Documents on Australian Foreign Policy

1. EVATT TO MCINTOSH: 6 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 9 CANBERRA, 6 January 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE Reference D.1827 and D.5, World Organisation. [1] My view is that issues raised regarding right and extent of veto of Great Powers on Security Council, though very important, should not be regarded as so important as to preclude the very early establishment...’
2. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 6 January 1945; ‘Agendum 761A CANBERRA, 6 January 1945 ABROGATION OF EXTRATERRITORIAL RIGHTS IN CHINA PROPOSED AUSTRALIAN-CHINESE TREATY 1. At a meeting of Full Cabinet held on 6th December 1944, approval was given for the discussion with the Chinese Minister [1] of proposals for an agreement on the above subject. 2. Attached hereto...’
3. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO BRUCE: 8 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 4 (extracts) CANBERRA, 8 January 1945 SECRET Reparations. 1. We are somewhat concerned at manner in which question of reparations in Europe is being approached. We have examined United Kingdom and United States Departmental studies on subject, American submission to Moscow Conference, and proposal last September for discussion in...’
4. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 8 January 1945; ‘Agendum 23/1945 CANBERRA, 8 January 1945 SECRET AUSTRALIAN PERSONNEL IN CONTROL COMMISSIONS FOR GERMANY AND AUSTRIA 1. In telegrams 131A, 133A and 135A [1], received early in October, the Commonwealth Accredited Representative, London, reported that the United Kingdom authorities had under active consideration the possibility of including a proportion of...’
5. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 11 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 8 CANBERRA, 11 January 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE Your D.1827. [1] In our view the vital consideration is to establish a world organization at the earliest possible moment. Therefore we see advantages in President’s proposed compromise if it is acceptable to Soviet Russia. 2. We emphasize that question of voting...’
6. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 10 January 1945; ‘Cablegram D44 LONDON, 10 January 1945, 10.30 p.m. TOP SECRET IMPORTANT My telegram 31st August, 1944, D No. 1237. [1] World Organisation and Soviet Constituent Republics. 1. When the Soviet Representative at Dumbarton Oaks proposed that the 16 Soviet Constituent Republics should be founder members of World Organisation, he agreed,...’
7. EVATT TO EGGLESTON: 15 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 69 CANBERRA, 15 January 1945 SECRET I have received your despatch dealing with question of Pacific War Council. [1] I cannot agree that Council is in any way discredited although I think you right in pointing to some of its defects. It was the only body that assured to...’
8. EVATT TO FRASER: 15 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 21 CANBERRA, 15 January 1945 SECRET You will have no doubt heard from Berendsen that Eggleston has consulted him in regard to our proposal for regular meetings so as to restore Pacific War Council in Washington to a position in which it can again discuss Pacific affairs as in...’
9. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 15 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 12 CANBERRA, 15 January 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 363. [1] We note your agreement of proposal for a joint approach. We agree that preliminary discussions should be held before formal conference. At the same time care should be taken lest other members of the United Nations might feel that...’
10. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 15 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 13 CANBERRA, 15 January 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference paragraph 2 my immediately preceding telegram. [1] Following is summary: Begins. The main purpose of international economic collaboration is to achieve freedom from want. Many declarations have emphasised the importance of employment in this connection. Without full employment, production and consumption...’
11. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 15 January 1945; ‘Letter (extract) WASHINGTON, 15 January 1945 The point of view of the American delegates [1] as disclosed is very important for us and my anticipations as to their views on ‘Government of dependencies’ were fully confirmed. I think that 80% of the American delegates are in favour of the immediate...’
12. EVATT TO EGGLESTON, OFFICER, MALONEY, BRUCE 12: 17 January 1945; ‘Cablegrams 85, 13, 9, 11 CANBERRA, 17 January 1945 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL To-day the Canadian High Commissioner [1] left with me for my personal information copy of memorandum [2] on Dumbarton Oaks proposals which is being handed formally by Canadian Government to United Kingdom, United States, Soviet, Chinese and...’
13. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 January 1945; ‘Cablegram D87 LONDON, 17 January 1945, 8.52 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegrams 18th December, 1944, D.1827 and 2nd January D.5. [1] Voting in the Security Council. 1. After further consideration here in the light of your reply [2] and those of the other British Commonwealth Governments, His Majesty’s United Kingdom...’
14. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 18 LONDON, 20 January 1945, 5.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference Commonwealth Government’s telegrams Nos. 12 and 13 [1] and New Zealand Government’s telegram No. 8. [2] Employment Policy. We agree in general with the terms of the summary in the Commonwealth Government’s telegram No. 13 which it is suggested...’
15. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 27 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 22 CANBERRA, 27 January 1945 TOP SECRET 1. Your D. No. 148. [1] The claim of Russia for separate representation for its component Republics depends in principle upon whether each republic is a free international unit with power to take up a separate and distinct attitude in international affairs...’
16. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 26 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 13[A] LONDON, 26 January 1945, 7.37 p.m. PERSONAL HIMSELF TOP SECRET The forthcoming meeting of the Big Three, which is now imminent, has for some time been causing me considerable concern. So far as I am aware no information has been sent to you even by the method of...’
17. EVATT TO CRANBORNE: 31 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 27 CANBERRA, 31 January 1945 TOP SECRET Colonel Stanley’s paper [1] on the International aspects of colonial policy seems to mark a definite advance towards some of the main objectives set out in paragraph 28 to 31 of the Australian - New Zealand Agreement of January, 944, under the...’
18. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 January 1945; ‘Cablegram 102 WASHINGTON, 30 January 1945, 9.34 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. On receipt of instructions by the British Embassy we immediately conferred with the object of getting the quickest possible action. All agreed that the best method was to submit formal letters addressed to the Under Secretary of State (Stettinius...’
19. D'ALTON TO EVATT: 31 January 1945; ‘Dispatch 10 (extracts) WELLINGTON, 31 January 1945 AUSTRALIA - NEW ZEALAND ECONOMIC AND WELFARE DISCUSSIONS WELLINGTON-JANUARY, 1945 I have the honour to forward the Summary of Proceedings of the Australian - New Zealand economic and welfare discussions held in Wellington between 23rd and 29th January 1945. From this report you...’
20. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 2 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 24 CANBERRA, 2 February 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET We have been informed by the Australian Minister at Washington that the approach which was agreed between us should be made by the United Kingdom Ambassador and the Australian and New Zealand Ministers was in fact made by relatively subordinate officials of...’
21. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 2 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 25 CANBERRA, 2 February 1945 TOP SECRET Your D. No. 44 [1], paragraph 8, membership of World Organisation. 1. The basis of selection of founder members of the World Organisation may provide a solution for some of the difficulties now arising in regard to the launching of that body....’
22. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 1 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D193 LONDON, 1 February 1945, 7.30 p.m. TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE At the Moscow Conference last October the Foreign Secretary obtained from Marshal Stalin a personal assurance that every care and attention would be given to ex Prisoners of War from the British Commonwealth as soon as they were freed...’
23. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 3 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 121 WASHINGTON, 3 February 1945, 8.35 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 150. [1] I sent you my personal reactions in personal and confidential letter of 22nd January [2] which should reach you at the coming week end. It is difficult to get definite reactions here owing to the fact that...’
24. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 5 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 29 CANBERRA, 5 February 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram D. 193. [1] The Australian Government feels that considerations which lead you to contemplate arrangements with the Soviet Government including a provision as in paragraph 4 of your telegram do not apply in case of Australian personnel recovered...’
25. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 6 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D227 LONDON, 6 February 1945, 10.55 p.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Received 7 February 1945 My telegram D. No. 193 of 1st February. [1] We have considered further in the light of the views expressed by the Dominion Governments, the question of the proposed agreement with the Soviet Government...’
26. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 7 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 32 CANBERRA, 7 February 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram D.227 6th February. [1] While Australian Government recognises the practical importance of agreement with the Soviet Government regulating the general treatment of ex-prisoners of war pending their repatriation our view is that any performance of labour duties by...’
