296. SIR SHENTON THOMAS, GOVERNOR OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 January 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SINGAPORE, 23 January 1942, 5.43 p.m. My telegram 18th January. [1] 1. I am afraid that I must let you know that the decision to admit only fifty Chinese and fifty Eurasians in the first instance has caused acute bitterness and uneasiness here. Two Representatives of the Chinese...’
297. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 69 (extract) SINGAPORE, 23 January 1942, 8.54 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET (7) General Officer Commanding Malaya [1] is forming a special staff under General Officer Commanding Fortress (Keith Simmons) to make final preparations for defence of Singapore Island. (8) Keith Simmons reveals to me that all fixed defences Singapore...’
298. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 24 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 74 CANBERRA, 24 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister [1] from the Prime Minister. [2] 1. Reference your 93. [3] Paragraph 1. At the point which will be decisive we do not consider there is real as distinct from nominal equality of voice. Paragraph...’
299. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 148 WASHINGTON, 24 January 1942, 8.36 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. I saw President [1] today and gave him copy of telegram to Churchill contain[ed in] [2] P.M.’s Dept: Telegram 15. [3] 2. As information regarding American naval operation detail[ed] in your numbered paragraph 8 is being treated as...’
300. MR DAVID ROSS, U.K. CONSUL IN DILI, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 January 1942; ‘Radio message unnumbered DILI, 25 January 1942, 10.29 p.m. Received 25 January 1942 IMMEDIATE SECRET When we evacuate our troops from Dilli Japanese now interned must be released and their Consul [1] will telegraph immediately full particulars and general situation to Tokyo via Macao. My primary duties were the promotion...’
301. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 25 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 16A LONDON, 25 January 1942, 9.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF [1] I feel it is desirable I should send you my personal views on question of control in Far East and Pacific areas and Wavell’s [2] command. When the decision was taken in Washington to...’
302. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 26 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 111 CANBERRA, 26 January 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. In my No. 15 [1] I asked you to convey Prime Minister’s [2] personal message and I regret that without any authority you circulated such a document to British Chiefs of Staff. Such a course is embarrassing in...’
303. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR J. A. BEASLEY, MINISTER FOR SUPPLY AND DEVELOPMENT: 26 January 1942; ‘Agendum 60/1942 26 January 1942 AUSTRALIAN-AMERICAN SUPPLY CO-OPERATION I refer to the question of Australian-American co-operation, particularly in relation to supplies. Briefly, the position is as follows: (A) Cablegram No. 34 of 7th January from the Australian Minister at Washington [1] advised that- (i) The U.S.A. Authorities were in the...’
304. MR F. M. FORDE, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 26 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 81 [1] CANBERRA, 26 January 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister [2] from the Prime Minister. [3] With further reference to my telegram 74 [4] it is noted from cablegram No. 45 from the New Zealand Government [5], which has been repeated to us, that...’
305. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 149 WASHINGTON, 25 January 1942, 10.37 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I had discussion with General Marshall (Chief of United States General Staff) today on Prime Minister’s tel. 15. [1] He is [completely] [2] sound on the vital importance of the south-west Pacific war and not only acknowledges but emphasises...’
306. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 81 SINGAPORE, 26 January 1942, 10.41 p.m. VERY SECRET PERSONAL FOR MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ONLY With reference to my recent War Council telegrams. I transmit the following personal views and comments for what they may be worth. 1. It is now over seven weeks since the Japanese campaign...’
307. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 151 WASHINGTON, 26 January 1942, 3.50 p.m. MOST SECRET Reference your telegram No. 111. [1] Any message to President [2] or Churchill containing strategic or tactical views or proposals is at once passed intact to respective Chiefs of Staff for consideration. American Chiefs of Staff and representatives here of...’
308. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 27 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 116 CANBERRA, 27 January 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your 149. [1] You will have appreciated from earlier cablegrams that our anxiety has been about what has been excluded from the A.B.D.A. area and the American Pacific Naval zone. 2. It does not help us to be assured that General...’
309. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 27 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 55 CANBERRA, 27 January 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your No. 81. [1] We are going and have gone to the very limit in endeavouring to obtain reinforcements. Of course you will under no circumstances directly or indirectly advocate evacuation of Singapore. This is a matter of highest Government...’
310. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 165 WASHINGTON, 27 January 1942, 10.36 p.m. Prime Minister’s telegram No. 16 [1] arrived while combined American-British Chiefs of Staff were in long conference. I managed to get communication to them based on Prime Minister’s No. 16, and asked that the bomber matter might be considered at once by...’
311. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 86 SINGAPORE, 28 January 1942, 8.11 p.m. PERSONAL FOR EVATT FROM BOWDEN Your telegram No. 55 [1] last two sentences. Please be assured that in the absence of any instructions from you I have regarded my function on the War Council as being strictly limited to providing you with...’
312. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 180 WASHINGTON, 30 January 1942, 3.05 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I think I should tell you something of the background in which I am working here. In the American Administration everything leads up to the President [1] who retains in his hands all major decisions, although he makes no...’
313. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 January 1942; ‘Cablegram 98 SINGAPORE, 31 January 1942, 11.09 a.m. MOST SECRET All British forces withdrawn from peninsula to Singapore Island last night following which Johore Causeway was blown up. BOWDEN _ _ [AA:A981, WAR 49, i] ’
314. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 2 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 133 CANBERRA, 2 February 1942 SECRET We are carrying out substantial works at the request of U.S. military authorities in Australia. The present programme in this connection is in the region of 6m. and it is to be expected that funds required will increase not only for works but...’
315. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 196 WASHINGTON, 2 February 1942, 12.02 a.m. Lease-Lend Agreement. At direction of President [1], Acheson [2] saw British Ambassador [3] on 29th January with advice that United States Administration would like an early decision so that agreement could be signed. This has been communicated to London. President and his...’
316. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 3 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P36 LONDON, 3 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR CURTIN HIMSELF ALONE At War Cabinet last night Churchill read a personal telegram from President Roosevelt to himself setting out the American view of your proposal of a Pacific Council sitting at Washington which has been transmitted to you....’
317. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 205 WASHINGTON, 4 February 1942, 12.29 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET I saw Acheson [1] unofficially today on the subject matter of your telegram No. 133. [2] State Department and Treasury are just about to discuss this general subject. Acheson takes sympathetic and sensible view. He explains however that United States...’
318. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO GENERAL SIR ARCHIBALD WAVELL, ALLIED SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE A.B.D.A. AREA: 6 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 13 CANBERRA, 6 February 1942 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram 00740 of 4th February to Chiefs of Staff. [1] Commonwealth Government agrees to despatch of A.I.F. Pioneer Battalion at Darwin to Koepang to accompany United States 148 Artillery Regiment. [2] 2. Forces now at Darwin are the minimum...’
319. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 6 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 102 [1] CANBERRA, 6 February 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister [2] from the Prime Minister. Your telegram 126. [3] AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION IN UNITED KINGDOM WAR CABINET 1. As Australian representation in the United Kingdom War Cabinet has now been agreed to we consider that any...’
320. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 7 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 105 [1] CANBERRA, 7 February 1942 MOST SECRET & IMMEDIATE Your 159. [2] Commonwealth Government concurs generally with lines of solution proposed by Sir R. Campbell [3] and hopes the matter will be taken up immediately with Portuguese Government. An early settlement would contribute substantially to success of forthcoming...’
321. U.K. DOMINIONS OFFICE TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 7 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 168 LONDON, 7 February 1942, 9.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for Prime Minister from Prime Minister [1] begins. 1. I am very glad to get your No. 102. [2] I am sure we can give you better service in London than could be at present...’
322. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 125 SINGAPORE, 9 February 1942, 6.45 p.m. CLEAR THE LINE PRIORITY S.O.S. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET (1) Command Headquarters reported at 15.40 hours Singapore time confused fighting proceeding near Tengah aerodrome. They appear to have no clear view of situation but 12th brigade has not yet been committed. Boats...’
323. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 10 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 82 CANBERRA, 10 February 1942 SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE CLEAR THE LINE We appreciate your difficulties but think you should stick to your post. Otherwise we shall be deprived of independent information and effect on morale would be bad. Will communicate again within twelve hours. We deeply value what you...’
324. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, AND MR J. B. CHIFLEY, TREASURER: 10 February 1942; ‘Agendum 88/1942 10 February 1942 SECRET PROPOSED UNITED KINGDOM-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGREEMENT IN CONSIDERATION FOR LEASE-LEND A. OUTLINE OF DEVELOPMENTS Under Section 3(b) of the United States Lease-Lend Act, it is laid down that the conditions on which any Government receives lease- lend aid ‘shall be those which the...’
325. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 10 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 172 CANBERRA, 10 February 1942 SECRET Your telegram No. 34 of 7th January. [1] We have been giving attention to the questions raised by you and other related ones and the following is the position- Your paragraph 3-Official request was received from the United States Minister in Australia [2]...’
326. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE: 11 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 87 CANBERRA, 11 February 1942 SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE If worst comes, you and your staff are to insist on receiving full diplomatic immunities, privileges and courtesies. Status given you by Commonwealth Government and accepted by United Kingdom Government is diplomatic with designation of Official Representative. Through Protecting Power we...’
327. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 11 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 1260 CANBERRA, 11 February 1942 [Relations between Thailand and the British Empire deteriorated rapidly after the outbreak of war with Japan. Japanese forces were permitted to make use of Thai territory to attack Malaya and Burma, Thai troops entered Burma and Thai aircraft attacked Australian forces in Malaya. On...’
328. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 11 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 113 CANBERRA, 11 February 1942 SECRET AND IMMEDIATE Your telegram D.67 and earlier telegrams Lease-Lend Agreement. [1] Commonwealth Government has been giving close consideration to this question. [2] We think that an agreement with United States should be reached as soon as possible and that the difficulties raised by...’
329. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO GENERAL SIR ARCHIBALD WAVELL, ALLIED SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE A.B.D.A. AREA: 12 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 26 [1] CANBERRA, 12 February 1942 MOST SECRET General Lavarack [2] has advised Australian Army authorities that it is proposed to dispose one Australian division for defence of centre of Java and the other division is to be located in South Sumatra. 2. You will be aware of the...’
330. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO GENERAL SIR ARCHIBALD WAVELL, ALLIED SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE A.B.D.A. AREA: 12 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 27 [1] CANBERRA, 12 February 1942 MOST SECRET 1. Reference your No. 467 of 28th January regarding Australian representation on your Headquarters. [2] 2. As stated to the Dominions Office in cablegram No. 65 [3], the Commonwealth Government considers, in view of the Australian naval, military and air forces...’
331. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 143 SINGAPORE, 12 February 1942, 6.47 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 86. [1] All merchant shipping under British naval control has already left Singapore and naval and other offices for dealing with it including Harbour Board have been closed. Full programme demolition and denial is now being carried out including...’
332. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 13 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 21 CANBERRA, 13 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Your P.38 [1] received and noted. 2. The last comprehensive appreciation received from London was in Dominions Office cablegram M.476 of 23rd December. [2] In this it was stated that to achieve our object we must hold among other...’
333. MR V. G. BOWDEN, OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE, TO DEPARTMENT D EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 February 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SINGAPORE, 14 February 1942, 11 a.m. Our work completed. We will telegraph from another place at present unknown. [1] BOWDEN _ 1 This cablegram was transmitted by a small handset located at the point where the cable line entered the water. Late that night Bowden, A. N. Wootton...’
334. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 15 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 24 CANBERRA, 15 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. In cablegram No. 21 [1] I asked you to examine the following with the United Kingdom Government and its advisers and furnish me with the earliest possible advice:- (i) The present and prospective situation at Singapore and the prospect...’
335. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS: 16 February 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (draft) CANBERRA, [16 February 1942] [1] Personal from Evatt for Sir Stafford Cripps alone. [2] To be decyphered by Stirling. [3] 1. I should like to say how refreshing is your independent outlook on present position. We came into office here in October. Prior to that Commonwealth war...’
336. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 127 [1] CANBERRA, 17 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for Prime Minister [2] from Prime Minister. 1. With further reference to my No. 123 [3] the Chiefs of Staff have considered General Wavell’s appreciation of the situation in the A.B.D.A. Area in his message dated 14th February,...’
337. GENERAL SIR ARCHIBALD WAVELL, ALLIED SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE A.B.D.A. AREA, TO U.K. WAR OFFICE: 17 February 1942; ‘Repeated to Commonwealth Government Cablegram OPX 1860/71117 BATAVIA, 17 February 1942, 3.15 a.m. Received 17 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE My telegram 01211 of 14th February. [1] From Staff conversations on Portuguese Timor the following text has been drawn up. 1. It is agreed that Allied troops will be withdrawn as...’
338. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 17 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 30[A] LONDON, 17 February 1942, 5.59 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY Since Cripps’ return from Russia [1] I have been in touch with him and last night had a long conversation. [2] In addition to his outstanding capacity he has character and guts, and is...’
339. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 February 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 17 February 1942, 3.53 p.m. Personal for Minister for External Affairs to be decyphered by Tilley [1]:Your telegram 16th Feby [2], following from Sir Stafford Cripps [3] begins:- Personal from Cripps to Evatt alone: Secret and confidential. I was delighted to hear from and of you and...’
340. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 299 WASHINGTON, 17 February 1942, 7.59 p.m. MOST SECRET (1) I heard confidentially a few days ago that the President [1] was getting depressed at continuous reverses and had sought advice from his principal advisers as to where a real stand could be made in an area where we...’
341. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 18 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P43 LONDON, 18 February 1942, 2.48 [a.] [1]m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE 1. At the Pacific War Council to-night the following recommendations were made to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at Washington as principles to guide Wavell [2] in answer to his cabled...’
342. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 18 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P44 LONDON, 18 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE In further explanation of my P.43 [1], your telegram 123 [2] and your telegram 127 [3] together with Wavell’s cables which have been sent to you [4] were fully considered at the War Cabinet...’
343. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 18 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 27 CANBERRA, 18 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your P.43 [1] very strong probability is that Government will take decision for return of A.I.F. to Australia. In meantime convoy should not be committed to Burma. Further advice will be forwarded to you within next half day. CURTIN...’
344. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 18 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 31 LONDON, 18 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF MOST SECRET I send you the following supplementary to Page’s P.43 and 44. [1] The Pacific War Council meeting last night was the first encouraging indication of co-operative action based on well thought-out plans for the...’
345. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 19 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 28 CANBERRA, 19 February 1942 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your P.45. [1] After most anxious consideration Government has decided that it cannot agree to the proposal that 7th A.I.F. Division should be diverted to Burma. [2] 2. A.I.F. Divisions were to be sent to the vital Netherlands East Indies...’
346. LORD CRANBORNE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 19 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 228 LONDON, 19 February 1942, 1.45 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. Following is extract from personal telegram from Field Marshal Dill [1] which has just been received by Chiefs of Staff. Extract begins: 1. General Marshall [2] informs me that a (corrupt group) division...’
347. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 19 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P47 LONDON, 19 February 1942, 7.48 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ALONE 1. From the time of despatch of your telegram 28 [1] and absence of reference to my later telegram P.462, I feel that the Australian decision has been arrived at before receipt...’
348. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 20 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 30 CANBERRA, 20 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference Your P.47. [1] If you have not done so you should act at once on cablegrams Nos. 28 [2] and 29. [3] In No. 27 [4] you were asked, pending receipt of decision in No. 28, to ensure that...’
349. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, ALLIED DEPUTY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN THE MIDDLE EAST: 20 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 8 CANBERRA, 20 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET With further reference to my No. 4 [1] Government, after most anxious consideration, has decided that it cannot agree to proposal of Pacific War Council that 7th A.I.F. Division be diverted to Burma. 2. This proposal was based on recommendation...’
350. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 21 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 1590 CANBERRA, 21 February 1942 SECRET Reference exchange of Missions with Russia. 1. New Zealand Government are now considering text of agreement for exchange of consul with Russia, and have asked our views. [1] We are asking them to discuss matter personally next week when New Zealand Delegation arrives...’
351. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 20 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P48 LONDON, 20 February 1942, 7.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE Your telegram [21st February No. 30] [1] received and Commonwealth Government’s decision communicated officially to the Pacific War Council. Original destination of convoy has not been varied during negotiations. Necessary instructions have...’
352. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 20 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 233 LONDON, 20 February 1942, 9.13 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister. [1] (Begins): I suppose you realise that your leading division [2], the head of which is sailing south of Colombo to N.E.I. at this moment in our scanty British...’
353. U.K. DOMINIONS OFFICE TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 21 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 235 LONDON, 21 February 1942, 1.25 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram of 20th February No. 233. [1] Following for Prime Minister from Prime Minister. [2] I have received the following telegram from President of United States. Begins. I hope you can persuade Australian Government to...’
354. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 326 WASHINGTON, 20 February 1942, 9.14 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I have personally conveyed (and expanded verbally on) contents of Prime Minister’s Department’s tel. No. 35 [1] to British and American Chiefs of Staff here and to Harry Hopkins. [2] Harry Hopkins was clearly disturbed by your decision...’
355. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 21 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 330 WASHINGTON, 21 February 1942, 12.12 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The President asks me in hand-written note to transmit message to the Prime Minister. No. 72. Personal and secret for Prime Minister Curtin from the President. I fully appreciate how grave are your responsibilities in reaching a decision...’
356. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 332 WASHINGTON, 21 February 1942, 4 a.m. Following personal for Minister External Affairs from justice Frankfurter. [1] [Begins] I have seen, of course most privately and confidentially, your message to Casey [2] and President’s reply. [3] I can assure you of most anxious and sympathetic understanding here of the...’
357. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 136 CANBERRA, 22 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister [1] from the Prime Minister. Reference your 233 and 235 . [2] I have received your rather strongly worded request at this late stage, though our wishes in regard to the disposition of the A.I.F. in...’
358. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 40 CANBERRA, 22 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your 330. [1] For President [2] from Prime Minister:- Dear Mr. President, It is heartening to us to have your message. We have known always in any crisis of this nature that the United States of America would stand with...’
359. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. M. MCMILLAN, THIRD SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram [222] [1] CANBERRA, [22 February 1942, 5.05 a.m.] TO BE DECYPHERED BY MCMILLAN ALONE AND HANDED BY HIM TO MR JUSTICE FRANKFURTER [2] ALONE 1. I take leave to address you on a matter of grave importance to our common cause. Some three days ago we affirmed the decision...’
360. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 22 February 1942 To be decyphered by Stirling alone. To be handed by him to Sir Stafford Cripps [1] alone. Begins 1. We are relieved and delighted at your appointment and are sure that the change will benefit the allied cause immediately. 2. I am very grateful...’
361. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram.342 WASHINGTON, 22 February 1942, 1.54 p.m. Received 22 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference Prime Minister’s telegrams 40 [1] and 41. [2] I delivered contents of the abovementioned telegrams to President [3] at once. He made very little comment, confining himself to saying ‘well, if they have made...’
362. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 241 LONDON, 22 February 1942, 3 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following from the Prime Minister [1] for the Prime Minister. (Begins):- We could not contemplate that you would refuse our request and that of the President of the United States [2] for the diversion of the leading division...’
363. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 343 WASHINGTON, 22 February 1942, 11.44 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET President asks me to transmit following message to the Prime Minister. Begins-Thank you for yours of February 21st. [1] I fully understand your position in spite of the fact that I cannot wholly agree as to immediate need...’
364. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 23 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 33A LONDON, 23 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE CLEAR THE LINE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF Have just seen copy of telegram the Prime Minister [1] has sent to you this afternoon. [2] While Page [3] is dealing with it officially, and will no doubt have much to say to...’
365. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 22 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 1613 LONDON, 22 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE 1. Have just received copy of Churchill’s cablegram [1] some hours after its despatch. 2. The statement regarding diversion convoy Northwards and inability of some ships to reach Australia with their fuel conflicts with information regarding movement of...’
366. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 23 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 139 CANBERRA, 23 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Prime Minister to Prime Minister. [1] Reference your 241. [2] In your 233 [3] it was clearly implied that the convoy was not proceeding to the northward. From 241 it appears that you have diverted the convoy towards Rangoon and...’
367. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 23 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 249 LONDON, 23 February 1942, 9.23 p.m. Your telegram 23rd February, 139. [1] Following for Prime Minister from Prime Minister. [2] Begins: 1. Your convoy is now proceeding to re-fuel at Colombo. It will then proceed to Australia in accordance with your wishes. 2. My decision to move it...’
368. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 24 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 1637 LONDON, 24 February 1942, 12.52 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE Further to my telegram 1613 [1] the Prime Minister [2] has informed me that he is very sorry that I was not kept more closely informed of the movements of the convoy and is sure that...’
369. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 23 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 34[A] LONDON, 23 February 1942, 11.11 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL HIMSELF The defence of Ceylon is being considered tonight by the War Cabinet which as reconstituted is itself handling major strategy questions. I anticipate that the conclusion will be imperative necessity for its...’
370. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 24 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 32 CANBERRA, 24 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference 1609. [1] In regard to paragraph 4 of Wavell’s message that evacuation of Australian and other troops will be carried out if ordered by joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, our Chief of General Staff [2] has been informed by...’
371. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO GENERAL SIR ARCHIBALD WAVELL, ALLIED SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE A.B.D.A. AREA: 24 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 40 CANBERRA, 24 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. The Darwin area is of greatest importance to Australia and the only port of value in North West Australia. We consider that Darwin must be held. In view of present situation [1] it is essential to know your final...’
372. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 24 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P50 LONDON, 24 February 1942, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE At War Cabinet last night the rapid deterioration of the Netherlands East Indies and North Australia position caused consideration of the vital importance of Ceylon now to the Empire’s war effort in...’
373. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 24 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P52 LONDON, 24 February 1942, 9.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE 1. Reference your telegram 32 [1], the policy regarding evacuation of Java was carefully considered by the Pacific War Council on two occasions. As advised in my P.43 [2] the following recommendations...’
374. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 25 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 33 CANBERRA, 25 February 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I cannot fail to point out to you that your cablegrams give no impression that the Australian point of view regarding the security of the Commonwealth as the ultimate base to be held in the south-west Pacific has been advocated...’
375. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: February 1942; ‘Cablegram S[L] [1] 1 (extract) CANBERRA, n.d. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR BRUCE TO BE DECYPHERED BY STIRLING [2] [matter omitted] 2. May I point out confidentially how embarrassing it is for the Government to have our decisions over A.I.F. ignored and to send [3] further request upon the same topic....’
376. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 26 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 261 LONDON, 26 February 1942, 1.52, a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FROM THE PRIME MINISTER [1] TO THE Your telegram 23/2 139. [2] Following for [your] [3] information. 1. Telegram from Governor of Burma [4] despatched from Rangoon at 18.30 hours on February 24th.’No important change but if we...’
377. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 26 February 1942; ‘[LONDON], 26 February 1942 I saw Attlee this afternoon and told him I was very concerned at the obvious strained relations that were growing up between the United Kingdom Government and the Australian Government. [1] I said quite frankly that Winston’s attitude was one of extreme annoyance with the Australian...’
378. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 27 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P54 LONDON, 27 February 1942, 3.20 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE A perusal of your cable of 26th February [1] makes me fear that you have either not received or not closely read the appreciation by Wavell [2] of 16th February and my explanatory telegrams [3] as...’
379. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 27 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 152 CANBERRA, 27 February 1942 MOST SECRET Australian Government desires General Blamey should return here earliest possible date. [1] Would appreciate your release of Blamey from appointment Deputy Commander in Chief, Middle East. Satisfactory arrangements will be made for General Morshead to act as General Officer Commanding A.I.F. for...’
380. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 27 February 1942; ‘Cablegram SL2 CANBERRA, 27 February 1942 MOST SECRET PERSONAL FROM MINISTER TO MR BRUCE [1] Your 99. [2] In your talks with Maisky [3] you should take the opportunity of pointing out to him- (a) Our initiative and persistence contributed largely to the declaration of war by Britain against Finland,...’
381. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 27 February 1942; ‘Cablegram P56 LONDON, 27 February 1942, 4.27 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE Following my P. 54 [1] I desire to comment on the points made in paragraph 10 of your telegram 33 [2] as follows:- (1) If Ceylon is lost, Australia will need much...’
382. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 27 February 1942; ‘Cablegram 36[A] LONDON, 27 February 1942, 10.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET Since drafting my telegram 35 [1] I have seen Cripps [2] and covered much the same ground with him. He was even more emphatic than Attlee” that the importance of Australia as a base is...’
383. MR JUSTICE FELIX FRANKFURTER, U.S. SUPREME COURT, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 February 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WASHINGTON, 27 [February 1942] PRIVATE FOR DR EVATT CONFIDENTIAL Reply to your 222. [1] There being a deep feeling of kinship between our two democratic peoples there is here the most sympathetic understanding of your viewpoint because of the realisation of immediate common interests. Do not for a...’
384. SENATOR R. V. KEANE, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND CUSTOMS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 28 February 1942; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 28 February 1942 SECRET As you are aware, the presence of American forces in Australia has given rise to the question of the extension of some form of ‘lend- lease’ aid by Australia to the United States in connection with expenditure on works, stores, rations etc. on behalf...’
385. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 2 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 160 [1] CANBERRA, 2 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For Prime Minister [2] from Prime Minister. 1. We are most anxious to assist you in your anxieties over the strengthening of the garrison at Ceylon. 2. The President while fully appreciating our difficult home defence position in relation...’
386. U.K. DOMINIONS OFFICE TO SIR RONALD CROSS, U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA: 2 March 1942; ‘Circular cablegram Z31 LONDON, 2 March 1942, 11 p.m. MOST SECRET Following, which is of Utmost secrecy, for Prime Minister. [1] Begins. The following is an appreciation of the situation in the Far East which has been submitted by our Military Advisers. Appreciation begins. Japanese Intentions 1. Japan is pressing...’
387. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 4 March 1942; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 4 March 1942 STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL MOST SECRET To be decyphered by Stirling and given to Sir Stafford Cripps [1] alone. Begins. 1. So far as was possible we have adopted your suggestion made through Bruce [2] and have offered to make two brigades of A.I.F. available as...’
388. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 4 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 166 [1] CANBERRA, 4 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for Prime Minister [2] from Prime Minister. Reference cablegram No. 169 [3] relative to the extension of the Anzac Area and the machinery for its control, we have now had an opportunity of discussing this with a special...’
389. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 4 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 37 CANBERRA, 4 March 1942 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Reference your P.50 [1], P.51 and P.55. [2] 1. These cablegrams were referred to the Chiefs of Staff for consideration in connection with an appreciation on Australian Defence which they had in hand. [3] They were also engaged with the...’
390. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 5 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 168 CANBERRA, 5 March 1942 MOST SECRET Your Circular D. 112. [1] 1. Commonwealth Government adheres to view expressed in our telegram 819 of 22nd December [2] that a misunderstanding with Russia at this moment should be avoided by all possible means. Course of events since that date has...’
391. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 6 March 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 23 CANBERRA, 6 March 1942 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE My cablegram No. 166 to you through the Dominions Office [1] was drafted by a Committee comprising two representatives of the New Zealand Government [2], two representatives of the Australian Government [3] and the Right Hon. R. G. Menzies....’
392. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 404 WASHINGTON, 6 March 1942, 12.41 a.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE New Zealand Minister here [1] has told me his views regarding the control of the A.N.Z.A.C. area including the mainlands of Australia and New Zealand and how he thinks the mind of his Government will work. I think you...’
393. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 6 March 1942; ‘Cablegram P61 LONDON, 6 March 1942, 7.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE Reference your telegram 160 to the Dominions Office [1] and my telegram P.60. [2] The British Chiefs of Staff are still examining the manner in which available shipping can be utilised in...’
394. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 406 WASHINGTON, 7 March 1942, 12.42 a.m. MOST SECRET For Chief of Naval Staff [1] from Naval Attache. [2] Tropic 189. Combined Chiefs of Staff have decided Northern Australia is to revert to Australian Command on the understanding Dutch headquarters will be allowed to operate A.B.D.A. aircraft and ships...’
395. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 7 March 1942; ‘Letter CHUNGKING, 7 March 1942 One would gather from Churchill’s speeches, and statements by Mr. Curtin [1], that there is a considerable difference of opinion between the two Governments as to the strategy and conduct of the war in the Pacific. This appears to be confirmed by confidential cables from...’
396. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 8 March 1942; ‘Cablegram SW6 CANBERRA, 8 March 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Personal for the Minister from the Minister. 1. Your comment in 404 [1] on Admiral King [2] has the same meaning and is in many respects verbatim with a telegram from the Joint Staff Mission to Churchill contained in 294. [3]...’
397. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 8 March 1942; ‘Cablegram SL3 CANBERRA, 8 March 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Personal for Sir Stafford Cripps [1] alone. 1. A Joint Australian-New Zealand plan for- (a) A supreme Commander of Anzac Area, (b) A new Council at Washington, (c) An enlargement for the purpose of the Anzac area of joint Chiefs of...’
398. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR J. M. MCMILLAN, THIRD SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 8 March 1942; ‘Cablegram SW7 CANBERRA, 8 March 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET To be decyphered by McMillan. Personal to Frankfurter [1] alone from Minister. 1. Largely as a result of the messages from the President [2] and yourself [3] we made an offer to London to allocate temporarily to Ceylon certain of our...’
399. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 9 March 1942; ‘Cablegram SL4 CANBERRA, 9 March 1942 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE To be decyphered by Stirling. Personal for Bruce [1] alone. 1. I am sure you will do your best to secure speedy adoption of Australian-New Zealand Anzac plan. We regard it as vital. 2. It appears that the telegram from Dill...’
400. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 9 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 41[A] LONDON, 9 March 1942, 9.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL HIMSELF As I am not directly and primarily handling the vital questions now under discussion it is not for me to send you an official communication. I feel however that I should inform...’
401. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 9 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 42[A] LONDON, 9 March 1942, 9.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ONLY The following is referred to in my previous telegram. [1] Assumptions 1. Australia is a vital base in the Pacific. 2. She must be reinforced with men and equipment. On these assumptions-(1) the...’
402. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 10 March 1942; ‘Cablegram P64 LONDON, 10 March 1942, 2.32 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE HIMSELF ALONE MOST SECRET At War Cabinet tonight I raised the question that, as Australia was regarded as a vital base for offensive against Japan, it must be reinforced as quickly as possible or it might be lost. 2. I...’
403. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 March 1942; ‘Cablegram S3 LONDON, 10 March 1942 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR EVATT FROM BRUCE MOST SECRET Your telegram S.L.4 [paragraphs] (1) and (2). [1] I am doing everything I can to ensure acceptance Australian-New Zealand Anzac plan. I am confident that it will be accepted although there are some difficulties that will...’
404. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: March 1942; ‘Cablegram 128 CHUNGKING, n.d. SECRET General Chou En-lai, influential Communist leader and their representative in Kuomintang, lunched with me today. It is his opinion that Japan’s next move would be directed at Siberia, India, China in that order, and that recent Japanese attacks on Communist positions in the north suggested...’
405. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 12 March 1942; ‘Cablegram SW13 CANBERRA, 12 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The following message from the Prime Minister [1] is forwarded to you for personal transmission to the President. [2] 1. The gravity of the Japanese threat to Australia has led to prolonged and anxious consideration by the War Cabinet and...’
406. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 12 March 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 11 LONDON, 12 March 1942, 1.35 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET AND PERSONAL I am thinking of offering the vacant position of Minister of State in Cairo [1] to R. G. Casey. [2] The appointment is of course a United Kingdom matter and would be personal to Casey and...’
407. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 March 1942; ‘Cablegram S6 WASHINGTON, 12 March 1942, 6.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram S.W.13. [1] I saw President [2] immediately. After reading message he said ‘that is common sense and should be done at once. It does not prejudice any larger plan that may be agreed upon.’ President asked me...’
408. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 13 March 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 24 CANBERRA, 13 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I desire to inform you that Dr. H. V. Evatt, Minister for External Affairs and Attorney General, who is accompanied by his wife, is leaving Australia immediately for the United Kingdom and United States of America. He is travelling...’
409. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: March 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 25 [1] CANBERRA, n.d. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your WINCH 11 [2] received. I am sensible of the compliment you are paying Mr. Casey [3] and Australians would be gratified. But he now has contacts in U.S.A. which make his presence there most valuable. I know...’
410. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 13 March 1942; ‘Cablegram P66 LONDON, 13 March 1942, 1.23 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ALONE In my following telegram [1] is contained text of telegram received by Churchill from Roosevelt, setting out completely new proposals for general conduct of whole World War. In the absence of any...’
411. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 13 March 1942; ‘Cablegram P67 LONDON, 13 March 1942, 2.01 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE HIMSELF ALONE MOST SECRET Reference P. 66 [1] following is substance of telegram from President [2] to the Prime Minister. [3] Begins: The complexity of the present operational command set-up and of political set-up is causing him concern. The arrangements...’
412. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 13 March 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 12 [1] LONDON, 13 March 1942, 11.55 p.m. CLEAR THE LINE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your Johcu 25. [2] Both principal Ministers I have consulted and Chiefs of Staff are agreed in wanting Casey for this Most important post which requires military experience and knowledge of public affairs...’
413. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: March 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 26 [1] CANBERRA, n.d. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your telegram No. 12. [2] We have the same view of Casey [3] as yourself. Our whole purpose is that in view of Evatt’s [4] almost due arrival Washington we greatly hope Casey will be there as that...’
414. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 15 March 1942; ‘Cablegram S10 WASHINGTON, 15 March 1942, 7.06 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER I received telegram from Churchill late last night [1] offering me a seat in British War Cabinet and to become Minister of State in the Middle East. This was a complete surprise...’
415. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 17 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 62 [1] CANBERRA, 17 March 1942, 7.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Please convey following message to the President [2] with the utmost expedition. Begins. General Douglas MacArthur having arrived in Australia the Commonwealth Government desire to nominate him as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in this theatre....’
416. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES: 17 March 1942; ‘Cablegram SW16 CANBERRA, 17 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Your S.10. [1] We have taken very careful note of all the considerations set out by you and fully appreciate difficulty and importance of decision which you must make. We feel however that as the offer has been...’
417. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 17 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 318 LONDON, 17 March 1942, 8.50 [p.m.] IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for Prime Minister from Prime Minister [1] begins. I had not realised till I saw Sir Earle Page’s cable to you [2] that he had led you to expect a telegram from me in addition to...’
418. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 844: 18 March 1942; ‘CANBERRA, 18 March 1942 WAR CABINET AGENDUM No. 118/1942-SUPPLEMENT 4-FUTURE POLICY AND STRATEGY FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR [1] (Previous Reference-Minute No. (823)). [2] Consideration was given to President Roosevelt’s proposals regarding the general conduct of the war communicated in Sir Earle Page’s cablegrams; P. 66 [3] and P....’
419. MR A. S. WATT, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 470 WASHINGTON, 18 March 1942, 4.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE Further to my telegram 469. [1] The following letter from Mr. Sumner Welles [2] to Mr. Casey [3] dated 17th March reached the Legation at noon 18th March. In the circumstances, I feel that I should quote it in full:- ‘Mr....’
420. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 18 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 48[A] LONDON, 18 March 1942, 10 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF Without prejudging the wide issues raised in Dominions telegram 319 [1] it is, in my view, clear that final decisions will provide for control of the Pacific area in Washington. Whether that control...’
421. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 19 March 1942; ‘Cablegram SW 18 CANBERRA, 19 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For Minister for External Affairs from Prime Minister. Begins: I shall be glad if you will seek an early opportunity of conveying the following message from me to the President [1]:- The Commonwealth Government are of the opinion that...’
422. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 19 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 208 CANBERRA, 19 March 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister [1] from the Prime Minister. I am transmitting to you the observations of the Australian Chiefs of Staff on the appreciation of the situation in the Far East prepared in March 1942 by the United Kingdom Chiefs...’
423. MR R. G. CASEY, MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 19 March 1942; ‘Cablegram S16 WASHINGTON, 19 March 1942, 4.19 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following is a most personal and secret message for the Prime Minister from Mr. Casey. Reference to S.W.16. [1] I have discussed matter of Churchill’s proposal with Dr. Evatt [2] in the light of all facts and circumstances...’
424. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR ANTHONY EDEN, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: 19 March 1942; ‘Extract [LONDON], 19 March 1942 I went and had the best part of an hour with Anthony. I opened the conversation by saying how delighted I was at our Richard’s appointment [1] and expressed the view that it was a touch of genius to have got him for this particular...’
425. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 20 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 209 [1] CANBERRA, 20 March 1942, 4.30 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Your cablegram 319. [2] We have been considering the President’s proposals in the light of your cablegram and several cablegrams from Sir Earle Page [3] and a communication received by me from the President stating that...’
426. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 19 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 326 LONDON, 19 March 1942, 9.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND SECRET [On 19 March Winston Churchill informed the House of Commons that R. G. Casey, then Minister to the United States, was to be appointed U.K. Minister Of State resident in the Middle East. The announcement was broadcast...’
427. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 20 March 1942; ‘Cablegram [Johcu 28] [1] CANBERRA, 20 March 1942 I told you in my telegram of 13th [2] that we did not desire change at Washington and if new man of equal calibre could be secured it would take time for him to establish himself and therefore desirable that no approach...’
428. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 20 March 1942; ‘Cablegram [PM]3 CANBERRA, 20 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. The following cablegram has been received from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom [1]:- Begins. ‘In response to various suggestions and requests which I made to the President [2] for the common conduct of the war against Japan,...’
429. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 20 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 47 [1] CANBERRA, 20 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Reference your P. 64 [2], relative to 9th Division it has been necessary to consider many aspects, including naval and air, relating to the defence of Australia and you will be further advised as soon as possible. 2....’
430. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 20 March 1942; ‘Cablegram E2 [1] LONDON, 20 March 1942 MOST SECRET RUSSIA My telegram to Prime Minister No. 46A. of 17th March, repeated to you as E. 1. [2] I had a long talk last night with Eden [3] and again stressed our interest in the question of Russia’s territorial demands and...’
431. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 20 March 1942; ‘Cablegram [Winch 14] [1] LONDON, 20 March 1942 Your telegram of 20th. [2] Course you propose of laying telegrams you mention will be quite satisfactory to me provided that you include also mine of the 14th. [3] I note from press report of your summary of White Paper that you...’
432. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 20 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 330 LONDON, 20 March 1942, 7.30 p.m. SECRET IMMEDIATE From the Prime Minister [1], for the Prime Minister:-(Begins): 1. I have to acknowledge your No. 207 [2] informing us of the arrangements which you propose to make with the United States on the subject of air co-operation between the...’
433. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 21 March 1942; ‘Cablegram PMS1 WASHINGTON, 21 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. I saw Roosevelt, Hopkins [1], Frankfurter [2], Sumner Welles [3] today, and emphasized our needs in the strongest possible way. The President is still very conscious of demands of other theatres, but is intensely interested and sympathetic with Australia, and...’
434. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 21 March 1942; ‘Cablegram P7[3] [1] LONDON, 21 March 1942, 11.38 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ALONE Further to P.64 [2] and your 210. [3] The Combined Chiefs of Staff Washington [on] [4] direct instruction of President [5] pressing British Chiefs of Staff for information as to whether...’
435. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 22 March 1942; ‘Cablegram PM[S]2 WASHINGTON, 22 March 1942 FOLLOWING FOR MR CURTIN ALONE 1. Today I had conferences with Marshall (Army Chief), King (Navy Chief) and all Australian officials in Washington. 2. Later was two hours with President and subsequently further two hours with Hopkins [1] who is obviously President’s right hand...’
436. SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 22 March 1942; ‘Cablegram P74 LONDON, 22 March 1942, 8.02 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TO THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ALONE MOST SECRET The tone of the comments of your 47 [1] on interchange of American Divisions for Australia with the 9th Australian Division and New Zealand Division for the Middle East makes me fear...’
437. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 23 March 1942; ‘Cablegram EP1 WASHINGTON, 23 March 1942 For Prime Minister only. I have seen published suggestion by the Murdoch press to the effect that Menzies should be appointed Minister here. [1] At present time appointment of any successor to Casey would be calculated to subtract from authority and prejudice success of...’
438. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 23 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 39 WASHINGTON, 23 March 1942 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR BRUCE Your telegram of 20th March on Russia. [1] I agree entirely with approach which is in accordance with views expressed to you from Australia. I have already discussed matter with President. [2] My impression is that he has given Litvinov...’
439. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO SIR EARLE PAGE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 24 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 48 CANBERRA, 24 March 1942, 9.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. The first five paragraphs of your P. 74 [1] miss the point of my No. 47 [2] which was as follows: (a) Paragraph 2 shows that according to your P. 64 [3] the suggestion for the retention...’
440. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 25 March 1942; ‘Cablegram PM[S]5 WASHINGTON, 25 March 1942, 12.48 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. 1. At combined United States-United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff meeting this afternoon the following recommendations were made as to war areas of the world:- (A) The sub-division of the world (outside Russia) into three...’
441. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 25 March 1942; ‘Cablegram E3 LONDON, 25 March 1942 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR EVATT Many thanks your telegram No. 39. [1] No further developments here with regard to Russia. Reference CHURCHILL-I agree importance of improving feeling in Australia towards him qua Prime Minister. I believe possibility of achieving this greatly depends upon your visit....’
442. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 25 March 1942; ‘Cablegram EP2 WASHINGTON, 25 March 1942 IMMEDIATE SECRET For the Prime Minister. (1) Your telegram P.M.7 [1] received. As a result of the work of the Mission there is a distinct possibility that the President [2] will soon establish a Council on governmental plane at Washington and that in addition...’
443. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 26 March 1942; ‘Cablegram 44 WASHINGTON, 26 March 1942 PERSONAL FOR BRUCE (1) In view of Australia’s most serious position, suggest fully equipped aircraft be shipped to Australia in far greater quantities and at much quicker rates by all possible methods including aircraft carriers. I feel that slow shipment of Beaufighters will cause...’
444. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 26 March 1942; ‘Cablegram E4 LONDON, 26 March 1942 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Your telegram No.44. [1] I entirely agree with your views as set out in paragraph 3 and I feel that too much emphasis cannot be laid upon the vital importance of immediate as against future deliveries. The...’
445. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 29 March 1942; ‘Cablegram [PM]10 [1] CANBERRA, 29 March 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your cablegram P.M. 5 of 25th March. [2] New Zealand have repeated to us their comments to Nash [3] on the proposal of the Combined Chiefs of Staff Committee for the division of the Pacific theatre into a south-west Pacific...’
446. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 29 March 1942; ‘Cablegram PMS14 WASHINGTON, 29 March 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET (1) I am now glad to be able to advise you that, following on extended discussions, it has been decided to establish in Washington a Council in special relation to Pacific Theatre of War. The President has intimated this to me...’
447. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 30 March 1942; ‘Cablegram Winch 20 LONDON, 30 March 1942, 9.23 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL During the latter part of April and the beginning of May, one of our armoured divisions [1] will be rounding the Cape. If, by that time, Australia is being heavily invaded, I should certainly divert...’
448. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 31 March 1942; ‘Cablegram PM14 CANBERRA, 31 March 1942 Reciprocal Lease-Lend. Please see exchange of cables with Legation relating to informal talks particularly our cable of 2nd February indicating desire to give reciprocal aid subject to limiting factor of our balance of payments [1] and reply of 4th February [2] giving unofficial views...’
449. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 31 March 1942; ‘[LONDON], 31 March 1942 I had nearly an hour with the Prime Minister this evening with regard to Evatt’s cablegrams. [1] I was somewhat surprised at the length of time as I thought half an hour was the outside limit. Notwithstanding, however, that Duncan [2] turned up at the end...’
450. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR HARRY L. HOPKINS, ADVISER TO PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT: 31 March 1942; ‘Letter [WASHINGTON], 31 March 1942 PERSONAL Dear Mr. Hopkins, I heard from Halifax [1] this afternoon that he had suggested to the President the inclusion of India in the Washington Pacific Council. In our view this would be a great mistake. India is outside the Pacific theatre of operations and...’
451. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 1 April 1942; ‘Cablegram PMS23 WASHINGTON, 1 April 1942, 11.56 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Following personal for Curtin from Evatt. (1) The first meeting of the Pacific Council took place this morning. The President [1] presided and Ministers were present representing the United Kingdom [2], Australia, New Zealand [3], Netherlands [4], China...’
452. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 2 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 54A LONDON, 2 April 1942 FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF No doubt Evatt [1] has kept you fully informed of the very full exchange of communications I have been having with him and of recent developments. I feel however I should let you know personally that in my...’
453. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 2 April 1942; ‘Cablegram E9 [1] LONDON, 2 April 1942 MOST SECRET I have now seen Prime Minister’s telegram to you [2] which is broadly in line with what I told you in my telegram E. 7. [3] Whatever your reactions to the telegram are I am in a position to know that...’
454. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 2 April 1942; ‘Cablegram S20 WASHINGTON, 2 April 1942, 8.24 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TO CURTIN FOR HIMSELF ALONE MOST SECRET 1. Following is personal cable to myself from Churchill [1] as a result of my telegram to Bruce [2], of which I previously advised you. [3] Churchill’s is as follows: Begins. ‘[Personal] [4]...’
455. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: 3 April 1942; ‘Letter LONDON, 3 April 1942 SECRET My dear Bruce, Thank you for letting me see your telegram [1], and for your help in these matters. I must however point out that in your Sub- section (2) you use the expression ‘if Australia is in deadly peril’ [2], whereas what I...’
456. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 4 April 1942; ‘Cablegram PM21 CANBERRA, 4 April 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Reference your PMS.23. [1] The following appreciation has been furnished by the Australian Chiefs of Staff with General Brett [2] co-opted as the representative of General MacArthur [3]:- Begins. The Japanese, having completed their conquest of the Netherlands East Indies,...’
457. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 7 April 1942; ‘Cablegram PM28 CANBERRA, 7 April 1942 SECRET Reciprocal Lend Lease. Have examined U.S. memorandum [1] (received from American Minister [2]) and following views of Government on questions raised are transmitted for purpose of discussions. They should be read in conjunction with my telegram 14 of 31st March. [3] (1) Lend...’
458. MR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 7 April 1942; ‘Cablegram S31 WASHINGTON, 7 April 1942, 1.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR CURTIN 1. There are several matters to which I desire to draw your attention: (a) Press accounts from Australia of air fighting are still in very optimistic terms as though air reserves were very great and we were...’
459. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 7 April 1942; ‘Cablegram S32 WASHINGTON, 7 April 1942, 7.52 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For Curtin. Your P.M. 17 [1] and No. 417 [2] Russia. I have discussed this fully with Halifax. [3] The Government of the United Kingdom is adhering to its views that it is urgently necessary to meet Russia’s request...’
460. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 7 April 1942; ‘Cablegram S33 WASHINGTON, 7 April 1942, 11.37 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR CURTIN Meeting of the Pacific War Council took place this morning with all representatives present. (2) President [1] stated that 63,000 American troops were now in Australia; 17,000 in New Caledonia will shortly be increased to 24,000 and...’
461. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR ANTHONY EDEN, U.K. FOREIGN SECRETARY: 8 April 1942; ‘[LONDON], 8 April 1942 After the Pacific War Council meeting I went back to the Foreign Office with Anthony and had about 3/4 hour with him. The first point I dealt with was in connection with the reports of Japanese battleships in the Indian Ocean. These reports suggested that there...’
462. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 9 April 1942; ‘Cablegram PM37 [1] CANBERRA, 9 April 1942 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your S.30 of 6th April. [2] Proposal for new European front has been discussed by War Cabinet and Advisiory War Council who feel that they are not in a position to express an opinion on what is essentially a strategical...’
463. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 11 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 61A LONDON, 11 April 1942, 1.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET The sinking of the Dorsetshire and the Cornwall by air attack [1], now followed by the sinking of the Hermes [2], raises such vital questions that I feel the time has come when you should consider...’
464. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 13 April 1942; ‘Cablegram PM41 CANBERRA, 13 April 1942 SECRET Reciprocal Lease Lend. Prior to receipt of your telegram [1] we had closely examined methods of procedure and reached conclusions conveyed to you in my telegram of 7th inst. [2] Have examined matter further in the light of your telegram and wish to...’
465. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 14 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 245 [1] CANBERRA, 14 April 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The following for the Prime Minister [2] from the Prime Minister. I. With further reference to My 210 relative to the 9th Division A.I.F. [3] an earlier reply has not been possible owing to need for consultation with the...’
466. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 15 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 367 LONDON, 15 April 1942, 11.55 p.m. SECRET & PERSONAL Following for Prime Minister [from Prime Minister] [1]: 1. Your No.245. [2] I am very much obliged to you for your decision to allow the Australian 9th Division to remain in Middle East for the present. All the contents...’
467. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 17 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 252 [1] CANBERRA, 17 April 1942 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For Prime Minister [2] from Prime Minister. I wish to let you know with what uneasiness we learnt of the sinking by air attack of the DORSETSHIRE and CORNWALL, which is now followed by the sinking of the HERMES. [3]...’
468. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 18 April 1942; ‘Cablegram ES4 WASHINGTON, 18 April 1942, 2 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET FOR CURTIN (1) The two main purposes for which we came here namely: (a) The establishment and immediate functioning of Pacific Council, and (b) The adoption of a plan of assignment of the flow of munitions, particularly aircraft, to...’
469. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 18 April 1942; ‘Cablegram ES10 WASHINGTON, 18 April 1942, 12.08 p.m. MOST SECRET TO CURTIN I received your P.M.46 [1] after the preparation of the other telegrams which you will receive along with this. [2] (2) I have completed arrangements for leaving on Wednesday. If you will send a telegram immediately after the...’
470. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 20 April 1942; ‘Cablegram ES11 WASHINGTON, 20 April 1942, 1.16 a.m. Following for Curtin from Evatt. just received your Telegram S.W.27 [1] and am very disturbed. Matter is of sufficient importance to ask for authority to leave here on Wednesday for which all arrangements were completed only after great difficulty as to transport....’
471. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 20 April 1942; ‘Cablegram PM50 CANBERRA, 20 April 1942 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE 1. In continuation of my P.M.49 [1], the meeting with MacArthur [2] today was convened to achieve the following purposes:- (i) That the Australian Government might ascertain the views of the Commander in Chief as to the forces necessary for the...’
472. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 21 April 1942; ‘Cablegram PM51 CANBERRA, 21 April 1942 SECRET From Mr. Curtin. Your E.S. 2-Reciprocal Lend Lease. [1] (1) No objection in principle to results of conference being embodied in a memorandum or series of memoranda linked with agreement of 23rd February by a preamble and being varied from time to time...’
473. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 21 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 178 LONDON, 21 April 1942, 8.22 p.m. MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister. Russia. Question of position of Dominions in the event of negotiations between United Kingdom and Russia for treaty being successfully concluded has been receiving some consideration. Position as I see it is as follows: It would...’
474. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 April 1942; ‘Cablegram ES15 (extract) WASHINGTON, 23 April 1942, 3 a.m. MOST PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL FOR HODGSON ALONE MOST SECRET Just received your personal wire. [1] (1) I do not think there will be any further confusion of messages from this end. I presume you have seen all recent messages relating to...’
475. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 28 April 1942; ‘Cablegram SW34 CANBERRA, 28 April 1942 MOST SECRET Your E.S.17 [1] has been discussed with MacArthur and he is bitterly disappointed with the meagre assistance promised for the Southwest Pacific Area for the performance of the tasks imposed on him by his directive. 2. He points out that the only...’
476. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 28 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 267 [1] CANBERRA, 28 April 1942 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE For the Prime Minister [2] from the Prime Minister. 1. As you are aware, General MacArthur formally assumed command in the south-west Pacific area on 18th April, when all combat sections of the Australian Defence Forces were...’
477. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 30 April 1942; ‘Cablegram 390 LONDON, 30 April 1942, 11.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOLLOWING FOR PRIME MINISTER FROM PRIMP Begins: Your No.267. [2] 1. Please see my Winch No.20 [3] which defines the conditions in which alone we should be justified in diverting divisions to Australia as they round the Cape. Since...’
478. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 2 May 1942; ‘Cablegram N11 LONDON, 2 May 1942, 1.50 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER SECRET I made a point of calling on van Mook [1] at the first opportunity after his arrival in London. In the course of conversation, which I summarize for what it is worth, he expressed the view that...’
479. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 3 May 1942; ‘Cablegram SL8 CANBERRA, 3 May 1942 SECRET For Evatt [1] from Curtin. 1. Political situation in New Caledonia has been unstable during last six months and has now reached crisis due to recall of Sautot [2] by de Gaulle. [3] 2. In August 1941 Commonwealth Government made strong representations to...’
480. MR J. B. BRIGDEN, FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 May 1942; ‘Cablegram 671 WASHINGTON, 3 May 1942, 2.30 a.m. Reference P.M.51 to Dr. Evatt April 2[1st]. [1] From Brigden. Copies to Prime Minister [2] and Treasury. (1) Full information on reciprocal Lend Lease sent by bag last week and expected to have reached you now but have now learned that bag...’
481. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 May 1941; ‘[LONDON], 3 May 1942 I lunched with Evatt and had about 3 hours with him. I had given him previously the Note on the Prime Minister’s cablegram with regard to diverting the 2nd British Infantry Division and the Armoured Division to Australia [1]; the Note on Australian Representation in the...’
482. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 5 May 1942; ‘Cablegram SL12 CANBERRA, 5 May 1942 SECRET Following for Evatt [1] from Curtin. Please see telegrams D.226 [2] and No. 393 [3] from Dominions Office to US. Negotiations for mutual repatriation of Japanese and British Commonwealth (except Canadian) officials and non-official Japanese nationals have almost reached finality. We are concerned,...’
483. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN LONDON): 6 May 1942; ‘Cablegram PM57 CANBERRA, 6 May 1942, 11.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Reference your E.S. 21. [1] Action taken has been noted. 2. MacArthur is concerned at the possibility of some misunderstanding arising through your use of the expression ‘minimum forces’ in Paragraph 1. If this refers to the...’
484. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 6 May 1942; ‘Cablegram E3 [1] LONDON, 6 May 1942 MOST SECRET CURTIN HIMSELF ALONE 1. The broad conclusion to which I have come after conferring with the Prime Minister [2] and attending meetings of the War Cabinet on Monday night and of the Pacific War Council last night is that Australia has...’
485. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 May 1942; ‘Cablegram ET6 LONDON, 8 May 1942, 12.20 a.m. IMMEDIATE From the Minister [1] to Hodgson. New Caledonia. Your S.L. 8. [2] The essence of the problem seems to me not to take sides but to let the Free French settle their own differences and determine their own leadership. The United...’
486. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 8 May 1942; ‘Cablegram E4 LONDON, 8 May 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET In reply to your telegram No. 57 [1] I now state my first-hand impressions and conclusions in relation to second front and other matters mentioned in your telegram. (1) I fully appreciate MacArthur’s [2] attitude in relation...’
487. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN LONDON): 13 May 1942; ‘Cablegram PM62 CANBERRA, 13 May 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Your E.4 [1] has been discussed with MacArthur. [2] He appreciates your views in the light of the situation as you see it in Washington and London but he does not agree with the general thesis that, having been...’
488. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 13 May 1942; ‘Cablegram ET9 LONDON, 13 May 1942, 10.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Following for Prime Minister from Evatt. [1] Your S.L.12. [2] Exchange of officials with Japan. Following is summary of views, as ascertained by Stirling, of Dominions Office after consultation with Foreign Office officials. Begins: On one hand, they point out...’
489. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER AND ACTING MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 May 1942; ‘Agendum 240 15 May 1942 LEAGUE OF NATIONS-AUSTRALIA’S CONTRIBUTION 1. At a meeting held at Montreal in July, 1941, the Supervisory Commission of the League of Nations, acting in accordance with powers conferred upon it by the Assembly in 1938 and reaffirmed by the Assembly in 1939, adopted the Budget...’
490. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 17 May 1942; ‘Cablegram 4501 LONDON, 17 May 1942, 4.30 a.m. MOST SECRET Your P.M.62, 13th May [1], was duly received by me on Thursday. It was so important and convincing as a general summary of the position in Australia that I at once made the analysis contained in it available to the...’
491. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 May 1942; ‘[LONDON], 18 May 1942 I went to see Evatt about 4 o’clock. The object of my going to see him was to ask him whether there was anything on the Agenda for this evening’s Cabinet indicating that either the Agreement with the Soviet over boundaries or the U.S.A. reply to...’
492. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 19 May 1942; ‘Cablegram SW43 CANBERRA, 19 May 1942 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Reciprocal Lease Lend Negotiations-Our P.M.28 [1] Sections 2 and 3 and your despatches. [2] 2. It is clear from preliminary discussions that U.S. representatives here expect all supplies and services which can be made available from or through Australian Government to...’
493. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 21 May 1942; ‘Cablegram 614 CANBERRA, 21 May 1942 SECRET 1. Dr. Evatt’s cable No.600 [1]-Trade Negotiations. Following for McCarthy. [2] 2. Consideration of further instructions to you has brought out close relation between current trade negotiations and Article 7 of Mutual Aid Agreement. 3. Government’s tentative views on general possibilities of a...’
494. MR A. S. V. SMITH, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SUPPLY AND DEVELOPMENT, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 20 May 1942; ‘Cablegram [ES] [1] 42 WASHINGTON, 20 May 1942, 9.59 p.m. MOST SECRET FOR PRIME MINISTER ALONE FROM SMITH With reference to yesterday’s telegram 762 forwarding President’s reply [2] to your telegram 97 [3] I had interviews with General Marshall [4] and Admiral King [5] on morning of 19th and cabled...’
495. MR J. B. BRIGDEN, FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 May 1942; ‘Cablegram 765 WASHINGTON, 21 May 1942, 2.13 a.m. MOST SECRET Following from Brigden for Treasury. 1. Your telegram SW.43. [1] Have seen Phillips [2] on your questions. Your general views will be acceptable here. We know of no authority here in support of Wasserman’s [3] views which were entirely personal....’
496. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 May 1942; ‘[LONDON], 22 May 1942 I saw Evatt about 5.30 p.m. to-day. This was the first time I had had any conversation with him since Monday the 18th May although I had telephoned each day suggesting I should come and see him but he was always too pressed. Evatt first asked...’
497. MEMORANDUM BY DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 May 1942; ‘[LONDON], 26 May 1942 THE DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA On the 13th May, 1942, I received a cable from my Prime Minister [1], which I immediately referred to the British Chiefs of Staff, and which was subsequently circulated to the War Cabinet. That cable set out the viewpoint of the Australian...’
498. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 May 1942; ‘Cablegram 780 WASHINGTON, 27 May 1942, 12.31 a.m. SECRET From McCarthy. [1] Your cable 614 May 21st. [2] The substance of the cable was conveyed by me to Hawkins [3] when we discussed arrangements for the re-opening of our trade agreement discussions. He said that subject to detailed scrutiny of...’
499. MEMORANDUM BY MR S. M. BRUCE,: 27 May 1942; ‘[LONDON], 27 May 1942 High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, for Dr H. V. Evatt, Minister for External Affairs AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION IN THE WAR CABINET. 2 In my previous Note of the 3rd May on this subject [1] I set out under 1 to 5 at the end of the...’
500. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 28 May 1942; ‘Cablegram ET30 [1] LONDON, 28 May 1942, 2.25 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FOR CURTIN ALONE It is now possible to summarize the work of our mission so far as the London end is concerned. (A) Grand Strategy of the War (1) I have ascertained that during the visit of...’
501. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 28 May 1942; ‘Cablegram ET32 [1] LONDON, 28 May 1942, 1.55 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET HIMSELF ONLY My telegrams Nos. E.T. 30 [2] and 31. [3] Annexure B Aide-memoire on strategy. (1) The broad strategic policy of the United Nations was agreed when the Prime Minister [4] and...’
502. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 28 May 1942; ‘Cablegram ET33 [1] LONDON, 28 May 1942, 1.40 a.m. SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE FOR CURTIN ALONE Following is letter [2] just received from Prime Minister’s [3] Chief of Staff General Ismay referred to in previous cable. [4] Paragraph [1 refers to the] [5] instruction to Dill [6] in Washington. Begins-It may...’
503. MR A. S. V. SMITH, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SUPPLY AND DEVELOPMENT, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN LONDON): 28 May 1942; ‘Cablegram 145 WASHINGTON, 28 May 1942, 12.15 a.m. FROM SMITH TO DR EVATT ONLY Your telegram No-44. [1] Had long discussion with Hopkins [2] this evening and now furnish the following comments: Your paragraph 2-extreme difficulty here in obtaining true picture of aircraft position but American policy of placing American...’
504. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 May 1942; ‘[LONDON], 28 May 1942 1 saw Evatt at 5.30 p.m. for about half an hour. When I arrived Page [1] was there talking to Robinson [2] and had apparently been waiting for about 1 1/2 hours. I told Evatt that Page had been to see me this afternoon and I...’
505. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: 29 May 1942; ‘Cablegram Johcu 33 CANBERRA, 29 May 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I have received from Dr. Evatt [1] a lengthy report on the results of his mission to London. _express our warmest thanks for your assurances of support, for the instructions issued to the representatives of the Chiefs of Staff...’
506. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN LONDON): 29 May 1942; ‘Cablegram PM76 CANBERRA, 29 May 1942 MOST SECRET 1. Reference your ET.30, 31, 32 and 33. [1] I am furnishing you with certain immediate observations in the hope that they will reach you before you leave London. [2] I am proceeding to Melbourne on Sunday for discussions with MacArthur [3],...’
507. MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 May 1942; ‘Cablegram ET35 LONDON, 29 May 1942, 6.45 p.m. MOST SECRET For Hodgson for Prime Minister [1] from Evatt. [2] Your S.L. 21. [3] Exchange of officials with Japan. (1) Following is summary of United Kingdom reply to my representations to Attlee [4] and Eden [5] on behalf of Bowden and...’
508. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 May 1942; ‘Extracts [LONDON], 30 May 1942 Had a long talk with Evatt after dinner. He opened the conversation by saying that he had discussed with the Prime Minister [1] at Chequers last night the position with regard to our representation here and the necessity of implementing the arrangement that had been...’
509. MR J. B. BRIGDEN, FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 May 1942; ‘Cablegram 806 WASHINGTON, 30 May 1942, 2.43 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reciprocal Lend-Lease. Your telegram Nos. 657, 656, and 659. [1] Have postponed further action up till Monday when Phillips leaves for London but shall see him early that day. He will probably take with him a draft memorandum from Acheson...’
510. PRIME MINISTER'S WAR CONFERENCE MINUTE 23: 1 June 1942; ‘MELBOURNE, 1 June 1942 The Prime Minister’s War Conference, which consisted of John Curtin as Prime Minister and Minister for Defence and General Douglas MacArthur as Allied Supreme Commander in the South-West Pacific Area, met for the first time in Melbourne on 8 April 1942. Curtin had the power to...’
