Cablegram 121[A] LONDON, 2 August 1942, 7.50 p.m.
FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY
My telegram S.34 of 4th June. [1] There have been developments
during the past week of which it is desirable that I should inform
you. After the Cabinet Meeting on Monday last, I had a short
preliminary conversation with the Prime Minister with regard to
our representation here. It is unnecessary to indicate the tenor
of that conversation as subsequent developments make it clear.
On Tuesday I wrote to the Prime Minister the following letter:-
‘After our meeting last night, I dictated a short note to try and
clear my mind. Although in our conversation I said to you I did
not think anything in writing would be helpful, on reading the
note I am inclined to think it might be useful as a basis for
discussion when we meet again. I accordingly enclose it herewith.’
The note referred to is contained in my immediately following
telegram, No. 122[A]. [2]
Yesterday I had a long talk with Attlee who told me that the Prime
Minister had shown him my note and asked him to discuss it with
me.
As a result of that conversation I have today written to Attlee
the
following letter [3]:-
‘With reference my note to the Prime Minister of 27th July and my
conversation with you yesterday, the position as I understand it
is that, without any precise formula being laid down, we will
endeavour in the light of the frank exchange of views that has
taken place to work out in practice a mutually satisfactory
arrangement. I realize your difficulties and you can rest assured
that whatever I can do, consistent with my obligations to my
Government, to help you to overcome them, I will willingly do.’
I am hopeful that it will be possible to work out the ‘mutually
satisfactory arrangement’ referred to in my letter to Attlee and
subject to any instruction from you I propose to go ahead on this
line.
BRUCE
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1 On file AA: M100, June 1942. It outlined Bruce’s conception of
his task as Accredited Representative of the Commonwealth Govt.
2 Document 15.
3 There is a copy of this letter (in fact dated 1 August) on file
AA:M100, August 1942.
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[FA:A3195, 1942, 1.30566]
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