27. D'ALTON TO EVATT: 8 February 1945; ‘Dispatch 17 WELLINGTON, 8 February 1945 SECRET I have the honour to refer to your telegram Number 21 of 16th January [1] concerning the Pacific War Council and to inform you that the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, has asked me to convey to you the following reply: ‘Thank you for...’
28. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 9 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 35 CANBERRA, 9 February 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE 1. War Cabinet today reviewed the whole question and affirmed our previous decision that Australian servicemen liberated from captivity as a result of the Soviet advances should not be made available for labour service even on a voluntary basis. 2....’
29. EVATT TO MALONEY: 9 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 2 CANBERRA, 9 February 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegrams 24, 22 and 21. [1] Prisoners of war liberated by Red Army. It is desired that you handle this matter with Soviet authorities on highest necessary level with view to ensuring that all Australians liberated by Soviet forces will be...’
30. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 9 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D250 LONDON, 9 February 1945, 2.20 P.M. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegrams D.235 and 236 of 7th February. [1] 1. As indicated in my telegram 6th February D.227 [2] we informed the United Kingdom delegation at the Three Power Meeting of the views of the Dominion Governments as...’
31. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 10 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 37 CANBERRA, 10 February 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Liberated Australian Servicemen. Have received your telegram D.250 [1] containing the text of the Prime Minister’s message. My telegram 9th February [2] which you will have received represents the considered decision of the War Cabinet. As we have not been brought into...’
32. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 10 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D263 LONDON, 10 February 1945, 2.15 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL My telegram 9th February D No. 258. [1] World Organisation. A meeting of Foreign Secretaries was held on 9th February to consider the following points: (A) To consider the question of membership of the World Organisation by two or...’
33. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 10 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 36 LONDON, 10 February 1945, 6.30 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 24. [1] The approach, though perforce made in the absence of Stettinius, was nevertheless a formal diplomatic approach in the name of the three Governments and was made to the Assistant Secretary of State (Clayton) who has been...’
34. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 29 Moscow, 12 February 1945, 7.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 28. [1] I presented a note to Dekanazov last night setting out the wishes of the Australian Government in regard to prisoners of war in territory occupied by the Red Army and discussed the matter with him. Dekanazov...’
35. EVATT TO EGGLESTON: 13 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 224 CANBERRA, 13 February 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET On February 2nd Full Cabinet decided to appoint a Minister in Latin America and nominated Macgregor for this position. [1] The decision is designed to secure within shortest possible time advantages of Australian representation in this area of such a sort that...’
36. CURTIN TO CHURCHILL: 14 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 40 CANBERRA, 14 February 1945 TOP SECRET & PERSONAL IMMEDIATE War Cabinet has recently completed one of its periodical reviews of the Australian war effort. As the commitments which we have accepted still exceed our manpower resources, we have not yet been able to attain that degree of balance...’
37. CURTIN TO MACARTHUR: 15 February 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 15 February 1945 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL THE AUSTRALIAN WAR EFFORT THE RELATION OF THE STRENGTH OF THE FORCES TO THE MANPOWER POSITION GENERALLY 1. ATTEMPTS TO RECTIFY THE DISEQUILIBRIUM WHICH STILL EXISTS Since my discussions with you in June 1943 [1] regarding the re- balancing of the...’
38. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 17 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 172 WASHINGTON, 17 February 1945, 4.13 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Further to my 149. [1] Employment Conference. Yesterday with Halifax and Berendsen I presented our case to Grew. I concentrated on the importance of the subject and on our request that it should be fully considered at the highest...’
39. BLAMEY TO SHEDDEN: 19 February 1945; ‘Letter HEADQUARTERS, ALLIED LAND FORCES SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC AREA [BRISBANE] , 19 February 1945 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. With reference to the command of the Australian Military Forces in the field, I think it is desirable that I should put the position, as I see it, for the information of...’
40. WATT TO HOOD: 20 February 1945; ‘Letter (extract) WASHINGTON, 20 February 1945 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL [matter omitted] Employment Conference We are sorry that Australia should think that we mishandled the approach to the United States on the question of a conference on Full Employment, but we thought we were right in acting as we did. We...’
41. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 21 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D320 LONDON, 21 February 1945, 5.45 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Poland. We are anxious that no time should be lost in giving effect to the decisions reached at the Crimea Conference for the creation of a Polish Provisional Government of National Unity organised on a broad democratic basis,...’
42. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY CURTIN: 23 February 1945; ‘Agendum 804 CANBERRA, 23 February 1945 SECRET INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION CONFERENCE, CHICAGO 1944 The Minister for Air and Civil Aviation, who was Chairman of the Australian Delegation to the International Civil Aviation Conference held at Chicago, 1st November - 7th December, 1944, [1] has presented to me his Report, a...’
43. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY CURTIN: 23 February 1945; ‘Agendum 805 CANBERRA, 23 February 1945 SECRET BRITISH COMMONWEALTH TALKS ON CIVIL AVIATION Immediately before and after the International Civil Aviation Conference held at Chicago during November and December, 1944, conversations on Civil Aviation affecting Commonwealth countries were held at Montreal and also at London. [1] The Minister for Air...’
44. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 22 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D333 LONDON, 22 February 1945, 11 p.m. TOP SECRET IMPORTANT My telegram 263 of 10th February. [1] World Organisation. Now that it has been decided to issue invitations to all United Nations to participate in conference at San Francisco on World Organisation on 25th April we feel that the...’
45. MCDOUGALL TO BURTON: 24 February 1945; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 24 February 1945 Many thanks for your letter of February 3rd which reached me a couple of days ago. In the second paragraph you commented on the situation which has arisen as a result of Clayton’s unsympathetic reception of the first move on an unemployment conference. [1] I...’
46. CHURCHILL TO EVATT: 25 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D54 LONDON, 25 February 1945, 6.03 p.m. IMPORTANT PERSONAL SECRET I was very pleased to read of your speech about the Crimea Conference and in particular the decisions about Poland. [1] You may be sure that we have not approached this subject without great heart-searching and that we sincerely...’
47. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 27 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 47 CANBERRA, 27 February 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your D.333. [1] Australia agrees proposed meeting at Ministerial level to discuss outstanding matter preliminary to conference on world organisation. We will be represented by the Ministers heading the delegation to San Francisco. It is not practicable to be in...’
48. EVATT TO CHURCHILL: 27 February 1945; ‘Cablegram 50 CANBERRA, 27 February 1945 For Oldham from Evatt. Please hand the following to Mr. Churchill for himself alone from me. (1) Please accept my thanks for your message about Poland. [1] The matter looked likely to cause some mischief but I think the local criticism has been faithfully...’
49. CURTIN TO MACARTHUR: 27 February 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 27 February 1945 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL FUTURE OPERATIONAL USE AND COMMAND OF THE AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES FUTURE OPERATIONAL COMMAND OF THE R.A.A.F. With reference to my letter of 15th February [1] relative to the Australian War Effort and the relation of your operational plans to the strength...’
50. CRANBORNE TO CURTIN: 26 February 1945; ‘Cablegram D348 LONDON, 26 February 1945, 2.25 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram of 21st February D No. 320. [1] Following for the Prime Minister. General Anders [2] has informed us that he is much concerned as to the future position of his troops in the light of decisions of the...’
51. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 26 February 1945; ‘Message unnumbered LONDON, 26 February 1945 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Received 18 February 1945 [1] I send you herewith for your personal information a summary of the major operational decisions reached in the Anglo-American and tripartite military discussions at Malta and Yalta. A. Anglo American Discussions 2. The U-Boat war....’
52. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 March 1945; ‘Cablegram 44 Moscow, 1 March 1945, 7.31 p.m. IMMEDIATE My telegram No. 40. [1] Prisoners of War. 1. I have now received from People’s Commissariat of Foreign Affairs a note to the following effect in reply to my notes of 10th February and 21st February. [2] 2. Information regarding all...’
53. MACARTHUR TO CURTIN: 5 March 1945; ‘Letter GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [MANILA], 5 March 1945 TOP SECRET Careful consideration has been given to your letter of 15th February 1945 [1] with regard to the Australian War Effort and relation of the strength of the forces to the manpower conditions. Original plans for the Philippine Campaign...’
54. JOHNSON TO EVATT LETTER: 6 March 1945; ‘CANBERRA, 6 March 1945 The Government of the United States of America, on behalf of itself and of the Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Republic of China, invites the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia to...’
55. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 March 1945; ‘Cablegram 72 LONDON, 13 March 1945, 8.36 p.m. TOP SECRET My despatch 2 of 4th January, participation of Portugal in the war against Japan. [1] 1. As the Commonwealth Government will be aware, in the course of staff conversations at Lisbon the Portuguese requested that their military forces for operations...’
56. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY CURTIN: 15 March 1945; ‘Agendum 114/1945 CANBERRA, 15 March 1945 SECRET MILITARY MISSION TO THE CONTROL COUNCIL FOR GERMANY 1. In preparation for post-armistice control in Germany, the Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Soviet Union have approved of a draft agreement on Control Machinery in Germany submitted by the European...’
57. WAR CABINET SUBMISSION BY CURTIN: 16 March 1945; ‘Agendum 98/1945 CANBERRA, 16 March 1945 SECRET CIVIL ADMINISTRATION AND JURISDICTION IN NETHERLANDS INDIES Agreement between Commander-in-Chief, Southwest Pacific Area and Lieutenant-Governor-General of Netherlands Indies Attached hereto is a copy of an agreement [1] between the Commander-in-Chief, Southwest Pacific Area and the Lieutenant- Governor-General of the Netherlands Indies, which sets...’
58. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 15 March 1945; ‘Cablegram D445 LONDON, 15 March 1945, 6.35 p.m. TOP SECRET London Meeting The scope of the forthcoming discussions is, we think, generally agreed. The main discussions would seem to fall naturally under the headings:- (1) Dumbarton Oaks proposals, with special reference to comments by British Commonwealth Governments. (2) Territorial Trustee-ship...’
59. EGGLESTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 March 1945; ‘Cablegram 254 WASHINGTON, 16 March 1945, 12.57 a.m. SECRET Further to my telegram 172. [1] Employment Conference. We have received a letter signed by Stettinius dated 13th March which, omitting the formal parts is in the following terms. Begins:- The Government of the United States of America fully recognises the...’
60. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 19 March 1945; ‘Cablegram 69 CANBERRA, 19 March 1945 SECRET D.O. Telegram D.348 of 26th February. [1] We see no objection to proposal in paragraph 2 provided that Polish forces are carefully disposed to avoid risk of difficulties with Soviet Union. 2. The adoption of proposal in paragraph 3 would apparently confer on...’
61. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MALONEY: 22 March 1945; ‘Cablegram 44 CANBERRA, 22 March 1945 SECRET Your telegrams 66 and 68. [1] Position as disclosed by you is disturbing. Pending the outcome of direct approach to Stalin on United States behalf, however, it seems best that you should continue to use all means open to yourself to impress on...’
62. EVATT TO HOOD: 21 March 1945; ‘Cablegram E4 WASHINGTON, 21 March 1945, 6.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Please arrange with Dalziel [1] immediate delivery of copy of Foreign Policy book to each member of Cabinet with a slip stating ‘with my compliments’. Please give three copies to the Prime Minister and Beasley and see my wire...’
63. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 March 1945; ‘Cablegram 77 MOSCOW, 25 March 1945, 4.47 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram No. 76 [1]-prisoners of war. 1. Molotov was unable to see me; he asked that I see Vyshinski. [2] Last night I presented a note addressed to Molotov through Vyshinski which asked that the question of the...’
64. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH FORDE: 2 April 1945; ‘LONDON, 2 April 1945 After the Press Conference which Forde and Evatt had this morning Forde had about an hour’s talk with me. [1] He was extremely frank and said that he was the Leader of the Delegation. He said that the Prime Minister had quite definitely decided on this...’
65. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 3 April 1945; ‘Cablegram D540 LONDON, 3 April 1945, 12.35 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. You have no doubt seen the announcement issued from the White House on 29th March to the effect that the United Kingdom and Soviet representatives at the Crimea Conference agreed that the United States and its possessions...’
66. MINUTES OF BRITISH COMMONWEALTH MEETING: 4 April 1945; ‘BCM(45) 2nd Meeting (extracts) LONDON, 4 April 1945, 3.30 p.m. TOP SECRET LORD CRANBORNE invited Colonel Stanley to open the discussion with a statement of the United Kingdom Government’s views regarding Territorial Trusteeship. COLONEL STANLEY said that he must first apologise for having asked that what Mr. Fraser rightly described...’
67. BLAMEY TO CURTIN: 5 April 1945; ‘Letter HEADQUARTERS, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA [BRISBANE], 5 April 1945 ALLIED LAND FORCES, TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Your letter of 23rd March 1945 [1] reached me on 31st March prior to my return to Melbourne. I had therefore no earlier opportunity of carrying out your request for...’
68. MINUTES OF BRITISH COMMONWEALTH MEETING: 6 April 1945; ‘BCM(45) 5th Meeting (extract) LONDON, 6 April 1945, 3.30 p.m. TOP SECRET Examination of Dumbarton Oaks Proposals [matter omitted] MR. FORDE said:- I intend to deal, as Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, with certain broad principles of the Dumbarton Oaks proposals. At the conclusion of my remarks I should like...’
69. EVATT TO CURTIN: 9 April 1945; ‘Cablegram E1 LONDON, 9 April 1945, 3.32 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET 1. Talks of the United Kingdom and Dominion representatives have continued. What has been done is gradually to elucidate issues arising from suggestions made by the various Governments from time to time or by their delegates in London. To...’
70. EGGLESTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 April 1945; ‘Cablegram 344 WASHINGTON, 11 April 1945 SECRET My 246. [1] The Brazilian Embassy at Washington confirmed in writing their readiness to establish diplomatic relations with Australia. The Brazilian Government has not yet given agreement for Macgregor but the Ambassador [2] insists that this is a routine matter and the delay...’
71. EVATT TO CURTIN AND BEASLEY: 13 April 1945; ‘Cablegram E3 LONDON, 13 April 1945,12.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET 1. The work of the Conference is now finishing. No resolutions have been taken but there is general agreement with Australia’s general attitude as summarised in my recent cablegram. [1] Moreover, the Conference is accepting in principle our proposed strengthening...’
72. CURTIN TO EVATT: 16 April 1945; ‘Cablegram 29 CANBERRA, 16 April 1945 PERSONAL Washington telegram to you EL 6 [1] of 11th April on South American exchanges. I should be glad of your views on the situation which has arisen with Chile. It was of course never our intention that any of the posts under Macgregor...’
73. FORDE AND EVATT TO CURTIN: 17 April 1945; ‘Cablegram F3 LONDON, 17 April 1945, 7.40 p.m. TOP SECRET 1. The British Commonwealth meeting has ended after a useful exchange of views. Most of the questions listed in our E2 [1] have been left open and various Delegations will be free at San Francisco to express their own views...’
74. BRUCE TO MCDOUGALL: 20 April 1945; ‘Letter (extracts) LONDON, 20 April 1945 [matter omitted] For the past fortnight we have had the two Ministers here with their attendant staffs. The visit on the whole went off quite well although, as might have been anticipated, there were some unfortunate episodes. The Empire discussions on San Francisco were,...’
