Documents on Australian Foreign Policy

1. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 2 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 2 CANBERRA, 2 January 1944 SECRET Your D.1190 and your No. 398. [1] 1. The Australian Government regards it as essential that there should be a frank understanding of the arrangement made in London in July between Mr. Churchill, Mr. Eden, Mr. Attlee and Dr. Evatt in relation to...’
2. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 2 January 1944; ‘Cablegram D1 LONDON, 2 January 1944, 3.55 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram of 31st December, D.1214. [1] Following estimation as at end of November has been received from His Majesty’s United Kingdom Ambassador, Washington of the official United States attitude towards post-war civil air transport. Begins:- 1. The following estimation...’
3. ROOSEVELT TO CURTIN LETTER: 3 January 1944; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 3 January 1944 PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL Now that I am back from the Conferences [1] with Mr. Churchill and the Generalissimo and Marshal Stalin, I feel even more strongly that you and I should meet. As you know, I have been close to Mackenzie King almost since we...’
4. RIVETT TO WHITE: 5 January 1944; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 5 January 1944 SECRET I had a letter from Oliphant the other day which shewed that the tube alloys [1] work was going ahead with amazing vigour in U.S.A. I won’t put details into this note, but evidently the possibilities are being taken increasingly seriously. Oliphant all through...’
5. D'ALTON TO EVATT: 5 January 1944; ‘Dispatch 44/1/1 (extracts) WELLINGTON, 5 January 1944 SECRET 1. Since my arrival in Wellington [1] I have endeavoured to gain some idea of the lines on which New Zealand Ministers and officials were thinking with regard to the problems which are due to come up for discussion between Australia and...’
6. SHEDDEN TO HODGSON: 7 January 1944; ‘Memorandum [CANBERRA], 7 January 1944 MOST SECRET FUTURE OF SOUTHWEST PACIFIC REGION-CONFERENCE BETWEEN AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS, JANUARY 1944 With further reference to my letter of 20th December [1] I am forwarding herewith a copy of a report by the Defence Committee on the subjects on which information has...’
7. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 12 LONDON, 7 January 1944, 1.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Your telegram 2nd January No. 2. [1] We think that the United States Government must surely be aware of the position of the Commonwealth Government in this matter as set out in your letter of 5th July last to...’
8. D'ALTON TO EVATT: 8 January 1944; ‘Dispatch 44/1/2 (extract) WELLINGTON, 8 January 1944 SECRET I have the honour to inform you that on 7th January, the day prior to my departure for Auckland on my way to Australia, I had a long interview with the Prime Minister. Mr. Fraser discussed the forthcoming conference to be held...’
9. DAVIS TO CURTIN: 10 January 1944; ‘Letter [CANBERRA], 10 January 1944 Relative to the proposed Agreement between Canada and Australia in connection with the furnishing of Mutual Aid by Canada to Australia, under our Mutual Aid policy, I was instructed on January 6th to deliver a message to you from my Prime Minister. I found upon...’
10. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 11 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 12 CANBERRA, 11 January 1944 MOST SECRET The Australian Government has been following closely your recent telegrams on the situation in Yugoslavia, Greece and Italy and much appreciates detailed advice of developments. 2. In general we fear that unless great care is taken Allies may lay themselves open to...’
11. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO BRUCE: 13 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 366 CANBERRA, 13 January 1944 SECRET POLAND-U.S.S.R. 1. You will recall strong interest expressed in this question in telegram No. 202 to Dominions Office of 4th August, 1943. [1] We assume that, with crossing of the 1939 Polish boundary by Soviet forces, renewed efforts are being made to find...’
12. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 12 January 1944; ‘Circular cablegram D56 LONDON, 12 January 1944, 11.40 p.m. MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. Begins- My telegram Circular D.1085, 10th December. [1] On December 16th, immediately upon his return from Africa, President Roosevelt received the Chinese and Turkish Ambassadors [2], the Egyptian Minister [3] and the Soviet [4]...’
13. DIXON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 32 WASHINGTON, 13 January 1944, 1.32 a.m. MOST SECRET A meeting of the Pacific War Council was held January 12th. There were present:- The President. [1] Ronald Campbell [2], Great Britain. Leighton McCarthy [3], Canada. Walter Nash, New Zealand. Owen Dixon, Australia. Osmena [4], Philippines. Loudon [5], Netherlands. Wei...’
14. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 13 January 1944; ‘Cablegram D58 LONDON, 13 January 1944, 1 a.m. MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. My immediately preceding telegram. [1] We feel that in view of the nature and size of his audience, President Roosevelt’s remarks will probably reach a wider circle, possibly in distorted form and may have repercussions....’
15. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 13 January 1944; ‘Cablegram [4] [1] LONDON, 13 January 1944, 2.45 p.m. SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister. Proposed Japanese exchange. Since despatch of the communication to Japanese Government with reference to Japanese seamen (Dominions Office cable 368 7/12/43 [2]) increasing concern has been felt both here and in America with regard to...’
16. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 14 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 5[A] LONDON, 14 January 1944, 7.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. My telegram No. 3[A] of 12th January. [1] Mr. Eden had a further interview with the Polish Prime Minister [2], Minister for Foreign Affairs [3] and Ambassador [4] yesterday when the Poles submitted...’
17. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MALONEY: 16 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 9 CANBERRA, 16 January 1944 Your S.3. [1] Thanks your telegram. Views expressed in paragraph 5 [2] are in accordance with conclusions we have reached. High Com missioner, London, has been requested to take up matter with Eden again and press for an early settlement by Polish Government. [3]...’
18. CONFERENCE OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS: 21 January 1944; ‘Proceedings of the Conference CANBERRA, 17-21 January 1944 SECRET NOTES ON THE AGENDA [1] (Pacific Conference Papers, Agenda No. 1.) PREPARED BY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE H. V. EVATT, K.C., MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR THE USE OF DELEGATES AT THE CONFERENCE OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS ON PACIFIC AFFAIRS...’
19. CONFERENCE OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS: 18 January 1944; ‘Proceedings of the Conference CANBERRA, 18 January 1944 SECRET REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE AGENDA (Pacific Conference Papers, Agenda No. 3) Mr. Chairman, In accordance with the direction of the conference in Resolution No. 4 [1], I have the honour to report as follows:- A committee of advisers nominated...’
20. CONFERENCE OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS: 18 January 1944; ‘Proceedings of the Conference CANBERRA, 18 January 1944 SECRET STATEMENT BY AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE ON MEMORANDUM BY THE DEFENCE COMMITTEE RELATIVE TO THE DEFENCE OF THE SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC REGION (Pacific Conference Papers-Exhibit A) I. STRATEGICAL 1. Fundamental Concept The fundamental concept of the Defence Committee is...’
21. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 18 January 1944; ‘Agendum 594 [CANBERRA], 18 January 1944 MOST SECRET UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC PROPOSALS 1. The Australian Government has been invited [1] to send officials to London on the 21st February to take part in Empire discussions on various post-war economic proposals which were drafted by United Kingdom and United States officials....’
22. CONFERENCE OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS: 19 January 1944; ‘Proceedings of the Conference CANBERRA, 19 January 1944 SECRET REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE AGENDA (Pacific Conference Papers-Agenda No. 6) Mr. Chairman, By resolution of the conference on the 18th January, 1944 it was agreed to postpone consideration of Item 3 (c) [1] until the Notes on the Agenda...’
23. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 19 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 10A LONDON, 19 January 1944, 5 p.m. MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister. Your telegram to Dominions Office 12 of January 11th. [1] Reply is being sent in the immediate future [2], preceded by two telegrams giving further information with regard to Yugoslavia and Greece. [3] The reply sets...’
24. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 January 1944; ‘Cablegram S10 [1] MOSCOW, 19 January 1944, 8.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 9 [2], my telegram S.7 last paragraph. [3] M. Molotov [4] was not able to receive me until this afternoon when I spoke to him in accordance with your above-mentioned telegram. 2. M. Molotov said that the...’
25. DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TO BAILEY: 20 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 66 [1] CANBERRA, 20 January 1944 Background to Australian - New Zealand Conference for use at your discretion if required to counter suggestion of anti-American bias it can be stated authoritatively that Australian New Zealand Conference discussions and decisions were not in the slightest degree anti-American as suggested some...’
26. AUSTRALIAN - NEW ZEALAND AGREEMENT 1944: 21 January 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 21 January 1944 AGREEMENT BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND His MAJESTY,S GOVERNMENT IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA and His MAJESTY,S GOVERNMENT IN THE DOMINION OF NEW ZEALAND (hereinafter referred to as ‘the two Governments’) represented as follows:- THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA by- The Right Honourable John...’
27. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 21 LONDON, 19 January 1944, 10.27 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 12, 11th January. [1] 1. We are grateful to you for your views on the three problems dealt with in your telegram under reference. We hope that the following comments will be of assistance in explaining our attitude....’
28. EVATT TO FRASER: 24 January 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 24 January 1944 SECRET With reference to the recent exchanges of views of New Zealand and Australian Ministers and officials, relating to pending overseas talks on post-war international economic collaboration, it now seems to me that the following clearly expresses our common point of view:- (1) Because a...’
29. FRASER TO EVATT: 24 January 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 24 January 1944 I have now received your letter of to-day’s date [1] in which you set out your general understanding of the principles agreed upon as a result of our several discussions on questions relating to post-war international economic collaboration. I agree that your summary fairly expresses...’
30. EVATT TO DIXON: 25 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 105 CANBERRA, 25 January 1944, 11.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For the Minister from Dr Evatt. Please convey the following message from the Prime Minister to the President. Begins. In the Australian press of 20th January a report is published of an interview with Rear Admiral Robert Carney, Chief...’
31. CURTIN TO BRUCE: 25 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 11 CANBERRA, 25 January 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE 1. Reference Dominions Office No. 393 [1] and your No. [4] [2], Australian Government has reconsidered whole question. Very recently the War Department, Washington, consulted General MacArthur direct asking whether in view of his original recommendation he might now reconsider inclusion of...’
32. CURTIN AND FRASER TO CRANBORNE: 25 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 22 [1] CANBERRA, 25 January 1944 SECRET Following is joint telegram to the United Kingdom Government from Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia. Repeated to New Zealand Government for information. The Australian and New Zealand Governments desire to invite the attention of the United Kingdom Government to particular...’
33. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 26 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 23 CANBERRA, 26 January 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams Numbers 23 and 24. [1] 1. We note that United States Foreign Economic Administration is pressing for your ‘agreement’ to their latest proposals particularly those affecting capital goods and off-shore purchases. We had understood from your telegram 399 [2]...’
34. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 27 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 14A LONDON, 27 January 1944, 7.42 p.m. SECRET For the Prime Minister. Russo-Polish relations. No developments have taken place since I last cabled [1] other than those reported in Dominions Office telegrams. [2] It has been possible to keep the Poles quiet in face of the Russian reply [3]...’
35. HODGSON TO MCFARLANE: 28 January 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 28 January 1944 Arising out of the forthcoming visit of Commonwealth officials to London [1], to take part in talks on international economic collaboration, there are certain aspects to which I am directed to invite your attention. The Minister for External Affairs is responsible to Cabinet for all...’
36. EVATT TO GLASGOW: 1 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 27 CANBERRA, 1 February 1944 SECRET To Glasgow from Evatt. In regard to the Canadian-Australian Mutual Aid Agreement, the following aide-memoire and memorandum of interpretation have been given this day to the High Commissioner Canada for communication to his Government. It is desired that you be ready to take...’
37. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 31 January 1944; ‘Cablegram 33 LONDON, 31 January 1944, 6.36 p.m. SECRET While it is of course clear that the decision as to what shall or shall not be included within the scope of Lend Lease rests ultimately with the United States Government we have been most anxious to secure that if changes...’
38. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 1 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 18A LONDON, 1 February 1944, 6 p.m. FOR THE PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF ONLY MOST SECRET (Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin.) My telegram 11A of January 20th. [1] There has been a further hold up in the despatch to you of the telegram giving the outline of...’
39. CURTIN TO ROOSEVELT: 2 February 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 2 February 1944 PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL I am very grateful for your kind invitation [1] to visit Washington and to stay with Mrs. Roosevelt and yourself at the White House. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be able to accept it. 2. Mr. Churchill has been...’
40. NOTE BY CURTIN OF CONVERSATION WITH JOHNSON: 3 February 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 3 February 1944 When handing the attached document to me the United States Minister was very cordial. After glancing through the document I informed Mr. Johnson that I felt certain that Mr. Cordell Hull would be satisfied that we were animated only by the strategic position as it affected...’
41. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 4 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 31 CANBERRA, 4 February 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegrams 33 [1] and 34. [2] 1. His Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia note the reasons which have led His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom to depart from the line laid down in your telegram 399 [3] and...’
42. D'ALTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 18 WELLINGTON, 5 February 1944, 2.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET I saw the Prime Minister today concerning the American note handed to him, and, I understand, to the Commonwealth Government yesterday [1], regarding the Australia - New Zealand agreement. [2] Mr. Fraser said that he was awaiting advice as...’
43. EVATT TO GLASGOW CABLEGRAM UNNUMBERED: 7 February 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 7 February 1944 Your telegram of February 6th. [1] Following is repetition of my telegram 0640/6. Begins-31. [2] Personal for Glasgow from Evatt. Many thanks for your message. [3] What you have done is quite satisfactory. Personally I felt it imperative to avoid a complete breakdown and perhaps you...’
44. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO D'ALTON: 8 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 33 CANBERRA, 8 February 1944 SECRET Australian - New Zealand Affairs Secretariat 1. After consultation with New Zealand High Commissioner, Canberra, daily contact between his officers and Australian - New Zealand Secretariat in Department has been commenced. 2. Secretariat has been set up in Department from today. Forsyth appointed...’
45. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 8 February 1944; ‘Dispatch 8/44 (extract) CHUNGKING, 8 February 1944 [matter omitted] [1] (a) The abandonment of extraterritoriality As far as Australia is concerned this matter is now in abeyance but the Chinese are busy making treaties with other countries in a form which meets their wishes. When they have completed their list...’
46. GLASGOW TO EVATT: 12 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 34 OTTAWA, 12 February 1944, 1.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET For Evatt from Glasgow. Your telegram 31. [1] Mutual Aid General Agreement. Canadians have now agreed to amend article 10 by substituting for the words ‘the expansion of International commerce by the reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers’ the...’
47. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 11 February 1944; ‘Cablegram [22A] [1] LONDON, 11 February 1944, 7.20 p.m. SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. War Crimes Commission. Dominions Office telegram [D.182] of 7th February. [2] In your telegram 3 of 7th January [3] you acquiesced in the proposed course of action suggested in telegram D.No. [1077] of...’
48. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 45 [1] LONDON, 12 February 1944, 9.35 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Canberra telegram No. 22 of 25th January [2] regarding Australia- New Zealand Agreement. [3] (1) We have now had the opportunity to examine text of published agreement in the light of the fuller explanations contained in your telegram of...’
49. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 44 LONDON, 12 February 1944, 7 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your telegram No. 31 Lend Lease. [1] 1. We are grateful for this further expression of your views which we have found most helpful. We recognise force of argument in paragraph 1 of your telegram and fully understand desire of...’
50. D'ALTON TO EVATT DISPATCH 44/1/7 EXCLUSIVE: 16 February 1944; ‘WELLINGTON, 16 February 1944 I have the honour to refer to the American note [1] delivered to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand concerning the proposal contained in the Australian - New Zealand Agreement that a conference should be called of representatives of governments with interests in the Southwest...’
51. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 17 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 26A LONDON, 17 February 1944, 5.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET PERSONAL For the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Post War Civil Aviation A most extraordinary and embarrassing situation has developed owing to the Americans, after, as you have been advised [1], showing the greatest reluctance to start the unofficial conversations...’
52. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 18 February 1944; ‘Cablegram D245 [1] LONDON, 18 February 1944, 10.52 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram D. No. 88, 18th January. [2] Civil aviation. His Majesty’s United Kingdom Ambassador, Washington, has reported the [receipt] [3] of aide-memoire dated 26th January from the State Department as in my first following telegram [4] (not repeated...’
53. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 21 February 1944; ‘Circular cablegram D265 LONDON, 21 February 1944, 10 p.m. MOST SECRET My telegram Circular D.1024, 25th November, 1943. [1] My immediately following telegram [2] contains text of declaration regarding Siam that we contemplate making at an early suitable opportunity. 2. This declaration does not, in our opinion, tie our hands...’
54. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 22 February 1944; ‘Cablegram D266 LONDON, 22 February 1944, 1.40 a.m. MOST SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Following is the declaration:- ‘The position of Siam is in some respects unique in the Far East, though not without parallel in Europe. A country with a long tradition of...’
55. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 23 February 1944; ‘Cablegram D277 LONDON, 23 February 1944, 3.20 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister. The United States Ambassador in London recently consulted us regarding a proposal that the United States Government should approach the Government of Eire with a request for the removal of Axis diplomatic representatives...’
56. EVATT TO JOHNSON: 24 February 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 24 February 1944 I have the honour to inform you that careful consideration has been given to the recent message of the Secretary of State to the Prime Minister dated 3rd February [1], and relating in the main to the time of calling the conference contemplated in Clause...’
57. GLASGOW TO EVATT DISPATCH M3/44 (EXTRACTS): 26 February 1944; ‘OTTAWA, 26 February 1944 I have the honour to report that the question of Imperial Relations, always a tender spot in Canadian political life, has been front page news almost continually for the last six months. The discussion, which was first provoked by Mr. Curtin’s proposals for an Empire Council...’
58. EVATT TO FRASER: 28 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 34 CANBERRA, 28 February 1944 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FROM EVATT TO FRASER SECRET 1. We have for many months been negotiating with Canada a Mutual Aid Agreement. The negotiations have been protracted and at one stage nearly broke down because the Canadian Government insisted upon the inclusion of an article...’
59. WATT TO HOOD: 29 February 1944; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 29 February 1944 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL At the risk of being regarded as pro-American or anti-Australian or both, I feel I should give you an indication of my personal views on certain important matters which have arisen recently affecting Australian - American relationships. These matters are as follows:...’
60. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 29 February 1944; ‘Cablegram 31[A] LONDON, 29 February 1944, 9 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET & PERSONAL Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Dominions Office telegram D.277 of 23rd February. [1] The Eire High Commissioner [2] in London came to see me to-day about the United States note with regard to the German...’
61. FRASER TO EVATT: 1 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 39 WELLINGTON, 1 March 1944, 10.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL TO EVATT FROM FRASER SECRET Thank you for your telegram No. 34 [1] which I only received late last night owing to delay arising from repetition of indecypherable portions of the message. I am glad to know you have been...’
62. CURTIN TO CRANBORNE: 3 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 55 [1] CANBERRA, 3 March 1944 MOST SECRET Reference No. 48. [2] 1. Your advice confirming that the conference is for a personal exchange of views between Prime Ministers is noted. 2. In regard to preparatory work on matters to be discussed, the broad situation, as I see it,...’
63. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 3 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 59 [1] LONDON, 3 March 1944, 3.15 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister. Recent intelligence indicates that the Japanese are moving a considerable fleet to Singapore. The position is not yet entirely clear, but four battleships and one aircraft carrier...’
64. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 4 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 56 [1] CANBERRA, 4 March 1944 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL IMMEDIATE For the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister. 1. I received through the United Kingdom High Commissioner cablegram Z.121 of 15th December [2], forwarding a summary of the main conclusions on military matters approved at Cairo. [3] This...’
65. STUART TO EVATT: 6 March 1944; ‘Memorandum [1] CANBERRA, 6 March 1944 Now that Dr. van Mook has arrived in Australia [2] and discussions may be expected on the Netherlands Government’s desire to set up a Netherlands Indies Administration in this country, it may be useful to examine how far Dutch co-operation may be secured for...’
66. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH CRANBORNE: 7 March 1944; ‘[LONDON], 7 March, 1944 I went to see Cranborne. The object of my visit was to draw his attention to the statement in the Prime Minister’s note [1] on ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER’ to the effect that he understood Roosevelt, the United Kingdom and the U.S.S.R. were agreed that Germany had to...’
67. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 March 1944; ‘Cablegram D348 LONDON, 7 March 1944, 10 p.m. IMPORTANT MOST SECRET My telegram 18th February D No. 245, civil aviation. [1] His Majesty’s United Kingdom Ambassador at Washington has been informed by Mr. Berle that if Australia, New Zealand and South Africa were invited it would be impossible for the...’
68. AUSTRALIA-CANADA MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT: 9 March 1944; ‘OTTAWA, 9 March 1944 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA ON THE PRINCIPLES APPLYING TO THE PROVISION BY CANADA OF CANADIAN WAR SUPPLIES TO THE COMMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA UNDER THE WAR APPROPRIATION (UNITED NATIONS MUTUAL AID) ACT OF CANADA 1943 Whereas Canada and the Commonwealth...’
69. EVATT TO BRUCE: 9 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 32 CANBERRA, 9 March 1944 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE For Bruce from Evatt. Your 31[A]. [1] The Australian Government, like Canada, would be delighted if the Government of Eire saw its way clear not only to remove the German and Japanese representatives but to declare a state of war with...’
70. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO DIXON: 10 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 323 CANBERRA, 10 March 1944 IMMEDIATE SECRET For Dixon. Your telegram 134 [1], Post-War Civil Aviation. We had already been informed [2] of this development and have replied to London in terms of my immediately following telegram, which has also been repeated to Canada, South Africa and New Zealand....’
71. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 10 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 59 [1] CANBERRA, 10 March 1944 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D.245 [2]-Post-war Civil Aviation. Australian Government notes with surprise that State Department should, without any prior intimation, have issued invitation to discussions in Washington on a tripartite basis including Canada as the only Dominion. This action is the more surprising...’
72. EVATT TO BRUCE: 10 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 34 CANBERRA, 10 March 1944 SECRET For Bruce from Evatt. Your telegram No.32[A]. [1] Please inform Chilean Ambassador that the Australian Government will welcome the appointment of a Chilean Consul-General de Carriere in Australia, and will consider after his posting here the question of diplomatic designation for him. We...’
73. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 9 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 38[A] LONDON, 9 March 1944, 7.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister. In my telegram 31[A] of 29th [February] [1] my intention was to make it clear that Dulanty’s [2] visit to me was an official one for the purpose of giving me an official message from...’
74. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH GUSEV: 10 March 1944; ‘[LONDON], 10 March 1944 I went to see the Soviet Ambassador [1] at 7.0 p.m. and had a very interesting conversation lasting an hour. It began rather on the basis of a formal call, but soon developed, and, although we also covered many specific points, it took the form of...’
75. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 11 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 66 [1] LONDON, 11 March 1944, 5.50 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister. Your telegram No. 56 of 4th March. [2] 1. The main decisions taken at Sextant [3] related to the scope and date of cross-channel operations in 1944 and...’
76. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO BRUCE: 14 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 37 CANBERRA, 14 March 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram No. 38[A]. [1] in the circumstances answer which you should give orally to Dulanty [2] is that the Australian Government cannot see its way clear to intervene at Mr. de Valera’s [3] request because it would give us great gratification...’
77. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 14 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 66 CANBERRA, 14 March 1944 SECRET Your D.240, 241. [1] Australian Government reserved its reply on your telegram D.1102 of 14th December [2] on this matter pending Australian - New Zealand Conference. Views arrived at during the Conference were communicated to you in my telegram No. 22 of 25th...’
78. EVATT TO MELVILLE: 15 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 52 [1] CANBERRA, 15 March 1944 PERSONAL FOR MELVILLE ALONE FROM MINISTER SECRET 1. I was surprised and alarmed at your 40, paragraph 4. [2] While Article VII might possibly involve some reduction in preferences your admission that it might involve major adjustments to Australian industries seems quite contrary...’
79. DIXON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 180 CANBERRA, 14 March 1944, 17.53 a.m. SECRET Your 323. [1] I saw Adolf Berle this afternoon and made representations to him in accordance with the terms of your telegram. In answer he first said that as to the leakage it was a matter which had been noticed with...’
80. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 14 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 40[A] LONDON, 14 March 1944, 4.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Your telegram 37. [1] Under the general authority given to me (in telegram 32 of March 9th [2]) I had anticipated your instructions received only this morning, Tuesday, by yesterday informing Dulanty [3]...’
81. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 14 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 42[A] LONDON, 14 March 1944, 10.15 p.m. PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER HIMSELF ONLY SECRET Pacific Strategy. In my telegrams particularly 18[A] of February 1st [1], I have given you an indication of the reasons which have led to the delay in your being more fully informed as to...’
82. NOTE OF CONVERSATION BETWEEN CURTIN,: 17 March 1944; ‘MacArthur and Shedden CANBERRA, 17 March 1944 (1) FUTURE OPERATIONS IN THE PACIFIC General MacArthur said that it was his intention to make a landing in Hollandia which is just across the boundary between British and Dutch New Guinea on the northern coast of the Island. By this means he...’
83. MELVILLE TO EVATT: 16 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 44 [1] LONDON, 16 March 1944, 8.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR DR EVATT FROM MELVILLE SECRET Your 52. [2] 1. Commitment under Article 7 was for ultimate elimination of preferences and all information heard indicates that U.S.A. is pressing and will continue to press very hard for honouring of...’
84. EVATT TO MELVILLE CABLEGRAM UNNUMBERED [1]: 19 March 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 19 March 1944 PERSONAL IMMEDIATE FOR MELVILLE ALONE FROM MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SECRET 1. I must express great disappointment in your 44. [2] I can imagine the pressure to which you must be subjected from many quarters, but you were fully warned and I would like you to...’
85. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 18 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 54 LONDON, 18 March 1944, 6.28 p.m. SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Article VII discussions-employment. 1. Following from Melville for Minister for External Affairs and Treasurer. 2. Draft as advised in our 38 [1] was further discussed at third meeting 13th March, and following verbal alterations...’
86. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 73 LONDON, 20 March 1944, 1.06 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 14th March, No. 66, International organisation. [1] We had assumed in the absence of any comments from you on our telegram D.1102 of 14th [December] [2] and our further telegram D.28 6th January [3] repeating reply sent to...’
87. A DRAFT INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT: 21 March 1944; ‘ASD (44)16 [1] LONDON, 21 March 1944 SECRET [matter omitted] ANNEX K (i) Each of the signatory Governments, being determined to do its part to ensure that the victory of the United Nations shall be followed by freedom from want, recognises that this objective cannot be achieved unless its people...’
88. EVATT TO MELVILLE: 22 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 2784 [1] CANBERRA, 22 March 1944 SECRET For Melville from Minister for External Affairs. 1. Cabinet Sub-Committee met to discuss in provisional way work of delegation. [2] 2. They were fully in accord with the great concern and with the detailed points expressed by me in my telegrams [3]...’
89. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 22 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 68 [1] CANBERRA, 22 March 1944 MOST SECRET & PERSONAL For the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister. 1. Your No. 66 [2] has been considered by the Australian Chiefs of Staff and I have discussed it personally with General MacArthur. 2. The following are the observations of the...’
90. MACARTHUR TO CURTIN: 22 March 1944; ‘Letter GENERAL HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA, 22 March 1944 SECRET The operational implications of Mr. Churchill’s proposal contained in your letter of March 16th [1] have been carefully considered. I feel that existing agencies, the Southwest Pacific Area or the Australian Chiefs of Staff, can furnish any data that may...’
91. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 23 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 390 CANBERRA, 23 March 1944 SECRET Dominions Office informed us on 14th February [1] that, following earlier suggestions for Anglo-American discussion of Middle Eastern affairs generally including petroleum, a note had been presented to the United Kingdom by the Department of State proposing a discussion of the general subject...’
92. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 70 [1] MOSCOW, 21 March 1944, 4.44 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram No. 12 to London, repeated to Canberra No. 19. [2] 1. I was requested to call and see Mr. Zorin, Chief of the [Department, who was] [3] available on 20th March, in connection with Polish matters. At...’
93. MELVILLE TO EVATT: 22 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 48 [1] LONDON, 22 March 1944, 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL FOR DR EVATT FROM MELVILLE (1) I am sorry you have gained impression [2] that I have expressed views contrary to my instructions which include the Australian - New Zealand points of agreement. [3] (2) When you have...’
94. EVATT TO CURTIN: 24 March 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 24 March 1944 I have received your letter of 13th March, 1944 [1], regarding certain arrangements for the forthcoming conference of Prime Ministers in London. In accordance with your request, I am preparing certain memoranda on the subjects in the suggested Agenda which fall within its scope. I...’
95. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 24 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 73 CANBERRA, 24 March 1944 SECRET Your telegrams D.265 [1] and D.266. [2] 1. We assume declaration is proposed for political warfare purposes and would be glad if we could be informed more fully of reasons for making a declaration. Timing would be important and we are not aware...’
96. MEMORANDUM BY DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 March 1944; ‘Prime Ministers’ Conference [Briefing paper] No. 7 (extracts) CANBERRA, 27 March 1944 ITEM 3(C)-REGIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PACIFIC POLICY [1] 1. The post-war settlement in the Pacific is a vital matter for Australia because the stability of the region in which we live is at stake. Our long-term...’
97. DRAKEFORD TO CURTIN: 27 March 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 27 March 1944 With reference to your mission abroad, I attach hereto a memorandum for your guidance and information on matters relating to Civil Aviation. This, as requested, is furnished in duplicate. The questions affecting Civil Aviation which are likely to arise for consideration during your discussions overseas...’