511. MR J. B. BRIGDEN, FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 810 WASHINGTON, 1 June 1942, 6.31 a.m. IMMEDIATE Reciprocal Lend Lease. (1) I was summoned to the State Department and handed a document which will be telegraphed to you in my immediately following telegram. [1] In form it is a draft exchange of notes between the Australian Minister, Washington,...’
512. MR J. B. BRIGDEN, FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE LEGATION IN WASHINGTON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 811 WASHINGTON, 1 June 1942, 10.48 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Following is draft exchange of notes referred to in my telegram 810. [1] From the Australian Minister to the Secretary of State. With a view to Supplementing articles Nos. 2 and 6 of Agreement of May (blank) 1942 [2] between...’
513. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO MR NELSON TRUSLER JOHNSON, U.S. MINISTER TO AUSTRALIA: 1 June 1942; ‘Cablegram [189] [1] [WASHINGTON], 1 June 1942 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL FOR THE MINISTER Will you please deliver personally at the earliest moment the following message to Prime Minister Curtin from the President: QUOTE Because we face so many mutual problems across the Pacific, I think it would be most helpful...’
514. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 2 June 1942; ‘Cablegram S28 LONDON, 2 June 1942 FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF Reference Dominions Office telegram No. 442. [1] Point raised is one I anticipated Prime Minister would have put to Evatt [2] in their final conversation last Friday but in fact it was not. My reason for this anticipation was...’
515. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE: 3 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 4867 [1] CANBERRA, 3 June 1942 United Kingdom PRIORITY IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF Reference your. S. 28. [2] I have agreed, in accordance with Dominions Office cable No. 442 [3], to relieve you of your routine functions as High Commissioner while you are Accredited Representative of the Commonwealth...’
516. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 3 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 202 CANBERRA, 3 June 1942 SECRET For Bruce [1] from Curtin. Your 218. [2] Desire you inform United Kingdom Government that we appreciate step which it has taken in regard to Bowden and Ross. We have to say that the exclusion of Bowden and Ross is not acceptable. There...’
517. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 820 (extract) WASHINGTON, 3 June 1942, 3.11 a.m. MOST SECRET Reciprocal Lend-Lease Our 811 [1] and your 671. [2] Comment on draft exchange of notes. Following from Brigden. [3] (1) Proposal that Australia should sign the master agreement is a reversal of the attitude when Dr. Evatt [4] arrived...’
518. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR A. T. STIRLING, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER IN LONDON: 5 June 1942; ‘Cablegram SL27 CANBERRA, 5 June 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET For Bruce [1] from Curtin. Your S.23. [2] 1. You are authorised to inform the United Kingdom Government of our approval of the general principles of the United States proposals for a United Nations Post-War Requirements organisation. 2. At the same...’
519. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 5 June 1942; ‘Cablegram S35 LONDON, 5 June 1942 FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF From the concrete results achieved and the reports in the Press you will have appreciated Evatt’s [1] success here. There is little that I could add to his very comprehensive report to you on the results of his...’
520. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 6 June 1942; ‘Cablegram ES52 WASHINGTON, 6 June 1942, 8.30 p.m. Lend-lease. (1) I have seen the draft of the exchange of notes on reciprocal lend-lease proposed by the State Department [1] which I understand has been approved by the President. [2] It is very comprehensive but I see no reason to object....’
521. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO FIELD MARSHAL SIR JOHN DILL, LEADER OF THE U.K. JOINT STAFF MISSION IN WASHINGTON: 8 June 1942; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 8 June 1942 It seems to me that the following points now arise from paragraphs 1 and 2 of General Ismay’s letter detailing the arrangements made in London between Mr. Churchill and the War Cabinet and myself as representing His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia. [1]...’
522. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 9 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 455 LONDON, 9 June 1942, 11.05 P.m. MOST SECRET My telegram of 9th June, 454. [1] Following is message from H.M. Ambassador at Lisbon [2] begins:- Secretary-General tells me that the Govern [or] of Portuguese Timor [3] has reported that Mr. Ross [4] has approached him in the following...’
523. DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 10 June 1942; ‘Cablegram ES65 WASHINGTON, 10 June 1942, 2.19 p.m. MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Personal for Curtin from Evatt. Your telegram P.M.83. [1] (1) I greatly value the message from you and my colleagues congratulating me on the success of the Mission. We owe much to the consistent support of yourself, as...’
524. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 11 June 1942; ‘Cablegram PM85 CANBERRA, 11 June 1942 SECRET Reciprocal lend-lease negotiations- (1) Have given consideration to Washington developments in light of your telegrams E.S. 52 [1] and [E.S.] 58 [2] which raise following major questions:- (a) Separate Mutual Aid Agreement. (b) Provisions of draft exchange of notes on reciprocal lend- lease....’
525. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (IN WASHINGTON): 12 June 1942; ‘Cablegram PM87 [1] CANBERRA, 12 June 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I. Reference your E.S. 65. [2] I had a further discussion with General MacArthur [3] yesterday as a result of which the draft cablegram referred to in P.M. 76 [4] will not be despatched in its present form because...’
526. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY MRJOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER AND ACTING MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 June 1942; ‘Agendum 270/42 CANBERRA, 16 June 1942 SECRET POLITICAL WARFARE AGAINST JAPAN The British Foreign Office recently established, in agreement with the British Ministry of Information, a Political Warfare (Japan) Committee to give guidance in the conduct of political warfare against Japan. A plan of campaign drawn up by this Committee...’
527. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 18 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 335 CANBERRA, 18 June 1942 MOST SECRET IMPORTANT Your cablegrams Nos. 454, 455, 456, 457. [1] Portuguese Timor The proposal of the Portuguese Government has been discussed with General MacArthur [2], and also with the Australian Chiefs of Staff. 2. For your information, Australian forces in Portuguese Timor number...’
528. LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TO LT GEN V. A. H. STURDEE, CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF: 23 June 1942; ‘Teleprinter message CS 2684 CANBERRA, 23 June 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your message 22nd June. [1] Portuguese Timor. As Ross is under close supervision by Japanese and is not a free agent it seems he must be under something equivalent to flag of truce. It seems to me just...’
529. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 23 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 86A LONDON, 23 June 1942, 8.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL At War Cabinet meeting Libyan position fully discussed and decision reached that in view of seriousness of situation all possible reinforcements should be diverted to Middle East. [1] During consideration of possible diversions which mainly affect...’
530. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 25 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 347 CANBERRA, 25 June 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I have received your cablegram of 24th June [1] through the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom. [2] 2. The Commonwealth Government realizes and shares your anxieties regarding the position in the Middle East. Our agreement that the 9th Division...’
531. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 26 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 88A LONDON, 26 June 1942, 8.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET PERSONAL HIMSELF Your telegrams Nos. 5772 [1] and 347 [2] to Dominions Office. I entirely appreciate your point of view and Australia’s case is put with restraint and clarity in your telegram to the Dominions Office....’
532. MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 26 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 90A LONDON, 26 June 1942 IMMEDIATE FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAE HIMSELF ONLY My telegram No. 88A. [1] There is some further background that I feel I should give you personally. While what Evatt [2] obtained while he was here was most valuable we have to recognise there is a...’
533. MR F. G. SHEDDEN, SECRETARY OF THE DEFENCE DEPARTMENT, TO LT COL W. R. HODGSON, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 June 1942; ‘Teleprinter message D2736 MELBOURNE, 28 June 1942, 9.55 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The following message has been received through Army Dept:- X8/1581. To Landforces Melbourne from Norforce Darwin. T.O.R. 0245 28/6. Originator’s no. W.129 T.P.P. 2200/27 27th June. T.H.I. 2215/27. (Begins) Most Secret. Most Immediate. For External Affairs from...’
534. MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS, TO MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER: 27 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 482 LONDON, 27 June 1942, 9.08 p.m. MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram 25th June, No. 347. [1] Following Most Secret and Personal. From the Prime Minister [2] to the Prime Minister. Begins: I am sorry that you have felt concern over the request made to you in Attlee’s message...’
535. NOTE BY MR S. M. BRUCE, HIGH COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OF CONVERSATION WITH MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 28 June 1942; ‘LONDON, 28 June 1942 As I had received no notification of a War Cabinet meeting on Saturday evening after the Prime Minister’s return from the U.S.A. _meeting to-day Sunday. Attlee said that there was not. I then said that my Government would be waiting most anxiously for a report on...’
536. MR JOHN CURTIN, PRIME MINISTER, TO MR CLEMENT ATTLEE, U.K. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS: 30 June 1942; ‘Cablegram 349 CANBERRA, 30 June 1942 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister [1] from the Prime Minister. 1. Reference your No. 482 [2] we had laid our plans and based our expectations on the early arrival of the three Spitfire squadrons and are naturally very disappointed at...’
537. SIR FREDERIC EGGLESTON, MINISTER TO CHINA, TO DR H. V. EVATT, MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1942; ‘Letter CHUNGKING, 30 June 1942 In my last diplomatic bag No.23 of 24th June, I included two despatches, one on the fall of Burma and its consequences’ and the other on the fighting in China. [2] I should like in this letter to stress certain conclusions which I believe are...’

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Volume 5: July 1941 – June 1942

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