75. EGGLESTON TO EVATT3: 20 April 1945; ‘Dispatch 2/45 WASHINGTON, 20 April 1945 The death of President Roosevelt was one of those events which illustrate the extraordinary place which personality may play in human affairs. [1] The world is in the midst of an acute crisis. Victory is in the grasp of the United Nations but after...’
76. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 24 April 1945; ‘Cablegram 98 CANBERRA, 24 April 1945 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 597 of 12th April. [1] Possible Peace Treaty with Italy. 1. As you know Australian Government’s preference has been to leave final decisions, especially on territorial questions, until ultimate peace settlement. 2. However, since this view was declared in...’
77. FORDE TO CURTIN: 27 April 1945; ‘Cablegram SFC2 SAN FRANCISCO, 27 April 1945, 12.23 a.m. The Conference opened yesterday and each of the Chairmen of the 46 Delegations met today as a Steering Committee which is the most important Committee of the Conference. As Chairman of the Australian Delegation, I was made a member with a...’
78. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 April 1945; ‘Cablegram 131 LONDON, 28 April 1945, 4.40 p.m. TOP SECRET Your telegram 98 of 24th April. [1] Possible Peace Treaty with Italy. We are grateful for your views and agree that as soon as a basis for joint action has been established with the United States Government it will be...’
79. FORDE AND EVATT TO CURTIN: 28 April 1945; ‘Cablegram E32 SAN FRANCISCO, 28 April 1945, 10.49 a.m. SECRET The main business of the Conference to date has been in the Steering Committee. Australia secured election to the Executive Committee of fourteen whose function will be to serve the Steering Committee by preparing recommendations on major questions of policy...’
80. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, SAN FRANCISCO CONFERENCE, TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 29 April 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SAN FRANCISCO, 29 April 1945, 7.47 p.m. The following is summary of statement at the Plenary Session [1]:- Begins: 1. Acceptance by the nations of the invitation to this conference coupled with the Moscow Declaration and United Nations declarations means that nations are substantially agreed on basic objectives....’
81. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 1 May 1945; ‘Draft Cablegram [1] SAN FRANCISCO, [1 May 1945] [Received 2 May 1945] Evatt to Mulrooney for Beasley alone. No copies are to be made & I trust you also to assist in this vital matter. 1. News of Curtin’s illness is very distressing. Please inform him of the great concern...’
82. CRANBORNE TO CHIFLEY: 7 May 1945; ‘Cablegram D769 LONDON, 7 May 1945, 10.19 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram D.768. [1] The surrender of all German Forces in Europe to Allied Expeditionary Force and the Soviet High Command was signed at 0141 hours this morning, Monday 7th May by representatives of the German...’
83. CHIFLEY TO TRUMAN: 8 May 1945; ‘Cablegram 670 CANBERRA, 8 May 1945 On behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Australia, I take this opportunity to express to you and through you to the people of the United States our deep satisfaction and thankfulness at the successful conclusion of the war in Europe....’
84. HOOD TO SHEDDEN: 8 May 1945; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 8 May 1945 APPLICATION TO AUSTRALIAN MANDATED TERRITORIES OF PRINCIPLES OF TRUSTEESHIP With reference to your memorandum of 4th May [1] concerning press reports and statements on the above subject by the Right Honourable F. M. Forde and the Right Honourable H. V. Evatt at the United Nations...’
85. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN: 8 May 1945; ‘Cablegram 154 LONDON, 8 May 1945, 3.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE Today, we celebrate the final defeat of the first of our two chief enemies. On this occasion on behalf of the Government and people of the United Kingdom, I convey to our brothers in Australia our cordial congratulations on their part...’
86. FORDE AND EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 10 May 1945; ‘Cablegram 11 SAN FRANCISCO, 10 May 1945,10.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Some account of Menzies statement [1] Australian activities in San Francisco has reached the Press here. We have not received a full statement but you can state that the proposals advanced by Australia at the Conference are in strict accordance...’
87. EVATT TO MULROONEY [1]: 11 May 1945; ‘Cablegram SFC14 SAN FRANCISCO, 11 May 1945,1.32 p.m. SECRET Referring to other telegrams, please make it clear to Beasley and Hood that Makin and Chifley should on an appropriate occasion deal faithfully [2] with Menzies for his mischievous interference with our work here. [3] Whatever his intention is, it amounts...’
88. CHIFLEY TO MACARTHUR: 18 May 1945; ‘Cablegram CAB210 CANBERRA, 18 May 1945 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL I would refer to the following passages in the Prime Minister’s letter [1] 15th February:- ‘In its recent review, War Cabinet reached the conclusion that, as you had made your operational plans on the assigned strength of the Australian Forces,...’
89. MACARTHUR TO CHIFLEY: 20 May 1945; ‘Cablegram BXC87 [GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA, MANILA], 20 May 1945 TOP SECRET Reference your CAB.210. [1] The Borneo Campaign in all its phases has been ordered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff who are charged by the Combined Chiefs of Staff with the responsibility for strategy in the Pacific....’
90. CHIFLEY TO MACARTHUR: 20 May 1945; ‘Cablegram CAB213 CANBERRA, 20 May 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE 1. The Government has no hesitation in agreeing to the use of the 7th Australian Division as planned by you. 2. As previously advised, it is not intended to take any steps to reduce the present approved operational strength of...’
91. FORDE AND EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 18 May 1945; ‘Cablegram E34 SAN FRANCISCO, 18 May 1945, 11.08 p.m. SECRET 1. During the past fortnight Committees of Conference met daily, progress considerably delayed by frequent interruption of debate by discussions on procedure but important decisions will shortly be taken. 2. After the conference opened the Sponsoring Powers prepared a list...’
92. CHIFLEY TO CHURCHILL: 23 May 1945; ‘Cablegram 133 CANBERRA, 23 May 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. At a recent conference convened at the request of Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet, and at which other Ministers directly concerned with the fulfilment of Royal Navy requirements were present, a number of subjects relating to...’
93. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO POSTS: 24 May 1945; ‘Cablegrams variously numbered CANBERRA, 24 May 1945 SECRET Following is brief survey of how Australian policy has developed at San Francisco Conference. Australia submitted a number of detailed amendments to Dumbarton Oaks text. In general terms these are designed to:- (1) prevent possibility of a single great Power vetoing amendments...’
94. HOOD TO SINCLAIR: 24 May 1945; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 24 May 1945 British Borneo Civil Affairs Unit [matter omitted] 2. As it is understood that the matter is to be considered by War Cabinet on Monday, 28th May, we suggest that the following paragraphs should be included in the War Cabinet Agendum:- (a) The attention of members...’
95. EVATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 May 1945; ‘Cablegram E36 (extracts) SAN FRANCISCO, 28 May 1945, 3.52 p.m. SECRET SFC27 Trusteeship (1) 1. Committee’s discussions have been based on ‘Working Paper’ prepared by Stassen. [1] This paper was designed to consolidate the proposals made by the United States, United Kingdom, Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, China, France, Australia....’
96. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 May 1945; ‘Cablegram D944 LONDON, 30 May 1945, 10.08 p.m. TOP SECRET We have been considering future policy in Balkan Countries now occupied by the Red Army, namely Roumania, Bulgaria and Hungary. Our objects in these countries must be- (1) To secure establishment of independent Governments; (2) To protect our direct interests,...’
97. CHIFLEY TO FORDE AND EVATT: 1 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 85 CANBERRA, 1 June 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE PART I-EARLIER AGREEMENT TO REDUCTION OF ARMY STRENGTH When the Prime Minister was abroad last year, he discussed the Australian War Effort with Mr. Churchill and the United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff and President Roosevelt and the Combined Chiefs of...’
98. EVATT TO HOOD: 31 May 1945; ‘Cablegram SFC30 SAN FRANCISCO, 31 May 1945, 4.14 p.m. SECRET You and the Ministers will understand that the great struggle we are waging here is in every case to obtain modification of the Dumbarton Oaks draft to make it more democratic and in accordance with our policy, publicly announced and...’