98. JOHNSON TO EVATT: 27 March 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 27 March 1944 In reply to your note of December 17, 1943 [1], I have the honor to state that I have been instructed by the Secretary of State to inform you that he shares your regret that it is impracticable at the present time to attempt the...’
99. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 27 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 63 LONDON, 27 March 1944 SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Article VII discussions. From Melville to Minister for External Affairs and Treasurer. 2. Telegram 2784 [1] arrived after the conclusion of the Conference [2] and adoption of agreed summary of discussions in various Committees on monetary,...’
100. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 27 March 1944; ‘Cablegram D436 LONDON, 27 March 1944, 10.45 p.m. Finland. It has been assumed that other British Commonwealth Governments have learned of the Soviet Armistice terms published 1st March. For convenience, however, the text follows as published here. 1. Rupture of relations with Germany, internment of German troops and warships in...’
101. CURTIN TO EVATT: 29 March 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 29 March 1944 CONFIDENTIAL I am in receipt of your letter of 24th March [1], relative to the discussion of matters affecting the Department of External Affairs which might arise during the forthcoming Prime Ministers’ Conference. You will recall the broad situation as I stated it in my...’
102. EVATT TO CURTIN: 29 March 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 29 March [1944] [1] I am obliged to you for your letter of even date. [2] Except in a necessarily limited way Australian representatives abroad and Defence Department officials attached to your Mission neither have nor can be expected to have that intimate and detailed knowledge of the...’
103. EVATT TO CURTIN: 29 March 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 29 March 1944 MOST SECRET I refer to your letter of 13th March [1] in which you asked to be furnished with a memorandum on Post-War Shipping policy for your use whilst in London. In the first place, I would like to point out that the Labor Party’s...’
104. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO STIRLING: 30 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 62 [1] CANBERRA, 30 March 1944 SECRET Moscow telegram No. 70 repeated to you as No. 25. [2] Despite the interpretation of the Legation, the procedure as outlined by Zorin [3] for the future presentation of requests for exit permits may be based upon administrative convenience and, in the...’
105. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 30 March 1944; ‘Cablegram 79 [1] CANBERRA, 30 March 1944 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your D.434 [2], 435 [3] and 436. [4] Finland. We have no comment to offer on the basic terms of armistice summarised in D.436 and additional points suggested in D.435, but draw attention to desire expressed in our 48 of...’
106. SHEDDEN TO WILSON: 1 April 1944; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 1 April 1944 SECRET The Admiral [1] saw the Prime Minister this morning regarding the variation of the intake into the R.A.N. to enable additional ships to be manned. Before the Prime Minister saw him, he promised me that he would not take any decision, and I furnished...’
107. EVATT TO VAN AERSSEN: 5 April 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 5 April 1944 With reference to your letter of 8th March enclosing an Aide Memoire on the establishment of a Netherlands Indies Government Organisation in Australia [1], I am glad to inform you that the Australian Government welcomes the proposal to appoint and establish for the time being...’
108. JACOBSEN TO MOORE: 7 April 1944; ‘Memorandum DG658 (extract) WASHINGTON, 7 April 1944 SECRET CHANGES IN U.S. SUPPLY POLICY AND GENERAL TRENDS [matter omitted] VIII Points of Conflict with FEA 24. It is being increasingly borne in upon us in Washington that Australian relations are being strained at a number of points which are more or...’
109. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 10 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 92 [1] LONDON, 10 April 1944, 11 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram 30th March No. 79. Finland. [2] Your paragraph one. For latest developments see my telegram of to-day No. D. 538, paragraph 3 [3] of which contains the reminder that any armistice should expressly cover Australia and other...’
110. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN (IN WASHINGTON): 18 April 1944; ‘Cablegram D578 [1] LONDON, 18 April 1944, 11.45 p.m. SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. We hope that on the occasion of the Prime Ministers’ meeting opportunity may be found for a broad discussion on the general question of migration policy after the war. My Circular Despatch D. No. 24...’
111. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 19 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 290 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 19 April 1944, 6.41 p.m. Following for Dr. Evatt from Mr. Beasley. In the light of the difficulty you had in establishing responsibility for Foreign Economic Policy and in view of the fact that the Melville Delegation [2] made it apparent to you that they did...’
112. CHURCHILL TO FORDE: 20 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 99 [1] LONDON, 20 April 1944, 3 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Following from the Prime Minister for Acting Prime Minister of Australia. Your telegram of 22nd March, No. 68. [2] Mr. Curtin’s message to me has been most carefully considered here. We recognise the extent to which information...’
113. MELVILLE TO CURTIN: 21 April 1944; ‘Memorandum (extracts) [1] [OTTAWA] [2], 21 April 1944 SECRET REPORT ON LONDON DISCUSSIONS ON ARTICLE VII FEBRUARY-MARCH 1944 1. The discussions in London between United Kingdom, Dominion and Indian Officials from 23rd February to 21st March, 1944 followed on previous discussions between U.K. and the Dominions and U.K. and U.S.A....’
114. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 22 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 101 [1] CANBERRA, 22 April 1944 SECRET Your D.579 [2], 580 [3], 581. [4] 1. We note your intention to publish on a non-committal basis the statement of monetary principles agreed between United Kingdom and United States experts. 2. We note from the text of the proposed announcement that...’
115. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 21 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 296 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 21 April 1944, 5.04 p.m. IMMEDIATE Following for Evatt from Beasley. International Labour Office Report No. 1. The Conference [2] commenced yesterday and Fraser was invited to speak at the opening. He made generous references to Australia calling attention to the fact that I, a Minister...’
116. NOTE BY BROWN OF CONVERSATION BETWEEN CURTIN AND ROOSEVELT: 25 April 1944; ‘HOBCAW [1], 25 April 1944 TOP SECRET MEMORANDUM The President entertained Prime Minister Curtin at lunch today. After luncheon the President was closeted with the Prime Minister for nearly an hour. The President directs that the following notation be made a part of the files of the Pacific War Council:...’
117. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 25 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 322 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 25 April 1944, 5.48 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET International Labour Organization. Report 5. 1. As previously indicated [2], the United States Delegate hinted at an employment agreement. After my remarks we were approached by their officials and it was indicated quite clearly that they welcomed our...’
118. EVATT TO BEASLEY (IN PHILADELPHIA): 26 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 563 [1] CANBERRA, 26 April 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE To Mr. Beasley from Dr. Evatt. Your reports 4 [2] and 5. [3] (1) It does not appear likely that Government delegates can sign an employment agreement at present I.L.O. conference when not so authorised by their Governments. I assume the...’
119. MELVILLE TO CURTIN (IN WASHINGTON): 26 April 1944; ‘Memorandum WASHINGTON, 26 April 1944 URGENT PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AGREEMENTS I understand that the recent proposed international agreements under Article VII, including the international Monetary Fund, are not on the agenda for discussion in London by Prime Ministers. Nevertheless I found an expectation both in London and Ottawa that they...’
120. MELVILLE TO EVATT AND CHIFLEY: 27 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 347 [1] WASHINGTON, 27 April 1944, 9.28 p.m. SECRET For Minister of External Affairs and Treasurer from Melville. 1. In the course of private discussion White [2] stated that no decision yet made about date of proposed conference on monetary fund. Nevertheless, because of the political situation in the...’
121. EVATT TO BEASLEY (IN PHILADELPHIA): 29 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 582 [1] CANBERRA, 29 April 1944 SECRET For Mr. Beasley from Dr. Evatt. I.L.O. Report 10. [2] The following are my comments on the United States draft- 1. The undertaking does not include a governmental pledge to maintain full employment which should be made at the earliest possible moment...’
122. EVATT TO BEASLEY (IN PHILADELPHIA): 29 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 583 [1] CANBERRA, 29 April 1944 PERSONAL TO BEASLEY ALONE FROM EVATT SECRET I.L.O. Conference. 1. The reaction to your work has been quite satisfactory. There has been a sneer from Menzies [2], a yelp from Spender [3] and a growl from Harrison [4], but on the whole you...’
123. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 29 April 1944; ‘Cablegram 359 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 29 April 1944, 4.51 p.m. International Labour Office Report 17. 1. Even though we succeed eventually with employment agreements our position in regard to other schemes will not necessarily be secure. We shall be pressed strongly to accept commercial policy proposals on the grounds that we...’
124. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 1352: 2 May 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 2 May 1944 STATEMENT BY REAR ADMIRAL C. S. DANIEL, R.N. The Acting Prime Minister, in welcoming Rear Admiral Daniel to the meeting, stated that Rear Admiral Daniel was formerly Director of Plans at the Admiralty and had recently arrived in Australia to examine, in collaboration with Australian officers,...’
125. EVATT TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 3 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 36 [1] CANBERRA, 3 May 1944 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR PRIME MINISTER FROM EVATT 1. It is apparent from Bruce’s telegram 60A of 26th April [2] that questions of major importance which did not appear on agenda for conference will be decided in the course of discussions...’
126. MINUTES OF MEETING OF PRIME MINISTERS: 3 May 1944; ‘PMM(44) 5th Meeting LONDON, 3 May 1944, 5.30 p.m. TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL ANNEX The War Situation-The War Against Japan Opening the meeting, MR. CHURCHILL suggested that they should continue with the discussion of the war against Japan which had been started earlier in the day. [1] He invited Mr. Curtin...’
127. BEASLEY TO PERKINS: 3 May 1944; ‘Letter PHILADELPHIA, 3 May 1944 It is a great disappointment to me that our two Governments have not been able to work together at this Conference [1] towards an international agreement on domestic policies. Your statement [2] to the Full Conference recognising domestic policies were of international concern, gave encouragement...’
128. FORDE TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 4 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 40 CANBERRA, 4 May 1944 MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL IMMEDIATE Your cablegram No. 2, of 19th April, 1944. [1] 2. War Cabinet and the Advisory War Council have given consideration to Agendum No. 80/1944 [2] relative to the report of the War Commitments Committee and to Supplement No. 1...’
129. BEASLEY TO EVATT (1944 - VOLUME 7): 3 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 369 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 3 May 1944, 7.04 p.m. PERSONAL FOR EVATT FROM BEASLEY SECRET I absolutely agree with your reaction to American draft and specific criticisms made. [2] We were not deceived by the Americans’ approach to us after my speech [3] and played them until they produced the...’
130. WINANT TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 4 May 1944; ‘Letter LONDON, 4 May 1944 I have been asked by the Department of State to inquire whether you would be disposed to hold exploratory talks on post-war international aviation when you pass through Washington on your way home. If this be the case, the Department would be delighted to take...’
131. EVATT TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 5 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 42 [1] CANBERRA, 5 May 1944 MOST SECRET For Curtin from Evatt. Further to my 36. [2] Future of Italy. Defence Committee have submitted following observations upon Defence aspects of matter- (1) That no territories south of the Suez Canal should be left in Italian hands. (2) That the...’
132. EVATT TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 5 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 82 [1] CANBERRA, 5 May 1944 SECRET For Curtin from Evatt. Reference telegram 63A [2] from Bruce on Future of French Colonial Empire. I would make the following provisional comments- (1) The general approach seems sound. Our policy favours restoration of France and French Empire. In that respect we...’
133. EVATT TO BEASLEY (IN PHILADELPHIA): 5 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 634 (extracts) [1] CANBERRA, 5 May 1944 PERSONAL FOR BEASLEY FROM EVATT Your 369. [2] I am pleased beyond measure at the great fight you are putting up. You will understand how I had to fight on previous occasions for tanks and the like. Australian diplomacy must be equal...’
134. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 4 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 377 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 4 May 1944, 4.32 a.m. SECRET I.L.O. Report 21. 1. As previously indicated [2] the United States Government put forward the draft cabled to you [3] as a substitute for Declaration 2 in the report on item 2 of the agenda. [4] It was necessary for...’
135. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 6 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 107 [1] CANBERRA, 6 May 1944 SECRET Your D.358. [2] Portuguese Timor. As Portuguese envoy [3] is now reported to have completed investigations in Timor we think time has come to seek from Portuguese clarification of their position. Salazar’s [4] decision not to visit London for staff talks [5]...’
136. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 5 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 107 [1] LONDON, 5 May 1944, 9.45 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 101, repeated New Zealand 80. [2] 1. We note the position of Commonwealth Government in relation to statement of principles for International Monetary Fund and the views expressed. Arrangements for proposed International Monetary Conference are still indefinite and...’
137. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 6 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 400 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 6 May 1944, 7.49 p.m. IMMEDIATE I.L.O. Report No. 25. After considerable discussion it was agreed to permit the six countries already on the Governing Body to hold office until the next ordinary conference and to fill the two existing vacancies. Our failure to gain a...’
138. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 6 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 401 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 6 May 1944, 7.49 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET International Labour Office Report 26. Employment Agreement. Strong pressure has been put on Miss Perkins by the State Department to modify the draft. [2] On Thursday, Burton battled for three hours with seven Americans and retained in the draft...’
139. BURTON TO HODGSON: 7 May 1944; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WASHINGTON, 7 May 1944, 1 a.m. IMPORTANT FOLLOWING PERSONAL FROM BURTON TO HODGSON NO CIRCULATION (1) I took particular steps to see that references in last speech to Minister were cabled. I have checked and they were. [1] (2) You may be wondering why Beasley has not been...’
140. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 10 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 109 [1] CANBERRA, 10 May 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 107, paragraph 4. [2] I.L.O. Conference. 1. The Australian Government delegate is seeking from the Conference a recommendation which will contain the text of a draft Employment Agreement along lines which we have previously discussed with you. 2. It...’
141. CURTIN TO FORDE: 9 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 12 (extract) LONDON, 9 May 1944, 8.01 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL (Addressed to the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde.) 1. With reference to subparagraph i (IV) of my No. 11 [1] relative to the review of foreign affairs, the Foreign Secretary stated that the main duties...’
142. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 10 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 420 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 10 May 1944, 7.21 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET I.L.O. Report 30. At midnight last night word was received that the State Department would not consider any specific undertakings, and Miss Perkins has been obliged to withdraw even the text which had previously been agreed upon by the...’
143. EVATT TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 12 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 88 CANBERRA, 12 May 1944 For Mr. Curtin from Dr. Evatt. I think that in giving general endorsement to outline of United Kingdom Foreign Policy as expressed in your telegram No. 12 [1], care should be taken to see that certain points on which Australian Government has insisted are...’
144. DIXON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 431 WASHINGTON, 11 May 1944, 5.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET From Dixon. I.L.O. Conference and Article Seven Discussions. Having learned yesterday morning 10th May of the developments of the previous evening at Philadelphia [1] and that Mr. Beasley thought we might be able to assist, particularly by finding who in...’
145. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 12 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 429 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 12 May 1944, 2.29 a.m. SECRET I.L.O. Report 32. 1. In order to give fair warning of the statement I intended to make and make sure that the matter had been considered on the highest levels I asked Sir Owen Dixon to act in Washington. [2]...’
146. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 11 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 432 [1] [PHILADELPHIA], 11 May 1944, 11.44 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET I.L.O. Report 33. 1. Berle of State Department came to Philadelphia this morning as a result of developments here. During an informal talk Burton suggested that though this conference had recommended a conference on employment [2] this was without...’
147. MINUTES OF MEETING OF PRIME MINISTERS: 12 May 1944; ‘PMM(44) 13th Meeting (extracts) LONDON, 12 May 1944, 11 a.m. TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL ANNEX 1. POST-WAR EMPLOYMENT PLANS MR. ATTLEE invited Mr. Bevin to make a statement regarding the United Kingdom Government’s post-war employment plans. MR. BEVIN said that he would deal first with the arrangements which the United Kingdom...’
148. CURTIN TO FORDE: 16 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 18 LONDON, 16 May 1944, 2.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Addressed to the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde. Post-war world settlement. 1. The United Kingdom Government circulated just prior to the meeting, a series of lengthy memoranda [1] prepared by the Foreign Office on the following subjects:-...’
149. CURTIN TO FORDE: 16 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 19 LONDON, 16 May 1944, 2.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL Addressed to the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde. Colonial Questions 1. The Colonial Secretary regarded the establishment of regional bodies as the most important development contemplated in the colonial field for the following reasons:- (i) He thought...’
150. CURTIN TO EVATT: 16 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 20 LONDON, 16 May 1944 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL For Minister for External Affairs from the Prime Minister. Reference your No. 88. [1] There has been no sacrifice by me of Australia’s interests by endorsing a procedure which deprives her of an effective voice in anything concerning her...’
151. CURTIN TO FORDE: 16 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 23 LONDON, 16 May 1944, 9.51 p.m. MOST SECRET & PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE Addressed to the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde. Improvements in machinery for Empire co-operation. 1. I submitted to Conference yesterday my suggestions for improvements in machinery for Empire co-operation as outlined in the next following cablegram....’
152. CURTIN TO FORDE: 16 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 24 LONDON, 16 May 1944, 9.55 p.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE Following for the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde. Improvements in the Machinery for Empire Co-operation. The following statement was submitted by me to the Conference.’ Begins. 1. THE ASSOCIATION OF THE DOMINIONS IN THE HIGHER DIRECTION...’
153. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 17 May 1944; ‘Letter LONDON, 17 May 1944 THE AUSTRALIAN WAR EFFORT AND BRITISH COMMONWEALTH FORCES FOR THE FAR EAST 1. I have now received a copy of Paper COS(44)408(0) of 10th May [1], which arose from the suggestion made by me to the meeting of Prime Ministers on 3rd May [2] that...’
154. CURTIN TO FORDE: 17 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 27 LONDON, 17 May 1944, 9.40 p.m. MOST SECRET Addressed to the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde. Have had consultation with the Chancellor of Exchequer regarding the urgent need for greatly increased production of uranium for Empire and War purposes. The Chancellor gave me an aide-memoire reading as follows:-...’
155. D'ALTON TO EVATT: 18 May 1944; ‘Dispatch 44/1/38 WELLINGTON, 18 May 1944 I have the honour to present the following comments on the working of the Australian - New Zealand Agreement [1] as seen from this end after a period of almost four months. 2. The chief objectives of the Agreement as set out in Articles...’
156. FORDE TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 19 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 68 CANBERRA, 19 May 1944 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET At the last meeting of the Advisory War Council, reference was made to the forward thrust by Japan in China and to the serious consequences which would follow if the Japanese were able to reduce or neutralise China before Germany is...’
157. CURTIN TO FORDE: 18 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 28 LONDON, 18 May 1944,12.40 a.m. MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL IMMEDIATE Addressed to the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde. Reference your 40 [1] and 54. [2] Our manpower position as I see it in the light of the discussions which I have had so far is broadly as follows:-...’
158. CURTIN TO FORDE: 19 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 29 (extract) LONDON, 19 May 1944, 5.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference my No. 17, 16th May. [1] Economic Policy This subject was not included in the original agenda for meetings which was cabled to Australia before my departure. [2] 2. The meeting [3] considered the position of the International...’
159. CURTIN TO FORDE: 19 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 30 LONDON, 19 May 1944, 4.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Addressed to the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Forde. Reference my No. 17 of 16th May. [1] CIVIL AVIATION. Advantage was taken of McVey’s presence in London to have him present at the discussion on Civil Aviation. 2. The Lord Privy...’
160. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 20 May 1944; ‘Letter LONDON, 20 May 1944 I was disappointed when I was prevented at the last minute from attending the meeting on Monday afternoon. [1] I have read with interest the record of the discussion [2] and in particular the statement which you put in about Improvements in the Machinery for...’
161. MINUTES OF A CONFERENCE BETWEEN CHURCHILL AND CURTIN: 21 May 1944; ‘CHEQUERS, 21 May 1944, 3 p.m. TOP SECRET PRESENT The Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Defence (in the Chair) The Rt. Hon. Mr. John Curtin, M.P., Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia The Rt. Hon. The Lord Leathers, Minister of War Transport The...’
162. NOTE BY SHEDDEN OF CONVERSATION WITH GRIGG: 22 May 1944; ‘Extract [LONDON, 22(?) May 1944] [1] In regard to the British effort in the Pacific, Grigg said that all the Chiefs of Staff favoured a decision basing the U.K. Forces on Australia. Grigg also favoured it. He said that the U.K. Govt. had been so busy selling out the administration...’
163. RIVETT TO SMITH: 23 May 1944; ‘Letter [MELBOURNE], 23 May 1944 URGENT AND MOST SECRET I have your letter of May 22nd. [1] to which you attached a copy of cablegram No. 27, dated 17th May [2], addressed to the Acting Prime Minister by Mr. Curtin. For months past I have been expecting action along the...’
164. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH CURTIN: 25 May 1944; ‘[LONDON], 25 May 1944 I had a long talk with the Prime Minister in which we covered a variety of subjects. He told me that after the Lunch by the Australia Club the U.K. Prime Minister had asked him to come to tea at Chequers on Sunday. In doing so...’
165. EVATT TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 26 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 72 [1] CANBERRA, 26 May 1944 [2] SECRET IMMEDIATE For Mr. Curtin from Dr. Evatt. Reference telegrams 75 and 76 to London from Washington. [3] Civil Aviation. 1. The procedure now being followed by United States in isolating various countries for two-party talks preparatory to a general conference appears...’
166. MINTER TO EVATT: 26 May 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 26 May 1944 I have the honor to inform you that I have received instructions from the Secretary of State to convey to the Commonwealth Government the following message: ‘The publication of the joint statement of technical experts [1] recommending the establishment of an international monetary fund and...’
167. MINUTES OF STAFF CONFERENCE: 26 May 1944; ‘Extract LONDON, 26 May 1944, 11.30 a.m. TOP SECRET PRESENT The Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Defence (in the Chair) The Rt. Hon. John Curtin, M.P., Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia The Rt. Hon. C. R. Attlee, M.P., Deputy Prime Minister The...’
168. AMERY TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 26 May 1944; ‘Letter LONDON, 26 May 1944 PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL You will have noted when the Conference discussed the economic problem that the Prime Minister laid stress on the fact that we had come to no final conclusions and, indeed, that we are by no means all agreed here in this country,...’
169. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 26 May 1944; ‘Cablegram D783 LONDON, 26 May 1944, 12.50 a.m. SECRET My telegram D781. [1] Following is revised text of proposed Declaration on Siam. His Majesty’s Government favours restoration to Siam, after the war is over, of complete security as a free sovereign and independent State. They cannot however forget that the...’
170. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN (IN LONDON): 27 May 1944; ‘Letter LONDON, 27 May 1944 TOP SECRET Following our discussion at the Staff Conference on Friday, May 26 _Australian war effort. 2. With reference to paragraph 13(a) of your letter about the basis on which the Australian Government are to make their future plans, you will find a good deal...’
171. BRUCE TO SHEDDEN (IN LONDON): 27 May 1944; ‘Letter LONDON, 27 May 1944 I enclose herewith two Notes which I have run out in an attempt to clear my mind, on- (a) Future World Organisation; [1] (b) The Article VII discussions. (a) I showed you the other day and I left a copy of it with the Prime...’
172. CURTIN TO FORDE: 28 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 45 LONDON, 28 May 1944 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR MR FORDE 1. With further reference to your No. 40 [1], I have had a discussion on the manning of additional ships from the Royal Navy by personnel of the Royal Australian Navy. 2. My general attitude on what...’
173. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 30 May 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 30 May 1944 I wish to bring before War Cabinet as early as possible a proposal regarding the setting up of an organisation for post-hostilities planning in international affairs, in accordance with our undertaking in the Australian - New Zealand Agreement. [1] Such an organisation has become urgently...’
174. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 30 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 121 [1] CANBERRA, 30 May 1944 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE Your D.768. [2] Oil. The following comments are offered on text of memorandum in D.732 [3]: 1. We support your objection [4] to the lack of precision in Article 1(3) [5] and suggest that the preamble also does not make...’
175. MEMORANDUM BY DIXON: 30 May 1944; ‘WASHINGTON, 30 May 1944 SECRET At the suggestion of Mr. Beasley I submit in this paper my views upon the manner in which the representation of Australia on the North American continent should be organised. The guiding principle upon which in my opinion any reorganization should proceed is that the...’
176. BRUCE TO CURTIN (IN WASHINGTON): 31 May 1944; ‘Cablegram 9 [1] LONDON, 31 May 1944 FOR PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL HIMSELF Discussions with the Americans in regard to post-war Civil Aviation. Evatt’s telegram to you of 27th May No. 72 London (repeated to Washington No. 789) [2] has not altered my view in respect to the advice I ventured...’
177. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH MCVEY: 31 May 1944; ‘Extracts [LONDON], 31 May 1944 [1] McVey came to see me prior to his departure for Australia, to let me know where he had got to in respect to the various activities he had been pursuing. [matter omitted] POST WAR CIVIL AVIATION I told McVey of the advice I had...’
178. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 1 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 122 CANBERRA, 1 June 1944 SECRET Your D.518, 519 and 520. [1] While the United States Note expressly excludes the Dominions, we anticipate that, as in the case of the Lend-Lease Agreement, the United States may present to the Dominions for concurrence any agreement concluded with the United Kingdom...’
179. CURTIN TO COMBINED CHIEFS OF STAFF: 2 June 1944; ‘Memorandum WASHINGTON, 2 June 1944 MOST SECRET THE AUSTRALIAN WAR EFFORT 1. The purpose of this memorandum is to state the broad position confronting the Commonwealth Government in regard to the nature and extent of the Australian war effort. This effort is, of course, primarily based on the strategical plan...’
180. CURTIN TO EVATT: 3 June 1944; ‘Cablegram PM48 (extract) WASHINGTON, 3 June 1944 MOST SECRET For Evatt Your 789. [1] Australia has neither aircraft nor organisation which enable it to act independently. It is therefore my view that it would be unwise to decline United States invitation [2] to hold exploratory talks on postwar international aviation....’
181. D'ALTON TO EVATT: 3 June 1944; ‘Dispatch 44/1/43 WELLINGTON, 3 June 1944 I have the honour to refer to your telegram No. 104 of 29th May, to the Acting Minister of External Affairs [1], Wellington, concerning an invitation from the United States to a formal Monetary Conference on 1st July. [2] In your telegram you suggested...’
182. MALONEY TO EVATT DISPATCH MU37/44 (EXTRACT) SECRET: 3 June 1944; ‘MOSCOW, 3 June 1944 I have the honour, following my despatch No MU28/44 of 4th May, 1944 [1], to submit herewith a report on the performance by this Legation of its duties in connection with the protection of Polish interests in the U.S.S.R. during the month of May, 1944. 2....’
183. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 5 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 128 CANBERRA, 5 June 1944 MOST SECRET The Australian Government has consistently paid close attention to French affairs, fully sharing your own view that the restoration of a strong and friendly France is a major interest of the British Commonwealth. Further we are vitally interested in New Caledonia and...’
184. CURTIN TO ROOSEVELT: 5 June 1944; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 5 June 1944 MOST SECRET While in London, I have had discussions with Mr. Churchill and his advisers about the Australian war effort, with particular reference to the demands likely to be made on Australia when United Kingdom Forces come into the war against Japan in strength, following...’
185. CURTIN TO HULL: 5 June 1944; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 5 June 1944 I refer to Mr. Winant’s letter to me of 4th May [1], in which he enquired whether I would be disposed to hold exploratory talks on postwar international aviation in Washington on my return from London. Under date 13th May I sent an interim reply....’
186. FORDE TO BRUCE: 8 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 78 CANBERRA, 8 June 1944 SECRET Before he left London, the Prime Minister advised that he had asked you to follow up the question of obtaining an appreciation on the position in China which was submitted to him at the request of the Advisory War Council in my cablegram...’
187. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 8 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 127 (extracts) [1] [TORONTO] [2], 8 June 1944, 4.46 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL For Evatt from Beasley. 1. Have made close enquiries at this end regarding the Monetary Conference and find that the purpose is to keep the discussions on a technical level. [3] As far...’
188. CURTIN TO FORDE: 8 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 530 WASHINGTON, 8 June 1944, 7.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Following for Forde, Acting Prime Minister, from the Prime Minister. 1. My view of the Monetary Conference is that Australia should find the notice for representation on the Ministerial level [1] too short and that we should in the circumstances...’
189. CHURCHILL TO EVATT: 8 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 131 LONDON, 8 June 1944, 10.05 p.m. MOST SECRET FOLLOWING PERSONAL FOR DR EVATT Your 128. [1] 1. There is no intention here or at Washington of recognizing the French National Committee as the Provisional Government of France, nor of building up de Gaulle [2] as the Master of...’
190. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 10 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 133 CANBERRA, 10 June 1944 MOST SECRET Your telegram D.765 of 23rd May. [1] Australian Government is interested to learn of proposed course of action with regard to Italy and on the assumption that replacement of Badoglio by Bonomi [2] does not affect your willingness to proceed with it,...’
191. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY AND EVATT: 10 June 1944; ‘Agendum 669 CANBERRA, 10 June 1944 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND Statement of Principles for an International Monetary Fund (already circulated) [1] is to be the basis of discussion at a Conference in United States of America on 1st or 7th July. The conclusions of the Conference will not...’
192. BURHOP TO RIVETT: 10 June 1944; ‘Letter (extract) BERKELEY, 10 June 1944 As I have now been in Berkeley a month I thought you might be interested in my impressions of my new field of activities. [1] Naturally I can only speak first hand of the small sector of this tremendous project with which I am...’
193. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 135 LONDON, 12 June 1944, 2.20 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram No. 96 17th April (British-Japanese Civilian Exchange). [1] The Japanese Government have replied that they cannot accept the new proposal of His Majesty’s Governments. 2. We greatly regret having to re-open with the Commonwealth Government the question of...’
194. STRAHAN TO EVATT: 14 June 1944; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 14 June 1944 CONFIDENTIAL AGENDUM No. 669: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND [1] With reference to the above subject, I am directed to inform you that full Cabinet on 12th June, 1944, decided:- 1. That the Commonwealth of Australia should be represented at the proposed conference; 2....’
195. BRUCE TO FORDE AND EVATT: 13 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 87A LONDON, 13 June 1944, 5.30 p.m. MOST SECRET For the Acting Prime Minister and the Minister for External Affairs. U.S.S.R. I went to the Soviet Embassy one afternoon last week and over tea had an informal talk with Ambassador [1] which lasted for nearly two hours. I was...’
196. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 15 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 121 CANBERRA, 15 June 1944 SECRET Your 89 [1] and D. telegrams 781 [2], 782 [3], 783 [4], Siam. Text of our reply is being repeated to you. We feel progress of events foreshadows great preponderance of United States influence on Pacific and Asiatic settlement and while anxious to...’
197. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 15 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 136 [1] CANBERRA, 15 June 1944 SECRET Your D.783 Siam. [2] We would suggest amendment of first sentence to read as follows:- ‘His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom favour the restoration of Siam after the war as a free sovereign and independent State and wish to see its...’
198. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 15 June 1944; ‘Submission CANBERRA, 15 June 1944 WORKING OF AUSTRALIAN - NEW ZEALAND AGREEMENT [1] Attached is a report [2] on the matters raised in Mr. D’Alton’s despatch No. 44/1/38 of 28th May. [3] The report consists of comment on Mr. D’Alton’s despatch; suggestions for action requested by the Minister are made...’
199. MCDOUGALL TO HODGSON: 19 June 1944; ‘Memorandum (extracts) WASHINGTON, 19 June 1944 FOOD AND AGRICULTURE Now that the Interim Commission [1] is approaching the completion of its task on the constitution of the F.A.O., it may be useful if I return to a subject touched upon in several of my memoranda, namely, the importance of the...’
200. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN LONDON: 21 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 6051 CANBERRA, 21 June 1944 IMMEDIATE Your PM No. 27 of 17th May. [1] Uranium. Following inspection of Mt. Painter District it appears probable that to be effective underground development will be needed. This will require road construction costing 10,000 plus provision of mining equipment for development at one...’
201. ANDERSON TO CURTIN: 21 June 1944; ‘Message [LONDON], 21 June 1944 TOP SECRET 1. You will remember that when you were here I mentioned to you our defence interest in uranium and gave you an aide-memoire [1] in which I suggested that certain steps should be taken at once to ascertain whether there are substantial deposits...’
202. BROPHY TO WILSON: 22 June 1944; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 22 June 1944 CANADIAN MUTUAL AID I understand that the Acting Prime Minister has referred to a statement which appeared in the daily press of 15th June concerning the operation of Canadian Mutual Aid, and has suggested that a press statement might be prepared presenting the story of...’
203. CHURCHILL TO EVATT: 22 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 145 [1] LONDON, 22 June 1944, 4 p.m. PERSONAL AND MOST SECRET Following from the Prime Minister to Dr. Evatt. 1. Delighted to have your message of 14th June. [2] You may be sure we shall never overlook the fact that a strong France is a vital element in...’
204. BRUCE TO CURTIN AND EVATT: 26 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 89A LONDON, 26 June 1944, 7.40 p.m. MOST SECRET For the Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs. TURKEY I took advantage of a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador [1] with reference to Peter Lalor’s sword [2] to have a long talk with him. He raised the current topic...’
205. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO STIRLING: 27 June 1944; ‘Cablegram 120 [1] CANBERRA, 27 June 1944 SECRET Your telegram No. 102 [2] and Moscow’s reply to you No. 35. [3] 1. You should inform Polish Government that Australian Government is gratified to learn of the resumption of relief shipments to the U.S.S.R., and of Polish Government’s agreement that supplies...’
206. NOTE BY SHEDDEN OF DISCUSSIONS WITH MACARTHUR: 27 June 1944; ‘BRISBANE, 27 June 1944 MOST SECRET THE AUSTRALIAN WAR EFFORT-UNITED KINGDOM FORCES FOR THE WAR AGAINST JAPAN General MacArthur referred to the discussion which the Prime Minister and I had had with him yesterday and today on the above subject. He said that he had been very disturbed when General...’
207. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 29 June 1944; ‘Cablegram D947 LONDON, 29 June 1944, 7 p.m. SECRET Following recent constitutional changes in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Commissars for Foreign Affairs have been appointed for the Ukrainian, Byelo-Russian and other constituent Republics of the Soviet Union. 2. The United Kingdom Ambassador, at Moscow, thinks it possible that...’
208. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 1 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 149 LONDON, 1 July 1944,12.40 a.m. MOST SECRET My telegram No. 137 14th June, Oil. [1] 1. You will see from my telegram D No. 956 [2] of today that it is intended to propose, when discussions are renewed, a number of amendments in the draft memo of understanding....’
209. MCVEY TO BRUCE: 1 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 110 [1] WASHINGTON, 1 July 1944 For Bruce from McVey. Begins. Sir Owen Dixon and I had informal talks with Berle on June 22nd as desired by Prime Minister before he left America. Berle stated Joint Australia - New Zealand proposals for internationalization were unacceptable to United States Administration...’
210. DUNCAN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 7808 LONDON, 2 July 1944, 12.56 p.m. MOST SECRET Uranium Production. On receipt of your telegram 6051 of 21st June [1] I took up the matter with the Chancellor of Exchequer from whom I have now received reply stating that a fortnight ago he cabled [2] to Mr. Curtin...’
211. MELVILLE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 1 July 1944; ‘Cablegram Financial 5 [1] BRETTON WOODS, 1 July 1944, 1.43 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. At the conclusion of the Bretton Woods Conference representatives probably will be asked to sign a final act, the form and nature of which will depend upon the extent of agreement reached. It will probably record...’
212. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 4 July 1944; ‘Cablegram Johcu 78 CANBERRA, 4 July 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR MR CHURCHILL 1. On arrival in Brisbane on my return, I conferred [1] with General MacArthur regarding the Australian War Effort in the light of the conclusions reached with you in London [2] and with the...’
213. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 4 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 150 LONDON, 4 July 1944, 8.55 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram of 10th June, No. 133. [1] Proposal for preliminary peace treaty with Italy. As stated in my telegram of 23rd May, D.No. 765 [2] the proposal was prompted by desire not to adopt a completely negative attitude towards...’
214. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 5 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 156 [1] CANBERRA, 5 July 1944 SECRET Your telegram D.947 of 29th June. [2] Recognition of constituent Republics in Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. We agree that in view of the delicate questions involved it would be advantageous if recognition could be postponed until the peace settlement provided this...’
215. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN LONDON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 5 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 7908 LONDON, 5 July 1944, 4.25 p.m. SECRET Prisoners of War. Far East. Proposed American Exchange. First. Admiral Nimitz has proposed to the American Government that an approach be made to the Japanese Government for the possible exchange of 25,000 Japanese-held American prisoners for a similar number of Japanese...’
216. KEANE TO CURTIN: 6 July 1944; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 6 July, 1944 I enclose herewith a brief report of my observations during my recent visit to New Zealand. It is suggested that it be treated as a private communication for your information only. R. V. KEANE Enclosure (extracts) 3 July 1944 MINISTER FOR TRADE AND CUSTOMS GENERAL...’
217. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 10 July 1944; ‘Letter [CANBERRA], 10 July 1944 With reference to your letter to me, dated 30th May [1], regarding your proposal to set up an organisation for post-hostilities planning in international affairs, I have examined this matter closely but feel that I cannot concur with such an organisation being set up. I...’
218. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN LONDON: 10 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 6724 CANBERRA, 10 July 1944 SECRET Your telegram 7908. [1] In as much as on the facts stated the Americans have not actually in their power the Japanese whom they propose to exchange, this proposal can only be put into effect if the Japanese Government admit the hopeless position...’
219. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 12 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 141 CANBERRA, 12 July 1944 SECRET Civil Aviation. In the light of the position disclosed in recent circular telegrams from the Dominions Office regarding progress of the United States in its bilateral talks with various Governments, including India, we have under consideration the forwarding of the following telegram to...’
220. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 July 1944; ‘Cablegram D1006 LONDON, 12 July 1944, 12.05 a.m. TOP SECRET My telegram of [6] [1]th July, D.984. With the concurrence of the United States Government, His Majesty’s Ambassador at Lisbon [2] and his U.S. Colleague [3] have now made joint approach to Dr. Salazar [4] on the lines proposed, suggesting...’
221. EVATT AND CHIFLEY TO MELVILLE: 15 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 1043 [1] CANBERRA, 15 July 1944 Following for Melville from Minister for External Affairs and Treasurer. Your Financial 15. [2] We attach great importance to securing acceptance by United Kingdom and United States representatives of a resolution of the kind you have proposed. [3] It would also have good...’
222. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 14 July 1944; ‘Cablegram Winch 2 LONDON, 14 July 1944, 9.40 p.m. PERSONAL AND TOP SECRET IMPORTANT The President has sent us my immediately following telegram. We all think here it would be right to do this now in spite of the divers and the pilots. Here we are getting more divers than...’
223. NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT TO COMMONWEALTH: 16 July 1944; ‘Government Cablegram 118 WELLINGTON, 16 July 1944, 6.03 p.m. Received 17 July 1944 SECRET IMPORTANT Your telegram No. 141. [1] Civil Aviation. We too have been concerned at the developments in this field, but have refrained from communicating with the Secretary of State on the subject pending the return of...’
224. MELVILLE TO EVATT AND CHIFLEY: 15 July 1944; ‘Cablegram Financial 25 BRETTON WOODS, 15 July 1944, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET Following from Melville for Minister for External Affairs and Treasurer. Employment Resolution 1. The Australian resolution on employment (telegram 15 [1]) has been discussed in committee and referred to a drafting committee. The proposal had some support, chiefly...’
225. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MELVILLE: 17 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 6 CANBERRA, 17 July 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your cables 13 to 26. [1] Australian Government accepted representation on understanding that it was to be a conference of officials but without any commitment even at official level. [2] Finally proceedings were to be submitted to Governments for complete freedom...’
226. EVATT TO DIXON: 18 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 1050 [1] CANBERRA, 18 July 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The International Monetary Conference. The invitation conveyed to me as Minister for External Affairs from the United States Government on 26th May [2] made it clear that no proceedings of the then proposed International Monetary Conference would be binding upon...’
227. DIXON TO EVATT: 18 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 657 [1] WASHINGTON, 18 July 1944, 7.33 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1050. [2] I saw Hull and requested him to take appropriate action with a view to seeing that the delegates at the Monetary Conference should not be asked to sign a resolution recommending the plan formulated or...’
228. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH CRANBORNE: 19 July 1944; ‘[LONDON], 19 July 1944 I went to see Cranborne this morning. I told him of my conversation with Balfour [1] and outlined to him what I suggested should be done down similar lines to those I had adopted with Balfour. To Cranborne I made two additional points. The first was...’
229. MELVILLE TO EVATT AND CHIFLEY: 19 July 1944; ‘Cablegram Financial 35 BRETTON WOODS, 19 July 1944, 12.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following from Melville for Minister of External Affairs and Treasurer. Monetary Conference 1. In order to meet the position of myself and other representatives, the following procedure has been decided upon: (a) The Commissions will complete the...’
230. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MELVILLE: 20 July 1944; ‘Cablegram [8] [1] CANBERRA, 20 July 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET For Melville. 1. Your Financial 35. [2] 2. We do not agree that resolution is neutral. You should therefore not take part in resolution nor sign the final act but should indicate that you will submit the report of the...’
231. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 21 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 170 LONDON, 21 July 1944, 2.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET AND PERSONAL Following personal for the Prime Minister from Lord Cranborne. Begins. Please see my telegram No. 169 [1] of to-day regarding Bretton Woods. I am sure you will agree that it would be most unfortunate if the Australian...’
232. CURTIN TO CRANBORNE: 22 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 171 CANBERRA, 22 July 1944 SECRET I thank you for your telegrams Nos. 169 [1] and 170. [2] We have authorised representative to sign for purposes of certification. [3] The matter would never have arisen in Conference which was restricted to the expert level were it not that the...’
233. MELVILLE TO EVATT AND CHIFLEY: 21 July 1944; ‘Cablegram Financial 37 BRETTON WOODS, 21 July 1944, 1.07 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Following from Melville for the Minister for External Affairs and the Treasurer. Monetary Conference. 1. At the executive plenary session of the Conference yesterday afternoon after [1] appeals from the United Kingdom and the United States it was...’
234. MELVILLE TO EVATT AND CHIFLEY: 21 July 1944; ‘Cablegram Financial 38 BRETTON WOODS, 21 July 1944, 1.07 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following from Melville for the Minister for External Affairs and the Treasurer. Employment Resolution. 1. At the final session of the Commission III(iii) the compromised Resolution referred to in our 31 [1] was adopted. New Zealand sought...’
235. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO MELVILLE: 22 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 12 CANBERRA, 22 July 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET For Melville. 1. Your Financial 37. [1] We have received representations to the following effect from the United States Minister at Canberra: ‘The Secretary-General of the Conference [2] has officially explained in the Conference Journal that the signature of the Final...’
236. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 24 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 172 CANBERRA, 24 July 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE AND SECRET Your telegram No. 135 of 12th June. [1] Australian Government has carefully reconsidered question of inclusion of Japanese merchant seamen in proposed civilian exchange with Japan. In the light of views expressed in your telegram and in personal message received...’
237. HODGSON TO MCFARLANE: 24 July 1944; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 24 [July] 1944 I desire to refer to the Treasurer’s memorandum of the 10th July, 1944 [1], concerning a proposal for the setting up of an organisation for post hostilities planning in international affairs and in which he stated that- ‘There are matters, of course, which are wholly...’
238. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO STIRLING: 26 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 137 CANBERRA, 26 July 1944 SECRET Formation of Polish Committee of National Liberation [1] and its reception by Soviet Government make it essential that we receive full and continuous information on every development in the situation, in view of our position as Protecting Power, and embarrassment which may be...’
239. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 28 July 1944; ‘Cablegram 1110 CANBERRA, 28 July 1944 SECRET Your 374. [1] Dominions Office advises that Anglo-American discussions on oil are about to be resumed in Washington at the Ministerial level. Beaverbrook as leader of the United Kingdom Delegation has been asked to make arrangements to keep Dominion representatives in Washington in...’
240. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 29 July 1944; ‘Cablegram D1080 LONDON, 29 July 1944, 1.30 a.m. SECRET My telegram of 18th July D.No. 1036. [1] Civil Aviation. 1. We have been further considering the position in regard to the future of civil aviation in the light of our talks with United States representatives and information which we have...’
241. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 29 July 1944; ‘circular Cablegram D1082 LONDON, 29 July 1944, 11.55 p.m. SECRET My telegram D.No. 1080 of 28th July. [1] Civil Aviation 1. In my telegram of 18th July D.No. 1036 [2] last paragraph I mentioned the possibility of discussion between Lord Beaverbrook and Mr. Berle at Washington. Lord Beaverbrook has now...’
242. MEMORANDUM BY TANGE: 1 August 1944; ‘WASHINGTON, 1 August 1944, SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ON THE MONETARY CONFERENCE [1] 1. It is important to stress that the Conference did not discuss international financial (and economic) collaboration in any broad way. Discussion was confined to individual pieces of the machinery which, was finally blue-printed in the Final Act. [2]...’
243. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 1 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 105A LONDON, 1 August 1944, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR HIMSELF ALONE Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Post War Civil Aviation. Dominions’ Office telegram D.1080. [1] Although I realise that the policy to be pursued with regard to Civil Aviation is entirely a matter for the...’
244. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 98 CHUNGKING, 1 August 1944 On 25th July the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Chinese and Czecho-Slovak Governments were elevating their respective Missions from Legations to Embassies. 2. This means that we are now the only Legation in Chungking. 3. Neither the Minister [1] nor the Vice-Minister...’
245. CURTIN TO DRAKEFORD: 2 August 1944; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 2 August 1944 It is very clear that Canada is not ready for the establishment of an Empire Scheme. It is also clear that Canada, the United States and, in all probability, Russia are opposed to any plan for the internationalisation of air services. The principles therefore stated...’
246. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO BRUCE: 3 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 103 [1] CANBERRA, 3 August 1944 SECRET Reference Dominions Office telegram 151. [2] Before receipt of this telegram we had had for some time under consideration the general question of Civil Affairs arrangements for Pacific theatres and had been in consultation with the New Zealand Government. 2. We have...’
247. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH CHURCHILL: 3 August 1944; ‘[LONDON], 3 August 1944 At the monthly meeting [1] with the Prime Minister I raised the question of the future of Germany. I told the Prime Minister that I was afraid that a situation might arise in which some of the Dominions held views about the future of Germany differing...’
248. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 12 August 1944; ‘Cablegram Johcu 81 CANBERRA, 12 August 1944 MOST SECRET 1. You will recall my discussions regarding the importance to the British Commonwealth of flying the Union Jack in the impending operations in the Pacific [1] and my recent cable regarding a British Naval Force associating with the present command in...’
249. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN LONDON: 16 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 8032 CANBERRA, 16 August 1944 SECRET Reference D.No. 1106 5th August. [1] Jewish refugees from Hungary. 1. We have received through the Australian Legation, Washington a request [2] from the ‘Emergency Committee to save the Jewish People of Europe’ to provide visas for jewish children in Hungary. 2. In...’
250. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 18 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 197 [1] CANBERRA, 18 August 1944 SECRET Begins: Your D.1129 [2], D.1119 [3] and Despatch D.75. [4] Draft Instrument of Surrender for Germany. 1. In general the terms of Articles 1 to 11 of the Draft are acceptable to the Australian Government, but we have strong objection which we...’
251. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 17 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 207 [1] LONDON, 17 August 1944, 10.45 p.m. TOP SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. As you are no doubt aware when Sir A. Gaye [2], United Kingdom member of the British Phosphate Commission was on his visit to the United States, Southern Dominions and the Pacific in the...’
252. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 21 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 118A LONDON, 21 August 1944, 8.05 p.m. TOP SECRET (Addressed to the Prime Minister) Your 103 [1] and [my] [2] 115A. Before entering into discussions with the United Kingdom Government it is desirable I should have clearly in mind what is your intention as to the scope and functions...’
253. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 22 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 120A LONDON, 22 August 1944, 7.45 p.m. SECRET (Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin.) POST-WAR CIVIL AVIATION The Dominions Office are cabling you with regard to the present position in connection with the contemplated United Nations Conference and recent discussions with the Americans. [1] The position appears to...’
254. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 23 August 1944; ‘Cablegram Winch 5 LONDON, 23 August 1944, 2.10 a.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Your Johcu 78 [1] and 81. [2] I am repeating for your private information, the following telegram despatched by the Chiefs of Staff to Washington, which explains the conclusion reached by the Defence Committee on our strategy...’
255. EVATT TO DIXON: 24 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 1273 CANBERRA, 24 August 1944 PERSONAL FOR DIXON FROM EVATT Your 749. [1] World Organisation. You can give general support to views expressed by Berendsen. [2] There are several indications of growing tendency to keep British Dominions as much as possible in background despite their great contribution to the...’
256. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 176 [1] MOSCOW, 23 August 1944, 7.45 P.M. IMMEDIATE SECRET We have just received the following note from the Peoples Commissariat of Foreign Affairs. Begins: ‘In connexion with the exchange on 2nd August, 1944, of representatives between Governments of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Polish Committee of...’
257. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN CIRCULAR: 24 August 1944; ‘Cablegram D1195 LONDON, 24 August 1944, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Following for the Prime Minister. You will remember that at the 4th meeting of Prime Ministers held on the 15th May, a discussion took place regarding the machinery of co-operation within the British Commonwealth. [1] On behalf of the United Kingdom...’
258. EVATT TO MALONEY: 26 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 173 CANBERRA, 26 August 1944 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Following for Maloney from Evatt. Your telegram 176. [1] 1. We have instructed High Commissioner to inform the United Kingdom Government of receipt of Note from Peoples Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, that we propose, subject to any comments which United Kingdom...’
259. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 26 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 207 CANBERRA, 26 August 1944 SECRET Your D1080 [1] and subsequent telegrams. [2] 1. Australian Government accepts the proposal for an early British Commonwealth conference on civil aviation at the official level. 2. United States Government by a Note [3] delivered to the Australian Minister at Washington has asked...’
260. MELVILLE TO CURTIN: 26 August 1944; ‘Letter [SYDNEY], 26 August 1944 1. I submit herewith my report of the discussion and proceedings of the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference held at Bretton Woods, U.S.A., from 1st July to 22nd July, 1944. Representation at Conferences 2. In addition to the attached report of the proposals formulated...’
261. EVATT TO BRUCE: 26 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 165 [1] CANBERRA, 26 August 1944 PERSONAL FOR BRUCE FROM EVATT The Soviet Government has at times caused some real embarrassment, but I would like you to examine recent cables relating to (a) alleged failure of Soviet Government to give active assistance in Allied efforts to aid the Partisans...’
262. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 28 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 109 LONDON, 28 August 1944, 6.50 p.m. PERSONAL SECRET (Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin.) Dominions Office Telegram D.1195. [1] While it is obviously desirable there should be a greater measure of co-operation in regard to Defence, I have considerable doubt as to whether the method suggested in...’
263. EVATT TO BRUCE: 31 August 1944; ‘Cablegram 169 [1] CANBERRA, 31 August 1944 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL TO BRUCE FROM EVATT SECRET Please see our 207 to Dominions Office on Civil Aviation. [2] My personal view is that this conference should take advantage of the occasion to discuss our general policy in international civil aviation as laid down...’
264. BRUCE TO EVATT: 31 August 1944; ‘Cablegram S25 LONDON, 31 August 1944, 7.20 p.m. PERSONAL FOR DR EVATT IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 165. [1] I am in the most cordial agreement with your view as to the unwisdom of attaching too much importance to events which, although infuriating in themselves, are relatively minor. I am also...’
265. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 1 September 1944; ‘Cablegram Johcu 82 CANBERRA, 1 September 1944 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE I thank you for your cablegram No. Winch 5 [1] and for the information which you furnished me regarding the conclusions of the Defence Committee on the strategy for the war against Japan. 2. I note the alternative suggestion in...’
266. CURTIN TO BRUCE: 1 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 125 CANBERRA, 1 September 1944 PERSONAL & SECRET IMMEDIATE Thank you for your cablegram No. 109 of 28th August [1] on the Dominions Office proposal in D.No. 1195 [2] for discussions on Defence co-operation. 2. As you know, the suggestion was made in my statement of 15th May [3]...’
267. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 1 September 1944; ‘Cablegram D1247 [1] LONDON, 1 September 1944, 10.44 p.m. TOP SECRET Instrument of surrender for Germany. The text recommended by E.A.C. [2] on 25th July [3] has now been studied here and on the understanding that it is open to reconsideration in the light of replies from the European Allies...’
268. FRASER TO CURTIN: 4 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 151 WELLINGTON, 4 September 1944, 9.25 p.m. SECRET Following from the Prime Minister for the Prime Minister. You will remember that at the Canberra Conference in January last, the question of further similar discussions was raised and it was then generally understood and agreed that there might well be...’
269. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 5 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 1349 CANBERRA, 5 September 1944 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your 825. [1] World Organisation. The timetable given in paragraph 4 of your telegram under reference assumes that Washington talks will end about September 16th provided the Chinese are content with only one week of discussion. The Governments of the...’
270. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 5 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 224 [1] CANBERRA, 5 September 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET (My immediately preceding telegram. [2]) Following are our tentative views on World Organisation: (1) We accept the principle that under present conditions, world security must be maintained in the ultimate issue by force. (2) We recognise that Britain, Russia and...’
271. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 5 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 225 CANBERRA, 5 September 1944 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegrams D.1247 [1] and 1248. [2] Surrender terms for Germany. We appreciate your account of the present position in this matter and note the possibility that there may still be an occasion for reconsideration by the European Advisory Commission...’
272. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 6 September 1944; ‘Agendum 728 CANBERRA, 6 September 1944 UNITED NATIONS FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION Introduction In May, 1943, a conference of officials representing the Governments of the United Nations met at Hot Springs, Virginia, U.S.A. to discuss problems associated with Food and Agriculture. 2. This conference of officials recommended to Governments the...’
273. CURTIN TO HANKINSON: 7 September 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 7 September 1944 TOP SECRET Reference is made to the Aide-Memoire [1] relative to the question of providing from Empire sources garrisons for British Islands in the Pacific recaptured from the enemy, which you handed to me on 15th July, 1944. It is noted that Borneo is mentioned...’
274. PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT TO BRUCE: 8 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 133 CANBERRA, 8 September 1944 SECRET Rivett is being pressed by Australian physicists on tube alloys [1] work in America to send other Australians to join them and also share in Montreal project. [2] Glad if you would consult Sir John Anderson telling him that prospecting of ore fields...’
275. DIXON TO CURTIN AND EVATT: 9 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 847 (extract) WASHINGTON, 9 September 1944, 2.29 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET & PERSONAL FOR THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE World Organisation On receipt of your telegram 1350 [1] I arranged that Cadogan should receive copy at once with the request that he should do everything possible to secure assent...’
276. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 11 September 1944; ‘Cablegram Winch 6 LONDON, 11 September 1944, 12.15 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. Thank you for your JOHCU 82. [1] We are now on our way to discuss the whole question of strategy for the war against Japan with the President and United States Chiefs of Staff. 2....’
277. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 239 [1] LONDON, 12 September 1944, 10 p.m. TOP SECRET IMPORTANT Your telegram 5th September No. 224. [2] World Organisation. Grateful for this expression of your views which we learn the Australian Minister has given to the United Kingdom Delegation. For the most part we find ourselves in agreement....’
278. EVATT TO GLASGOW: 14 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 267 CANBERRA, 14 September 1944 Following for Glasgow from Evatt. If you have not already done so, please leave for Quebec [1] immediately. Keep close contact with Churchill and keep me fully informed to the best of your ability. Of course the Prime Minister receives messages from Mr. Churchill...’
279. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 14 September 1944; ‘Cablegram [Johcu] [1] 83 CANBERRA, 14 September 1944 SECRET Considerable speculation and criticism are appearing in Australian newspapers to the effect Pacific strategy is being discussed at Quebec [2] and Australian representatives are not present. 2. I note you have requested [3] Sir William Glasgow to be in Quebec and...’
280. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 14 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 236 [1] CANBERRA, 14 September 1944 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your 1349, 1350, 1351. [2] Preliminaries of Peace with Finland. Our understanding of the nature of the proposed agreement is that the state of war will not be terminated. We are, therefore, in agreement that it should be in...’
281. EVATT TO CHURCHILL (IN QUEBEC): 15 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 270 [1] CANBERRA, 15 September 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for Mr. Churchill from Dr. Evatt. Begins. We are very pleased at your inviting Glasgow to Quebec. [2] As you know appearances are very important in such matters and there has been some press criticism in...’
282. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MALONEY: 15 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 193 CANBERRA, 15 September 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 191. [1] You have authority to sign ‘preliminaries of peace’ with Finland on behalf of His Majesty’s Government in Australia. Appropriate documentary powers will be forwarded by bag. You may use this telegram as your authority with other plenipotentaries...’
283. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 15 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 240 [1] CANBERRA, 15 September 1944 SECRET Conference on employment. In order to follow up the recommendation made to Governments by the I.L.O. that a conference be held on domestic policies of employment [2] we wish again to suggest the necessity of holding at an early date the conference...’
284. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 14 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 113 LONDON, 14 September 1944, 6.36 p.m. TOP SECRET Your 110 of 15th August. [1] I took up with Chancellor of the Exchequer point you raised therein and have now received the following reply. Begins- The defence project for which material is required will, we anticipate, be continued indefinitely...’
285. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL (IN QUEBEC): 16 September 1944; ‘Cablegram Johcu 84 CANBERRA, 16 September 1944 TOP SECRET Your Winch No. 6. [1] I feel we have not misunderstood your proposal regarding the establishment of a British Dominion Task Force. It was clear to us from your Winch No. 5 [2] that the Task Force would operate under General...’
286. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO STIRLING: 18 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 182 CANBERRA, 18 September 1944 SECRET We are concerned at the setting up of Armistice Control machinery in various centres of Europe without any apparent provision for a central body for coordinating policy and without any representation for the Dominions or the smaller European Allies at any level. We...’
287. EVATT TO BRUCE: 19 September 1944; ‘Cablegrams 138 and 139 [1] CANBERRA, 19 September 1944 PERSONAL ONLY SECRET I am naturally concerned with the difference of opinion in relation to the right of veto exercisable by a permanent member of the Council in relation to a dispute to which that member is a party. At the...’
288. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 18 September 1944; ‘Cablegram Winch 7 [QUEBEC], 18 September 1944, 2.15 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL IMMEDIATE Your JOHCU No. 83. [1] I will certainly receive General Lavarack [2] and put him in touch with the British Chiefs of Staff. 2. The only difficulty here has been to persuade the Americans to give...’
289. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL SUBMISSION BY CURTIN: 20 September 1944; ‘Agendum 22/1944 [CANBERRA], 20 September 1944 TOP SECRET BASING OF NETHERLANDS FORCES ON AUSTRALIA APPROACH BY NETHERLANDS MINISTER IN AUSTRALIA In a memorandum to the Department of Defence, dated 4th September [1], the Department of External Affairs communicated the following letter [2] from the Netherlands Minister in Australia:- ‘I have...’
290. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 20 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 243 [1] CANBERRA, 20 September 1944 SECRET Your telegram No. 247 [2], Civil Aviation. The urgency of holding an International Conference is recognised, but we must emphasise our previously expressed view [3] that the objectives of the proposed conference as outlined by the United States [4] are altogether too...’
291. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 250 [1] LONDON, 19 September 1944, 2.08 p.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Lend Lease in Stage II. My telegram of 14th September Australia No. 243, New Zealand No. 191. [2] 1. The Prime Minister and the President have discussed at Quebec the question of scope and scale of Lend...’
292. DIXON TO EVATT: 19 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 889 WASHINGTON, 19 September 1944, 9.29 p.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Evatt from Dixon. World Organization. Your 1435 and 1436 [1] just arrived. In the meantime it may interest you to know that I stated my own personal opinion to the Embassy that it was better to accept...’
293. REPORT OF DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN SERVICE OFFICERS AND HASLUCK: 20 September 1944; ‘20 September 1944 WORLD ORGANIZATION AND POST-HOSTILITIES PLANNING AND AUSTRALIAN - NEW ZEALAND AGREEMENT [1] In Minute No. 297/1944 [2], the Defence Committee considered the proposal by the Department of External Affairs that an officer from that Department should discuss, with officers of the Department of Defence and the Services,...’
294. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 1421: 21 September 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 21 September 1944 STAFF CONVERSATIONS WITH PORTUGAL The Commander-in-Chief, Australian Military Forces, said that Staff conversations, at which Australia was represented by Brigadier A. W. Wardell, were at present being held in Lisbon, for discussion of Portuguese participation in any Allied operation for the occupation of Timor. 2. It...’
295. ADVISORY WAR COUNCIL MINUTE 1424: 21 September 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 21 September 1944 AGENDUM No. 22/1944-BASING OF NETHERLANDS FORCES ON AUSTRALIA [1] Consideration was given to the enquiry made by the Netherlands Minister in Australia as to whether the Commonwealth Government would be agreeable to the arrival, accommodation, training and maintenance in Australia of a Netherlands Force of about...’
296. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 21 September 1944; ‘Cablegram Johcu 85 CANBERRA, 21 September 1944 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Thank you for your Winch Nos. 7 [1], 8 [2], 9 [3] and 10. [4] I am most gratified to learn of the outstanding results achieved at the discussions at Octagon. [5] The British Naval contribution, which is to...’
297. MACGREGOR TO DIVISION OF IMPORT PROCUREMENT: 22 September 1944; ‘Memorandum DG787 (extracts) WASHINGTON, 22 September 1944 THE FUTURE OF U.S. LEND LEASE AND CANADIAN MUTUAL AID DOMESTIC POLITICAL IMPONDERABLES ESTIMATES OF QUANTITIES OF GOODS REQUIRED BY AUSTRALIA URGENTLY SOUGHT [matter omitted] 5. Notwithstanding the domestic political implications in both countries upon questions of policy, procedure, mechanism and organisational form,...’
298. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 25 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 1456 CANBERRA, 25 September 1944 SECRET Lend Lease in Stage II. 1. A number of telegrams have been exchanged with the Dominions Office on the subject of the scope and scale of Lend Lease and Mutual Aid in Stage II, i.e., the stage between the defeat of Germany and...’
299. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 25 September 1944; ‘Cablegram Winch 11 LONDON, 25 September 1944, 12.10 a.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL AND TOP SECRET Further to my WINCH number 8. [1] The First Sea Lord has, at my request, prepared the following notes upon the facilities for which we shall ask Australia through regular channels to enable the main British...’
300. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 26 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 248 [1] CANBERRA, 26 September 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram D.1422. [2] On the whole we are of the opinion that, as Eire will participate not only in this but probably other International Conferences, the advantages of discussing preliminary problems and possibly of obtaining Eirean support are considerable....’
301. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 26 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 210 [1] (extracts) CANBERRA, 26 September 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Civil Aviation 1. In view of the opposition of the United States and Soviet Russia, and apparently of China also, to the establishment of an International Air Transport Authority to operate international air trunk routes and to own...’
302. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 26 September 1944; ‘Cablegram Johcu 86 CANBERRA, 26 September 1944 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Your Winch No. 11. [1] You can rely upon our complete co-operation in regard to the provision of facilities in Australia to enable the main British Fleet to operate against Japan. I am suitably advising the Services and other...’
303. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 27 September 1944; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 27 September 1944 With regard to the offer [1] to me yesterday afternoon of the post at Washington, I am deeply sensible of the confidence reposed in me. It is indeed a tempting offer in view of the magnitude of the issues which will be dealt with during...’
304. FRASER TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 September 1944; ‘Cablegram 171 WELLINGTON, 28 September 1944, 9.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Civil Aviation. Your telegram No. 210. [1] We note the conclusions reached by you regarding the operation of air routes by Commonwealth Governments but are in no position ourselves to state our views until we have received and studied the...’
305. NOTE OF DISCUSSION BETWEEN CURTIN, MACARTHUR AND WILSON: 30 September 1944; ‘CANBERRA, 30 September 1944 (1) REVIEW OF THE WAR SITUATION BY GENERAL MACARTHUR General MacArthur reviewed the war situation in the Pacific, with special reference to the Southwest Pacific Area. 2. The review embraced the following aspects raised by the Prime Minister, namely:- Global Strategy-Decisions of the Quebec Conference. [1]...’
306. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 1 October 1944; ‘Cablegram D1478 [1] LONDON, 1 October 1944, 4.30 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL PRIVATE AND TOP SECRET From the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister. 1. The War Cabinet reconsidered yesterday the question of inviting Southern Ireland (Eire) to the Conference at Ottawa about civil aviation, in view of their having...’
307. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 1 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 262 [1] LONDON, 1 October 1944, 5.32 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL PRIVATE AND TOP SECRET From the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister. My D.No. 1478. [2] 1. I feel very strongly that we ought not to invite Eire into the bosom of the British Commonwealth on a side...’
308. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 3 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 257 [1] CANBERRA, 3 October 1944 SECRET Your D.1404. [2] 1. We have replied to American Minister accepting invitation to international air conference in United States on November 1st. [3] In doing so we stated that it was assumed that the agenda would not necessarily be limited to the...’
309. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO D'ALTON: 4 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 187 CANBERRA, 4 October 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Please convey immediately following to Prime Minister of New Zealand- Begins- 1. We greatly regret the delay in finalising plans for talks with you and your Ministers. Our own plans have been affected by proposed absence of Prime Minister in Western...’
310. BLAMEY TO FORDE: 4 October 1944; ‘Letter (extract) HEADQUARTERS, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA, 4 October 1944 TOP SECRET [matter omitted] I spoke to the Prime Minister about the desirability of having military representation at talks in New Zealand. [1] Colonel Conlon [2] is au fait with the Army point of view in this matter...’
311. DUMBARTON OAKS PROPOSALS: 7 October 1944; ‘DUMBARTON OAKS, 7 October 1944 PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GENERAL INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION [1] There should be established an international organization under the title of The United Nations, the Charter of which should contain provisions necessary to give effect to the proposals which follow. CHAPTER I PURPOSES The purposes...’
312. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 10 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 263 [1] CANBERRA, 10 October 1944 TOP SECRET. Your 263 [2], 264 [3], 265 [4] forwarding statements by Smuts and Mackenzie King on world organisation. 1. Dumbarton Oaks talks have resulted in a substantial measure of agreement and we agree that everything possible should be done to avoid jeopardising...’
313. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO COMMONWEALTH: 10 October 1944; ‘Government Cablegram 964 WASHINGTON, 10 October 1944, 12.02 a.m. Received 11 October 1944 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Further to my 921. [1] Lend Lease in Stage II. Meeting of Australian Representatives designated in your telegram 1456 [2] or their nominees was held at the Legation this morning to discuss the general...’
314. DUNK TO MCFARLANE: 9 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 965 [1] WASHINGTON, 9 October 1944, 7.48 p.m. TOP SECRET For McFarlane from Dunk. Please see telegram 964 [2] on Stage II of Lend Lease. After separate discussions with Keynes and Ben Smith, my personal point of view is that we should not act independently provided that special considerations...’
315. DRAKEFORD TO CURTIN: 12 October 1944; ‘Letter (extract) AUCKLAND, 12 October 1944 TOP SECRET I have pleasure in submitting to you the attached Note of the Agreement reached with New Zealand [1], as a guide to the delegations from Australia and New Zealand to the forthcoming Commonwealth talks at Montreal and to the International Aviation Conference...’
316. BRUCE TO PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT: 12 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 138A LONDON, 12 October 1944, 12.25 p.m. TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram 133 of 8th September. [1] I fully discussed with Sir John Anderson position with regard to tube alloy [2] work in America and at Montreal. As you know, this work was originally started in England under the...’
317. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 October 1944; ‘Cablegram S17 MOSCOW, 12 October 1944 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Further discussions between Eden and Molotov [1] yesterday resulted in agreement on major matters in regard to Bulgaria. The Armistice will be concluded in Moscow. A joint British, American and Soviet Control Commission will operate in Bulgaria. 2. Agreement was also...’
318. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 13 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 140A LONDON, 13 October 1944, 7.15 p.m. SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Italy. Future of Colonies. You will have seen Dominions Office telegram No. 1526 of the 12th of October [1] advising that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs was asked whether in view of...’
319. MACARTHUR TO CURTIN: October 1944; ‘Letter GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA, I have just concluded a conference with General Blamey with reference to the question of restoring civil administration in Papua and the Australian Mandated Territories. We are both naturally most anxious to accomplish this at the earliest possible time but are convinced that under...’
320. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 17 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 226 CANBERRA, 17 October 1944 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your early views would be appreciated on the following draft telegram to Dominions Office. BEGINS- Your telegram D.1463 of the 28th September. [1] Surrender instrument for Germany. 1. There appears now to be little chance that the United States and Soviet...’
321. DEFENCE COMMITTEE REPORT: 18 October 1944; ‘[18 October 1944] [1] WORLD ORGANIZATION: POST-HOSTILITIES PLANNING AND AUSTRALIAN - NEW ZEALAND AGREEMENT [2] A. REVIEW OF APPRECIATION - FUTURE OF SOUTHWEST PACIFIC REGION - JANUARY, 1944 [3] 1. The Defence Committee reviewed its Appreciation of the Future of the Southwest Pacific Region (Defence Committee Minute No. 2/1944) [4]...’
322. HASLUCK TO SHEDDEN: 19 October 1944; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 19 October 1944 I refer to my teleprinter message 1854 [1] of the 3rd October to Department of Defence, Melbourne, and subsequent communications by telephone regarding the arrangements for the Australian - New Zealand Conference. The position has been further discussed with New Zealand officials and the Prime...’
323. FRASER TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 188 WELLINGTON, 19 October 1944, 2.15 p.m. SECRET Your 226 [1]-Surrender instrument for Germany While we are in agreement with the views expressed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of your message we have grave doubts as to the wisdom of the proposals contained in paragraph (3). Whatever might be...’
324. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 19 October 1944; ‘Cablegram D1564 LONDON, 19 October 1944, 8.40 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Following for the Prime Minister. Messages have been exchanged between Mr. Churchill and President Roosevelt regarding the question of recognition of the French Provisional Government. 2. We have come to the conclusion that events in France have now...’
325. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 19 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 142A LONDON, 19 October 1944, 5.30 p.m. SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. My telegram 130A of 28th September. [1] I have at last succeeded in getting a reply from the United Kingdom authorities to my enquiries as to the present situation regarding the United Nations Commission...’
326. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 23 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 275 [1] CANBERRA, 23 October 1944 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegrams D.1564 [2], D.1570 [3] and 286 [4] of 19th October. We welcome the proposal to recognise the present French administration as the Provisional Government of France and will be glad to convey Australian recognition in terms similar...’
327. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 293 [1] LONDON, 23 October 1944, 7 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 240 repeated Wellington No. 206. [2] Conference on employment. Careful consideration has been given to your suggestion that a joint approach should now be made to the United States Government with a view to following up the...’
328. EVATT TO BRUCE: 26 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 161 CANBERRA, 26 October 1944 PERSONAL FOR BRUCE FROM EVATT Your S.40. [1] General principles of world organization will be discussed in Wellington with Fraser next week and it is hoped as a result of these talks to communicate to United Kingdom preliminary views on Dumbarton Oaks draft. Any...’
329. JOHNSTON TO MCVEY: 25 October 1944; ‘Cablegram Air Talks 1 MONTREAL, 25 October 1944, 2.16 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE For McVey from Johnston. 1. The Conference of Civil Aviation officials opened at Montreal on the 23rd of October [1] and at the commencement the Delegations indicated their general views. Australia’s views were expressed in accordance with the...’
330. BURHOP TO RIVETT: 28 October 1944; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 28 October 1944 Many thanks for your recent letter [1] and for the help you have given my wife in her efforts to get across to join me. I understand that she expects to leave at an early date and I won’t be sorry to see the rest...’
331. KHARE TO MACKAY: 28 October 1944; ‘Letter [NEW DELHI], 28 October 1944 SECRET His Excellency the Viceroy [1] passed on to me the message [2] you gave his Private Secretary [3] on 13th July, that the Commonwealth Government would be very ready to negotiate with India an agreement similar to that recently negotiated between the Commonwealth...’
332. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 October 1944; ‘Cablegram 1042 WASHINGTON, 28 October 1944, 4.53 p.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Lend Lease Stage II. United Kingdom Representatives invited Australian and New Zealand Representatives to attend a further meeting yesterday afternoon October 27th to discuss developments since the meeting held on October 9th. [1] Keynes said that the United...’
333. ISMAY TO SHEDDEN: 1 November 1944; ‘Letter LONDON, 1 November 1944 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Thank you very much for your letter of 21st September and the very interesting Memorandum which accompanied it. [1] I take it that the latter is now under consideration by your Defence Committee, and that you will let us know the...’
334. MCFARLANE TO DUNK: 3 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 1730 [1] CANBERRA, 3 November 1944 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE For Dunk from McFarlane. Your 1026 [2] and W.10269. [3] Lend Lease Stage 2. 1. Further to our 1700 [4], if United States authorities raise questions of Reciprocal Aid you should give due emphasis to our liberal and realistic implementation...’
335. VAN AERSSEN TO EVATT: 3 November 1944; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 3 November 1944 With reference to our correspondence ending with your letter of 5th April, no. 1429 [1], I have the honour to inform you that Dr. H. J. van Mook has been appointed Lieutenant-Governor-General of the Netherlands Indies by Her Majesty’s Government in London, and that he...’
336. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 6 November 1944; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 6 November 1944 I hope you will not mind my referring to a matter on which I think we should have an understanding at once. Some telegrams have come partly from you and partly from Hodgson to you, marked to be dealt with by a member of the...’
337. FRASER TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 200 WELLINGTON, 7 November 1944, 3.30 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My No. 199. [1] Resolutions begin- I. General International Organisation: 1. Australia and New Zealand desire to play their full part in the establishment of a general International Organisation for the purpose of preserving International peace and security and promoting...’
338. DUNK TO MCFARLANE: 6 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 1080 [1] WASHINGTON, 6 November 1944, 11.06 p.m. TOP SECRET McFarlane from Dunk. 1. Your telegram 1730 [2]-Stage II. 2. No direct question continuance of Reciprocal Aid was put to us at our meeting with the Top Committee. I think that it is less likely to come up on...’
339. CURTIN TO BRUCE: 9 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 170 CANBERRA, 9 November 1944 TOP SECRET Basing of Royal Naval Forces on Australia. You will be aware that following upon the Prime Minister’s discussions in London and the deliberations of the Quebec Conference, the United Kingdom Government has decided to base Royal Naval Forces (including Fleet Air Arm)...’
340. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 8 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 311 [1] LONDON, 8 November 1944, 5 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Following from the Prime Minister for Mr. Curtin. Begins:- I wish to let you know what arrangements we have in mind for the command, deployment and administration of the fleet which is being sent to the Pacific...’
341. DRAKEFORD TO EVATT: 8 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 5 CHICAGO, 8 November 1944, 11.28 p.m. PERSONAL IMMEDIATE SECRET For Evatt from Drakeford. Thanks for your message from New Zealand to myself and the Delegation through Watt. [1] What you have said will be borne in mind but some of the matters mentioned are, of course, outside the...’
342. DRAKEFORD TO FORDE: 9 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 6 CHICAGO, 9 November 1944, 2.45 a.m. SECRET Deputy Prime Minister [1] from Drakeford. 1. Civil Aviation Conference is getting down to consideration of the real issues involved and progress is being made especially in the field of technical convention. 2. After some manoeuvring we obtained to-day consideration by...’
343. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 9 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 154A LONDON, 9 November 1944, 3.30 p.m. TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. Dominions Office telegram 1638 of the 3rd of November. [1] This telegram raises two important issues:- (1) The taking of the far reaching decisions by the United Kingdom Government involved in the...’
344. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 10 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 157A LONDON, 10 November 1944, 9.08 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONNAL-HIMSELF ONLY Addressed to the Prime Minister. For your own information the portion of the Statement issued after the recent Australian - New Zealand talks [1] reading, ‘we feel that there should be set up, as part of the...’
345. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 13 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 300 CANBERRA, 13 November 1944 SECRET IMMEDIATE Your 293. [1] The recent Conference in Wellington between Australia and New Zealand representatives has given consideration to the proposed Conference on employment and also to the views of the United Kingdom Government in that connection. The Conference expressed their keen disappointment...’
346. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 13 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 301 CANBERRA, 13 November 1944 SECRET IMMEDIATE South Seas Regional Commission. 1. It will be recalled that in January last we raised [1] with you the question of the establishment of a South Seas Regional Commission when you intimated [2] your willingness to exchange views on the proposal and...’
347. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 14 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 325 [1] LONDON, 14 November 1944, 2.05 p.m. SECRET We have learnt with considerable surprise and concern of the statement issued on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Governments at the conclusion of their recent Conference on the subject of Colonial administration in which they declare their support...’
348. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 14 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 158A LONDON, 14 November 1944, 7.12 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister. Civil Affairs. My telegram 131 of 27th October. [1] The United Kingdom authorities last night produced a long Aide- Memoire which they describe as ‘result of prolonged inter- departmental consideration of proposals of Commonwealth Government’....’
349. EVATT TO HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN WELLINGTON: 16 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 251 CANBERRA, 16 November 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE Please convey at once the following personal message from me to Mr. Fraser. Begins. Forde and I are very surprised and indignant at Dominions Office telegram No. 325 to Australia and 265 to New Zealand. [1] I think a strong reply is...’
350. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 16 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 1118 WASHINGTON, 16 November 1944, 5.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Lend Lease Stage II. 1. Snelling [1] has advised Dunk that Morgenthau has set dead line of Saturday for completion of Stage II agreement. Keynes proposes to leave for Canada early next week and will probably return directly...’
351. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 18 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 1835 CANBERRA, 18 November 1944 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 1118. [1] Lend Lease Stage II. 1. You may agree to proposal for a separate Australian section of the Agreement and inclusion of a paragraph to the following effect-‘The Australian Government, in accordance with the terms of the Reciprocal...’
352. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 18 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 310 CANBERRA, 18 November 1944 TOP SECRET Your telegram 325 [1] makes no reference to our conversations with New Zealand except on the one point of Mr. Fraser’s statement on colonial mandates. Policy of Australia on this point has been consistent but this fact receives little recognition in the...’
353. EVATT TO STIRLING: 18 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 222 CANBERRA, 18 November 1944 PERSONAL FOR STIRLING ONLY IMMEDIATE Please convey the following personal and private message from me to Cranborne alone- Begins-May I ask you to study terms of telegram No. 325 to Australian Government. [1] It might well do harm in several directions. I hope you...’
354. EVATT TO BRUCE: 20 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 177 CANBERRA, 20 November 1944 SECRET Bruce from Evatt. I am sure you will appreciate a frank review of position discussed in recent cables relating to the Australian - New Zealand thesis that the doctrine of trusteeship should, in principle, be applicable to colonial territories. Official replies have been...’
355. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE IN LONDON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 13133 LONDON, 20 November 1944, 6.35 p.m. SECRET Proposed American exchange Far East. Your 6724 of 10th July. [1] First. The United Kingdom Government duly advised America that all Empire governments welcomed any proposal to rescue prisoners and internees in Japanese hands. They considered, however, that proposal should be...’
356. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 21 November 1944; ‘Letter (extracts) WASHINGTON, 21 November 1944 TOP SECRET I have the honour to report that I presented my Letters of Credence to President Roosevelt on November 14th, 1944. [matter omitted] The President said that they would give me a very good time during my stay in Washington and referred with...’
357. STIRLING TO EVATT: 22 November 1944; ‘Cablegram S51 LONDON, 22 November 1944, 12.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL FOR THE MINISTER Your telegram 222. [1] Following from Lord Cranborne:- ‘Personal for Doctor Evatt. Many thanks for your personal telegram to me. I am grateful for your frank views. Our telegram 325 [2] was, in fact,...’
358. KEANE TO CHIFLEY: 23 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 1150 [1] WASHINGTON, 23 November 1944, 8.27 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Lend Lease Stage 2. Following for Chifley from Keane. 1. Yesterday, as a result of the Conference with the U.K. delegates, the U.S. State and War Depts. and ourselves, we cleared the point of difficulty on extension of...’
359. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 336 [1] LONDON, 24 November 1944, 9 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET Your telegrams-Canberra No. 310 [3], Wellington No. 303. [4] Statement on Colonial Policy. 1. We feel that there has been some misunderstanding as to the main purpose of our telegram No. 325. [5] It was never in our...’
360. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 337 [1] LONDON, 24 November 1944, 9.25 p.m. SECRET Reference Canberra Telegram No. 301 [2], Wellington Telegram No. 298. [3] SOUTH SEAS REGIONAL COMMISSION In principle we are in agreement with your proposals for the establishment of a South Seas Regional Commission which in general are in conformity with...’
361. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 338 [1] LONDON, 24 November 1944, 9.38 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Reference Commonwealth telegram No. 300, New Zealand No. 299. [2] Employment Conference. 1. We think there has been some misapprehension on this question. It was in no way our intention to express doubt on the desirability of the conclusion...’
362. BRUCE TO EVATT: 27 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 161A LONDON, 27 November 1944, 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR EVATT MOST SECRET Many thanks for your cable. [1] I appreciate your frankness and I hasten to reciprocate it. Two main points appear to me to emerge from your telegram:- (a) The broad question of consultation before major decisions...’
363. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 27 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 142 LONDON, 27 November 1944, 6.56 p.m. TOP SECRET Addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. I have now had an opportunity of fully discussing the points raised in your telegram [1]70 [1] of the 9th November with Alexander [2] and responsible officers in the Admiralty. In these discussions...’
364. HODGSON TO EVATT: 28 November 1944; ‘Cablegram 1163 [1] [CHICAGO], 28 November 1944, 9.34 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR THE MINISTER FROM HODGSON The issues before the Conference [2] are now reasonably clear but the position has been so confused during the last ten days and has so changed even from hour to hour that no clear...’
365. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 2 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 150 LONDON, 2 December 1944, 1.29 p.m. Addressed to the Prime Minister. Your 174 of 15th November. [1] I have refrained from replying to your telegram sooner as when I received it I had a meeting with Eady pending, as a result of which I hoped to be able...’
366. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 6 December 1944; ‘Agendum 761 CANBERRA, 6 December 1944 ABROGATION OF EXTRATERRITORIAL RIGHTS IN CHINA A PROPOSED AUSTRALIAN - CHINESE TREATY The Chinese Minister [1] recently raised again the question of a treaty between China and Australia abrogating extraterritorial privileges on the same lines as that signed between China and Canada. 2. Before...’
367. DRAKEFORD TO FORDE: 5 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 19 CHICAGO, 5 December 1944, 4.43 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET For the Deputy Prime Minister from Mr. Drakeford. Reference my telegram 16 of 1st December [1] [and that] [2] of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom [of 27th November] to the Dominions. [3] As anticipated and following on...’
368. FRASER TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 6 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 216 WELLINGTON, 6 December 1944, 12.05 a.m. SECRET Regional Commission and Colonial Policy. After careful consideration of the United Kingdom telegrams 274 [1] and 275 [2] we cannot avoid the conclusion that our views are still not entirely understood. We also note with regret that the effect of the...’
369. HODGSON TO EVATT: 7 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 1197 [1] [CHICAGO], 7 December [2] 1944, 7.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL TO THE MINISTER FROM HODGSON The last two official cables [3] give the latest picture. Personally I think we should not sign the Two Freedom Document until it can be given further consideration. Rumours here to-day that Berle...’
370. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 11 December 1944; ‘Dispatch 12/44 WASHINGTON, 11 December 1944 I have the honour to report that I have closely studied your telegram No. 1902 [1] containing your views on the Australian - New Zealand Conference and also the telegrams [2] from Mr. Fraser, Prime Minister of New Zealand giving the resolutions in full....’
371. FORDE TO CRANBORNE: 12 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 330 CANBERRA, 12 December 1944 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram No. 330 of 18th November. [1] Basing of British Pacific Fleet on Australia. 2. The Committee referred to in my Cablegram No. 269 of 16th October [2] has completed its main report [3], which has been considered by War...’
372. FORDE TO CRANBORNE: 12 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 331 [1] CANBERRA, 12 December 1944 SECRET Your D.1195. [2] The Australian Accredited Representative has already informed you that the Commonwealth Government agreed with the proposal for joint discussions on Defence co-operation, on the basis that such discussions should not prejudice arrangements for subsequent consideration of the wider question...’
373. DRAKEFORD TO FORDE: 13 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 1221 WASHINGTON, 13 December 1944, 10.24 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET To the Deputy Prime Minister. Commonwealth talks were resumed at Montreal on afternoon of 9th December. It was agreed to establish a Commonwealth Air Transport Council. Details are as follows: 1. Functions. The following shall be the functions of the...’
374. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 15 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 335 [1] CANBERRA, 15 December 1944 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 338. [2] Employment Conference. We are very glad to receive your offer to support us in our attempts to have concluded a United Nations Agreement on employment policies. We were pleased to see that in the Preamble of the United...’
375. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 14 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 175A LONDON, 14 December 1944, 9.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET & CONFIDENTIAL Following for the Prime Minister. British Ambassador to Russia. Reference my immediately preceding telegram. [1] I asked Clark Kerr about the Soviet’s attitude towards international co-operation and he said very strongly that he was certain they wanted...’
376. EVATT TO BRUCE: 16 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 202 CANBERRA, 16 December 1944 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FOR BRUCE FROM EVATT Your telegrams [1] on Greece. I entirely endorse your attitude, which seems to me to be firm and correct. 2. Can you ascertain- (i) Whether any Australians are in guerrilla forces (ii) Whether any Australians...’
377. EVATT TO EGGLESTON: 19 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 2077 CANBERRA, 19 December 1944 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. As one means of furthering Australia - New Zealand objective of participation in Pacific Armistice planning and controls and in the direction of Pacific Affairs as a whole [1], use could be made of Pacific War Council. When we obtained establishment...’
378. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 19 December 1944; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 19 December 1944 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL In view of the situation which appears to be developing as outlined in my Despatch No. 12 [1] and your personal telegram to me No. 1996 [2], I think it may be as well to think out for ourselves the way in...’
379. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 19 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 357 [1] LONDON, 19 December 1944, 12.42 a.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Following from the Prime Minister for Mr. Curtin. In Dominions Office telegram No- 311 of 8th November [2] to the Australian Government, I informed you of the projected arrangements for the command and deployment of the British...’
380. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 21 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 1250 WASHINGTON, 21 December 1944, 8.11 p.m. SECRET Your 2077. [1] 1. I have consulted Berendsen with regard to this telegram and he has agreed to cable to his Government for instructions. He and I both think that it is possible that the President will call the Council together...’
381. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 22 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 363 [1] LONDON, 22 December 1944, 2.27 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 335. [2] Employment Conference. 1. We agree to your suggestion that the Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom governments should make a joint approach to the United States government to ask whether they would join in calling...’
382. BRUCE TO EVATT: 23 December 1944; ‘Cablegram [289A] [1] LONDON, 23 December 1944, 3.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET For Dr. Evatt. Your telegram 204 of the 22nd December. [2] I had a long talk to Eden yesterday in which I brought out all the points contained in your telegram 202 of the 16th December. [3]...’
383. EVATT TO EGGLESTON: 25 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 2101 [1] CANBERRA, 25 December 1944 PERSONAL FOR EGGLESTON FROM EVATT Your telegram 1250. [2] It is most important that. the Pacific Council with all its limitations should not disappear and for that reason it is desired that you take steps to this end preferably in conjunction with Berendsen...’
384. HODGSON TO EVATT: 24 December 1944; ‘Cablegram 1256 [1] WASHINGTON, 24 December 1944 For Dr. Evatt from Colonel Hodgson. After various talks with key men in the State Department, the following are some of my impressions, especially as regards Commercial Relations. For about three months the Department has not functioned owing to the Presidential Elections, the...’

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