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 mission. Bearing these results in mind, I think that he has been wise in making his visit brief and concentrated, though it must have taken a heavy toll of his energy. He worked unceasingly both night and day.
Since his departure I have heard many comments on his visit. On every hand I have found them favourable. To my mind the most satisfactory feature is the attitude in Governmental and Press circles. Both were inclined to regard him before his arrival with a certain measure of suspicion. This has disappeared and has been replaced by a feeling of friendly regard. This changed atmosphere will undoubtedly be helpful not only to the Government but to Australia as a whole. It was remarkable how quickly Evatt sensed the atmosphere here.
His broadcast given within a few days of his arrival was admirable. While presenting Australia’s case with force and directness he had regard to the susceptibilities of these somewhat difficult and certainly harrassed and war-worn people and so won their sympathy and understanding for Australia. The note he struck in that first broadcast he maintained throughout his visit.
I realise it is not for me to comment on the performance of Ministers but I felt you would like me to send you personally my views.
BRUCE
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1 Minister for External Affairs.
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[AA:M100, JUNE 1942]