99. FORDE AND EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 3 June 1945; ‘Cablegram E38 [SAN FRANCISCO], 3 June 1945, 1.14 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Delegation No. SFC33. Voting procedure in the Security Council. General discussion of the right of veto of permanent members of the Security Council (Chapter VI Section C) [1] began in Committee III/1 on 17th May. New Zealand pointed out...’
100. FORDE AND EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 3 June 1945; ‘Cablegram E39 SAN FRANCISCO, 3 June 1945, 12.56 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET SFC34 REGIONAL ARRANGEMENTS: On 22nd May Senator Vandenberg [1] presented to the Sub-Committee appointed by Commission III Committee 4 to analyse classify and, if possible, amalgamate amendments to chapter VIII Section C [2] a formula agreed to by the...’
101. FORDE AND EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 4 June 1945; ‘Cablegram E41 SAN FRANCISCO, 4 June 1945, 10.00 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL SFC37. Further our SFC33 [1] regarding voting procedure in Security Council. Halifax called a British Commonwealth meeting on Sunday evening 3rd June at which in addition to ourselves there were present Cranborne, Smuts, Fraser and the...’
102. FORDE AND EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 5 June 1945; ‘Cablegram SFC38 SAN FRANCISCO, 5 June 1945, 2.55 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL 1. Your telegram 85. [1] We agree fully with the view that it is important that Australia should continue to play a notable and worthy part until final victory is achieved and that Australia’s war record entitles...’
103. CHIFLEY TO FORDE AND EVATT: 8 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 97 CANBERRA, 8 June 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your SFC38. [1] The following comments are made on your reply:- Paragraph 1: Noted. Paragraph 2: Following the review of the manpower position in February, the Prime Minister announced that a further reduction in the strength of the Forces was...’
104. EVATT TO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 June 1945; ‘Cablegram E42 SAN FRANCISCO, 6 June 1945, 9.32 p.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Delegation SFC40. Our efforts to enlarge the protection given under the charter to matters of domestic jurisdiction may reach the stage of discussion in Committee this week. The following are the essential features. 2. Under the Dumbarton...’
105. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 7 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 71A LONDON, 7 June 1945, 4 p.m. SECRET Your 114 of 31st May. [1] Portugal. I went this afternoon to see the Portuguese Ambassador. Although the Ambassador was, as usual, very cordial personally, it proved to be a difficult interview. I told the Ambassador that after giving most careful...’
106. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 June 1945; ‘Cablegram D1005 LONDON, 7 June 1945, 5.40 p.m. SECRET My telegram D No. 1716 22nd November, 1944. [1] ITALY. The Italian Ambassador Washington [2] has been sounding United States Official opinion and has apparently put forward a definite request from the Italian Government to be allowed to declare war on...’
107. CHIFLEY TO FORDE AND EVATT: 11 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 102 CANBERRA, 11 June 1945 SECRET Reference your SFC33 and 37. [1] Voting Procedure in Security Council. I appreciate your account of the veto negotations and estimate of the best course of action in the circumstances. A complete deadlock on this issue would not only cancel out the very...’
108. BRUCE TO CURTIN: 11 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 72A LONDON, 11 June 1945, 6.15 p.m. TOP SECRET Portuguese participation in operations for the recapture of Timor. You will recall Dominions Office telegram 72 of 13th March [1] stating that the United Kingdom Government wanted to suggest to the Combined Chiefs of Staff that the Portuguese Government should...’
109. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 11 June 1945; ‘Cablegram E47 [SAN FRANCISCO], 11 June 1945, 11.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Delegation telegram SFC51. Your 102. [1] 1. Mr. Forde is in Washington but the matter of your telegram had already been fully discussed between us and I think you will agree that our tactics are sound. There is...’
110. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 13 June 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SAN FRANCISCO, 13 June 1945, 1.15 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE As I anticipated our amendment was defeated a few minutes ago voting ten for twenty against fifteen abstentions five absent. [1] Vote is remarkable evidence of general approval by Conference of our point of view regarding veto on processes...’
111. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 June 1945; ‘Cablegram D1050 LONDON, 13 June 1945, 9.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram D. No. 364. [1] Reparations. Following on the defeat of Germany the need for an agreed policy on reparations has become urgent and we have been under increasing pressure from the Soviet Government to appoint representatives to...’
112. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 16 June 1945; ‘Cablegrams 158, 159 CANBERRA, 16 June 1945 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your cablegram 130 of 28th April, participation of Portugal in operations for recapture of Portuguese Timor. [1] 1. The Government’s Service advisers have made the following observations:- (a) The war effort is still in a state of disequilibrium and this...’
113. EVATT TO MULROONEY: 15 June 1945; ‘Cablegram SFC54 [SAN FRANCISCO], 15 June 1945, 2.40 a.m. Many thanks for your telegram. [1] Please convey to the Prime Minister from [2] and myself deepest concern and give him our most affectionate greetings. Please tell him too that we both think that the lodge may be extremely uneven in...’
114. EVATT TO MAKIN: 16 June 1945; ‘Cablegram E54 SAN FRANCISCO, 16 June 1945, 10.51 p.m. SECRET Reference Dominions Office telegram No. 1050. [1] Reparations. I strongly recommend that no action be taken to waive any rights whatever to reparations as the matter may become one of crucial importance economically to Australia. At the same time I...’
115. CHURCHILL TO CHIFLEY: 16 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 197 LONDON, 16 June 1945, 11 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Received 17 June 1945 For some time past it has been clear that on most of the major problems affecting the future of Europe, we could not expect to make satisfactory progress without a further meeting between the...’
116. EVATT TO MAKIN: 18 June 1945; ‘Cablegram SFC61 SAN FRANCISCO, 18 June 1945, 12.09 a.m. PERSONAL The Chilean Government is sending to Australia as Charge d’Affaires a Titre, Manuel Eduardo Hubner who will also be Consul General. He proposes to leave here by A.T.C. within the next few days and proper preparations should be made for...’
117. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 19 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 260 CANBERRA, 19 June 1945 SECRET Your telegram D.1005. [1] Australian Government is opposed to this suggestion. Italy can make no contribution to the war against Japan and has no special interests which entitle the Italian Government to a role in the international organisation of this area. Italians constitute...’
118. DEFENCE COMMITTEE MINUTE 234/1945: 19 June 1945; ‘Extracts CANBERRA, 19 June 1945 TOP SECRET NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF POST WAR DEFENCE FORCES [1] TERMS OF REFERENCE: By Minute No. 152/1945 [2] the Defence Committee decided it would be desirable to give preliminary Joint Service consideration to the question of the balanced post war defence forces that should...’
119. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 21 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 161 CANBERRA, 21 June 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference your telegram D.1050 [1], 13th June, reparations. 1. We appreciate the considerations referred to in paragraphs 3, 4 and 6 of your D.1050. Nevertheless, we wish clearly to reserve the right to present reparation claims appropriate to the losses inflicted upon...’
120. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 22 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 165 CANBERRA, 22 June 1945 SECRET Your D. No. 944 of 30th May. [1] We are grateful for this early indication of your views on future policy in Roumania, Hungary and Bulgaria. It seems to us, however, that the means suggested may turn out to be quite disproportionate to...’
121. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 197 MOSCOW, 22 June 1945, 5.50 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 97. [1] 1. Monckton [2] and his colleagues had Dominion representatives in Moscow at an informal gathering last evening when he gave us copies of telegrams D.364 [3], 1050 [4], 1051 and 1052 [5] and arranged that we should...’
122. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 198 MOSCOW, 22 June 1945, 5.50 p.m. TOP SECRET Poland. 1. Settlement arrived at between Polish representatives in Moscow last night. Communique will be issued by the Moscow Commission late to-night announcing the disbandment of the Commission as a settlement has been arrived at on the Polish question. The...’
123. EVATT TO MAKIN: 23 June 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SAN FRANCISCO, 23 June 1945, 10.08 p.m. Following is text of Statement which I released to the Press today and which summarises what we have done at San Francisco. Begins: - Australia originally proposed 38 amendments of substance. Of these 38 26 have either been adopted without material...’
124. WAR CABINET MINUTE 4293: 28 June 1945; ‘CANBERRA, 28 June 1945 TOP SECRET AGENDUM NO. 245/1945-BASING OF NETHERLANDS FORCES ON AUSTRALIA The following decision [1] was taken on the recommendation of the Advisory War Council:- (1) In Minute No. 3807 of 21st September, 1944 [2], War Cabinet approved that the attitude of the Commonwealth Government to the...’
125. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 June 1945; ‘Cablegram 217 LONDON, 30 June 1945, 1.50 p.m. SECRET Your telegrams Australia No. 160 of 19th June [1], New Zealand No. 152 of 20th June. [2] ITALIAN DECLARATION OF WAR ON JAPAN We fully appreciate your misgivings and the points raised by the Commonwealth and New Zealand Governments were much...’
126. CHURCHILL TO CURTIN [1]: 4 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 219 LONDON, 4 July 1945, 11.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL As you are aware plans for British participation in the Japanese war have, until now, been restricted to the British Pacific Fleet, the V.L.R. Bomber Force [2], to operations in S.E.A.C. and to Australian operations under United...’
127. CHURCHILL TO FORDE [1]: 5 July 1945; ‘Cablegram D1170 LONDON, 5 July 1945, 7 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL At the Crimea Conference Stalin informed Roosevelt and myself in the most rigid secrecy of the willingness of the Soviet Government to enter the war against Japan two or three months after the surrender of Germany on...’
128. EVATT TO BRUCE: 5 July 1945; ‘Cablegram EL18 SAN FRANCISCO, 5 July 1945, 10.16 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET No. SFL92. [1] The full report of the proceedings at San Francisco is being prepared and will be despatched for your information. [2] My object in cabling you most confidentially is mainly to give you some pieces of...’
129. BRUCE TO FORDE: 6 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 110, LONDON, 6 July 1945, 6.35 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL IMMEDIATE In connection with Mr. Churchill’s cable No. 219 [1] 4th July, that proposal for a British Commonwealth Land Force to take part in the operations against the main Japanese Islands has reached only an exploratory stage as...’
130. EGGLESTON TO BRUCE: 9 July 1945; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 9 July 1945 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL The British Delegation will have gone back to England and as there was some friction between our delegation and theirs, I think it is probably wise for me to give you my version confidentially. A cable to you from Evatt [1] came...’
131. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 247 LONDON, 13 July 1945, 8.37 p.m. TOP SECRET Thank you for your telegram 165 of 22nd June [1] on the future policy towards Roumania, Bulgaria and Hungary. Our proposal for the conclusion of peace treaties was not put forward solely to remove current difficulties but because it seemed...’
132. CHIFLEY TO CHURCHILL: 17 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 189 CANBERRA, 17 July 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. Reference my Nos. 133 [1] and 174 [2] relative to the provision of requirements of the British Pacific Fleet. 2. Following consultations between Ministers and Admiral Fraser and his officers, War Cabinet has given further consideration to the new...’
133. BRUCE TO CHIFLEY: 17 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 83A LONDON, 17 July 1945, 1.45 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Berlin Conference. Apart from the question of participation in Far Eastern war dealt with in most secret Prime Minister to Prime Minister cable of 5th July [1], the most important question to be dealt with at the Berlin...’
134. CRANBORNE TO CHIFLEY: 17 July 1945; ‘Cablegram D1243 LONDON, 17 July 1945, 8.09 p.m. TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Sir George Sansom, Adviser on Far Eastern Affairs to His Majesty’s Ambassador in Washington, was recently shown at the State Department, for his own information, and not as an official communication, a draft document setting forth the United States...’
135. CRANBORNE TO CHIFLEY: 17 July 1945; ‘Cablegram D1244 LONDON, 17 July 1945, 9.26 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Following is Sir George Sansom’s summary. Begins. Its preamble states that American objectives are:- (1) Unconditional surrender or total defeat of Japan. (2) Execution of territorial provisions of Cairo declaration. (3) Prevention...’
136. CRANBORNE TO CHIFLEY: 17 July 1945; ‘Cablegram D1245 LONDON, 17 July 1945, 9.25 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL IMMEDIATE My preceding telegram, D.1243. [1] The following is the text of the Foreign Office telegram to Washington. Begins: The American objectives as described in the preamble of the State Department’s document are unexceptionable. The question is whether...’
137. BRUCE TO CHIFLEY: 18 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 84A LONDON, 18 July 1945, 6.10 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL IMMEDIATE With reference to Dominions Office telegrams 1243, 1244 and 1245. [1] This is another and glaring example of our being faced with a fait accompli. During Forde’s and Evatt’s visit they were given undertakings with regard to information...’
138. CHIFLEY TO CHURCHILL: 20 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 197 CANBERRA, 20 July 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET & PERSONAL Your No. 219. [1] Part I-Introduction 1. It is noted that your cablegram relates to two main proposals:- (i) The formation of a British Commonwealth Force to participate in the operations against the Japanese main islands. (ii) The...’
139. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 24 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 199 CANBERRA, 24 July 1945 SECRET Your Despatch D. No. 58 dated 11th April, 1945, forwarding copy of statement of Civil Affairs Policy of His Majesty’s Government in British Borneo. [1] Paragraph 5 of Statement advised that, in order to assist the Allied Commander-in-Chief (or the Military Commander designated...’
140. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINUTE: 24 July 1945; ‘Notes for Makin on War Cabinet Agendum 320/1945 CANBERRA, 24 July 1945 REPARATIONS FROM GERMANY 1. The purposes of the agendum are: (a) To explain the basis on which reparations claims against Germany are being considered by the Reparations Commission of the United Kingdom, United States and Soviet Union in...’
141. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 27 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 205 CANBERRA, 27 July 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram D.1161 of 4th July [1] and subsequent telegrams. Potsdam meeting. In respect of certain of the matters discussed at Potsdam, including proposed Council of Foreign Ministers, disposition of ex-enemy territories, disposal of German navy and Merchant marine, and...’
142. EVATT TO BRUCE: 27 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 163 CANBERRA, 27 July 1945 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Potsdam Conference. Your telegram 83A. [1] Our telegram No. 205 to Dominions Office of to-day’s date [2] contains a short analysis leading to the conclusion that there is grave danger of our being gradually excluded from all the really important...’
143. CHURCHILL TO CHIFLEY: 26 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 260 LONDON, 26 July 1945, 1.45 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE 1. Your telegram No. 197 [1] reached me here [2] just as the Combined Chiefs of Staff had agreed in principle that a Commonwealth Land Force and assault shipping and if possible a small tactical air...’
144. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 26 July 1945; ‘Cablegram D1305 LONDON, 26 July 1945, 9.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Following is a general summary of our views on the policy towards Siam. 1. (A) Siam by failing to resist Japan accelerated the overwhelming of Malaya and Burma; (B) Her alliance with Japan was a...’
145. CRANBORNE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 26 July 1945; ‘Cablegram D1306 LONDON, 26 July 1945, 10.27 p.m. SECRET My telegram of to-day D. No. 1304 [1] Siam. Following are draft conditions for acceptance by Siam. Begins- His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have already made it clear that their attitude towards Siam will depend in the first place...’
146. EVATT TO BEVIN: 28 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 206 CANBERRA, 28 July 1945 PERSONAL I am delighted at your appointment [1] and hope it will be followed by complete re-examination by yourself of some of the Potsdam negotiations which take no account of the right of this country and the promises as to peace and armistice terms...’
147. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 29 July 1945; ‘Cablegram 267 LONDON, 29 July 1945, 8.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET In reply to telegram 189 to Dominions Office. [1] Begins:- I have read your 189 and previous telegrams. You will, I am sure, realise that I have not yet had time to make myself fully conversant with this...’
148. EVATT TO OLDHAM FOR LASKI: 1 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 214 CANBERRA, 1 August 1945 IMMEDIATE Personal and most urgent. For immediate personal delivery. We were very pleased at your friendly statement. [1] The situation from the Commonwealth’s angle requires a new approach so that your Government and ours can become real partners in relation to both European and...’
149. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO CRANBORNE: 1 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 209 [1] CANBERRA, 1 August 1945 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Our 205 of 27th July. [2] Council of Foreign Ministers. More recent information on the Potsdam meeting indicates that the Council of Foreign Ministers will be, in effect, a semi-permanent body whose conclusions or recommendations are intended broadly to settle...’
150. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 31 July 1945; ‘Cablegram D1330 LONDON, 31 July 1945, 2.50 p.m. TOP SECRET & PERSONAL 1. I send you herewith for your personal information a summary of the major operational decisions reached in Anglo-American military discussions at Berlin. General Policy 2. It was agreed that the invasion of Japan and operations directly connected...’
151. BRUCE TO EVATT: 1 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 123 LONDON, 1 August 1945 PERSONAL Your telegram No. 163 of the 27th July [1]-you can rely on me to press on Attlee and Bevin Australian right to be consulted and have our views considered before major decisions reached. I have considerable hopes that many of the difficulties we...’
152. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 1 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1342 LONDON, 1 August 1945, 7.46 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET & PERSONAL As the Berlin Conference draws to its close I am sending you this personal message from myself to supplement the final report which will be telegraphed to you as soon as it is settled. As you...’
153. NOTE BY BRUCE OF CONVERSATION WITH BEVIN: 3 August 1945; ‘LONDON, 3 August 1945 I went to see Bevin this morning to discuss with him Evatt’s recent cables with regard to non-consultation with the Dominions [1] and particularly Evatt’s idea that Australia should be included as a Member of the Foreign Secretaries Committee which was established at Potsdam. I told...’
154. EVATT TO FRASER: 4 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 137 CANBERRA, 4 August 1945 TOP SECRET PERSONAL Regarding Potsdam. It seems to me that the exclusion of the four British Dominions from the Council of Foreign Ministers and the inclusion of China is an action very detrimental to the Dominions, having regard to our contribution to the victory...’
155. EVATT TO KING AND SMUTS: 4 August 1945; ‘Cablegrams 320, 79 CANBERRA, 4 August 1945 SECRET PERSONAL For your private information, I am repeating cablegrams sent to the Dominions Office during the course of the Potsdam Conference. [1] I hope that as soon as possible you will favour me with your personal views and any suggestions you may...’
156. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 4 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 213 CANBERRA, 4 August 1945 TOP SECRET Your D.1330. [1] Thank you for the information furnished. In view of the questions of principle which we have expressed in regard to the control of Australian forces and territories, we are reading these decisions at this stage as subject to whatever...’
157. BRUCE TO EVATT: 4 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 87A LONDON, 4 August 1945, 8.10 p.m. TOP SECRET Received 5 August 1945 Your telegram 163 27th July. [1] Have had long talks with Bevin and Addison [2] with regard to the points raised in your telegrams 205 27th July and 209 1st August [3] to the Dominions Office....’
158. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 4 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 274 LONDON, 4 August 1945, 3.10 p.m. TOP SECRET Your telegrams Nos. 205 27th July and 209 1st August [1] have been fully and carefully considered here. We entirely recognise Australia’s right to be consulted as fully as practicable on all matters affecting the conclusion of peace treaties both...’
159. EVATT TO KING AND SMUTS: 6 August 1945; ‘Cablegrams 321, 80 CANBERRA, 6 August 1945 SECRET Since telegraphing you on Saturday [1] we have now received an answer from the Dominions Office contained in my immediately following telegram. [2] My own feeling is that it does not meet the position and that the interests of the Dominions in...’
160. EVATT TO LEHMAN: 6 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 7588 CANBERRA, 6 August 1945 TOP SECRET PERSONAL My general view of future developments in the Pacific in relation to U.N.R.R.A.’s activities are as follows: 1. It is preferable that location Far Eastern Committee regional office be not situated in any country receiving substantial aid from U.N.R.R.A. Policy and...’
161. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 7 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 217 CANBERRA, 7 August 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams D.1223, 1304 [1], 1305, 1306 [2] Siam. We fully agree it is undesirable that United States Government take unilateral action and favour the procedure proposed, viz., a political agreement to be followed by military and other special arrangements. In the...’
162. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 277 LONDON, 7 August 1945, 8.47 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Your telegram 213 of 4th August. [1] My immediately following telegram contains the text of the Three Power Proclamation to Japan as issued from Potsdam on 26th July. It is I agree, unfortunate that this should have been...’
163. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 278 LONDON, 7 August 1945, 10.30 p.m. TEXT OF THREE POWER PROCLAMATION TO JAPAN BEGINS- We, the President of the United States, the President of the National Government of the Republic of China and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, representing hundreds of millions of our countrymen, have conferred...’
164. EVATT TO OLDHAM FOR ADDISON: 9 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 222 CANBERRA, 9 August 1945 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Please deliver personally to Lord Addison, Dominions Secretary, London. 1. Welcoming the spirit of your recent message to the Dominions _on recent developments. 2. In our view it is essential that the attitude of the United Kingdom Government in relation to...’
165. EVATT TO FRASER: 9 August 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 9 August 1945 I.L.O. CONFERENCE AT PARIS The officers of my Department, and the Departments of Post-war Reconstruction, Health, Labour and National Service, have prepared for you and members of your Delegation [1] several memoranda on relevant subjects which you will find useful as background. I attach a...’
166. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 8 August 1945; ‘Circular Cablegram G102 LONDON, 8 August 1945, 10.26 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The United Kingdom Ambassador at Moscow [1] reports that at 7 p.m. today, M. Molotov summoned him and the United States Ambassador [2] in order to tell them at 5 o’clock he had sent for the Japanese Ambassador [3]...’
167. BRUCE TO CHIFLEY: 9 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 89A LONDON, 9 August 1945, 9.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET I have, for some time past, felt considerable concern as to the adequacy of Australia’s representation on the Executive Committee of the Preparatory Commission. This feeling has been intensified during the past few days as I have learned of...’
168. EVATT TO BRUCE: 10 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 178 CANBERRA, 10 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE Reference radio reports Japanese acceptance of surrender. We assume that no reply will be sent by the United Kingdom Government until full information is communicated to Australian Government and our reply received in London. Recent telegrams received indicate that our views will...’
169. SMUTS TO EVATT: 9 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 69 PRETORIA, 9 August 1945, 2.51 p.m. I have read your correspondence with the Dominions Office re consultation of Dominion Governments on peace negotiations and times. While I am sympathetic to your views, I also feel that the United Kingdom Government are in a difficult position vis a vis...’
170. VAN AERSSEN TO CHIFLEY: 10 August 1945; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 10 August 1945 Since I had a conversation with you on August 2nd in Canberra concerning the training of Dutch troops in Australia, the matter under discussion has, greatly to my displeasure, been aired by the press. I am not primarily interested in what is being published in...’
171. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 11 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 225 CANBERRA, 11 August 1945 TOP SECRET D1243, 1244, 1245 [1] and your D1395, [2] Future of Japan. We now have had opportunity to study the outline of the State Department’s view on policy towards Japan and also the comments of the Foreign Office. We regret that a premature...’
172. BRUCE TO CHIFLEY: 10 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 125 LONDON, 10 August 1945, 2.39 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Your 166 1st August [1], Lloyd has been accorded every facility for full and frank exchange of views with both the Joint Planning Staff and the British Chiefs of Staff. Discussions have also proceeded direct with Admiral...’
173. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 10 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1408 LONDON, 10 August 1945, 11.48 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The Cabinet this afternoon considered to-day’s Japanese broadcast which is the only intimation we have so far received of Japan’s desire to surrender. The Cabinet felt that further consideration must be given to the precise meaning of the Japanese...’
174. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 11 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 226 CANBERRA, 11 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram D.1409 [1] received. Having regard to recent cables which passed between us and the assurance given or implied, we assume that on this matter we will be fully consulted before any definitive action is agreed to. We would refer you...’
175. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 11 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 227 CANBERRA, 11 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Reference your No. 267. [1] 1. I appreciate your action in replying so promptly after your assumption of office, to my cablegram No. 189 [2] relative to the basing of the British Pacific Fleet on Australia, and fully realise you...’
176. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 11 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 229 CANBERRA, 11 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your D.1408. [1] You will have now received our telegram 225 [2] which states our general impression of the very difficult and important problem involved. The essentials are in our view that the Emperor should have no immunity from responsibility...’
177. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 11 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1415 LONDON, 11 August 1945, 2.47 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram D. No. 1412. [1] The following message from the United States Secretary of State was delivered tonight by the United States Ambassador. Begins: 1. This Government proposes that a reply as quoted in paragraph 3 be...’
178. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 12 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 230 CANBERRA, 12 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your D.1415. [1] Proposed United States reply is much to be preferred in respect of requirement on the Emperor to sign the actual surrender. Such signature will not weaken but greatly strengthen the act for the purpose of immediate obedience...’
179. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 11 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1429 LONDON, 11 August 1945, 10.34 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The following is text of note sent by the United States Government to the Swiss Government for the Japanese Government. Begins: I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 10th August and in reply to...’
180. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 11 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 288 LONDON, 11 August 1945, 11.35 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL IMMEDIATE We have been giving urgent consideration to the problem of re- occupation of Hong Kong in the event of the Japanese surrender. I feel that it is of great importance that the Japanese surrender in Hong Kong...’
181. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 12 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 289 LONDON, 12 August 1945, 12.12 a.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL I have seen telegrams Numbers 225, 226 and 229 [1] from your Government to the Dominions Office. We have done our utmost to keep you informed from hour-to-hour and to get your views. We are not responsible for...’
182. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 12 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 231 CANBERRA, 12 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 289. [1] In view of terms of message to the Japanese Government [2] and of the Potsdam declaration [3], we take it that culpability and trial of the Emperor for war crimes will remain a question for determination by...’
183. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 12 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1432 LONDON, 12 August 1945, 12.28 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET The Prime Minister this morning received a personal message from President Truman stating that in accordance with message dated August 11th addressed by the United States Government to the Swiss Government for transmission to the Japanese Government [1],...’
184. FRASER TO EVATT: 13 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 130 WELLINGTON, 13 August 1945, 11.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL I agree that the exclusion of the British Dominions from the Council of Foreign Ministers is a matter for protest and further representations for this practical recognition of the sacrifices made by the Dominions in the European...’
185. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 14 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 236 CANBERRA, 14 August 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your D.1435. [1] We are anxious that an Australian service representative be present at the acceptance of the Japanese surrender and we nominate General Sir Thomas Blamey, C-in-C Australian Military Forces and Commander Allied Land Forces in South West Pacific...’
186. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 13 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 290 LONDON, 13 August 1945, 11.25 p.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE As soon as the Japanese surrender has been accepted by the governments, the Allies will be faced with many tasks resulting from the Japanese capitulation. We trust that we may rely on your assistance in these and indeed...’
187. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 13 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 699 WASHINGTON, 13 August 1945, 8.03 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 1140 the immediately succeeding telegram referred to was, when it arrived, undecypherable. [1] Under the circumstances I obtained an inter-view with Mr. Byrnes at 3 o’clock this afternoon. At this interview I presented him with a memorandum...’
188. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 14 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1444 LONDON, 14 August 1945, 5 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE My telegram 13th August, D.1443, Japan-Draft Act of Surrender. [1] His Majesty’s United Kingdom Minister Washington reports that coinciding with the receipt on 13th August of telegram containing our C.O.S. amendments the State Department informed him...’
189. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 14 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1445 LONDON, 14 August 1945, 4.55 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE My immediately preceding telegram. [1] The following is text of the United States Draft Act of Surrender shown by the State Department to His Majesty’s United Kingdom Minister Washington on 13th August. Begins- 1. We, acting...’
190. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 14 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1446 LONDON, 14 August 1945, 6.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram 26th July D.1304 and connected telegrams [1]-SIAM. The Japanese surrender has overtaken our plans for Siam. The position of Siam herself is anomalous since she has not played the part in her own liberation which had been...’
191. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 August 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered WASHINGTON, 14 August 1945, 9.19 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Following is full text of statement by the President. Begins. I have received this afternoon a message from the Japanese Government in reply to the message forwarded to that Government by the Secretary of State on August 11th. I deem...’
192. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 16 August 1945; ‘Letter LONDON, 16 August 1945 PERSONAL I have the honour to report that, as your deputy, I attended the opening meeting of the Executive Committee of the Preparatory Commission of the United Nations, at Church House, Westminster, this morning. A great number of those present had attended the San Francisco...’
193. STIRLING TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 291 OTTAWA, 16 August 1945, 4.47 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Canadian Mutual Aid My 280. [1] (1) I have to-day received from the Secretary of State for External Affairs a note of which the following are the main terms:- (a) The transfer of supplies to all countries under Mutual Aid...’
194. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 17 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 240 CANBERRA, 17 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your cablegram 290 of 13th August. [1] 1. We are desirous of rendering our contribution to the execution of the surrender terms in the Pacific and will gladly play our proper part in the tasks resulting from the Japanese capitulation....’
195. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 16 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1470 LONDON, 16 August 1945, 9.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL My immediately preceding telegram. [1] JAPAN. The President’s directive to Supreme Commander for Allied Powers, begins: 1. In accordance with the agreement among the Governments of the United States, Chinese Republic, United Kingdom and Union of Soviet...’
196. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 16 August 1945; ‘Cablegram Precom 2 LONDON, 16 August 1945, 11.52 p.m. SECRET First meeting of the Executive Committee was held this morning, Noel-Baker (United Kingdom) as temporary chairman. Election of chairman was the main item of business. Koo (China) proposed that chairmanship should rotate among Big Five quoting San Francisco as precedent....’
197. BRUCE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 16 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 97A LONDON, 16 August 1945, 11.53 p.m. SECRET U.N.R.R.A. The Far East Committee had second meeting to-day. I put Australia’s case for establishment of a Regional organization and that its Headquarters should not be in China, down lines set out in your telegram 164 of 31st July [1], and...’
198. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 303 LONDON, 17 August 1945, 5.10 p.m. TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram of 12th August No. 231. [1] Statements in question do not in themselves prejudice question of the treatment to be given to Emperor Hirohito, which will be a matter for consideration by the Allied Powers. 2. We...’
199. EVATT TO BLAMEY: 18 August 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 18 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL We received report through Dominions Office [1] that State Department, Washington, objected to your representing Australia separately and independently at general surrender. However, this report has been contradicted by the State Department who have informed me that they...’
200. BEVIN TO EVATT: 17 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 217 LONDON, 17 August 1945, 9.08 p.m. MOST SECRET PERSONAL I have now gone into the circumstances in which the Potsdam Proclamation was issued. The particulars are given in the Dominions Office Telegram 277. [1] I can only repeat our regret that the document was issued without previous communication...’
201. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 305 LONDON, 17 August 1945, 10.48 p.m. SECRET IMMEDIATE CONTROL AND OCCUPATION OF JAPAN It will be seen from my telegram of today D.1481 [1] that we are proposing the inclusion of Australia in a Control Council for Japan of which other members would be the United Kingdom, the...’
202. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1481 LONDON, 17 August 1945, 11.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET We have been considering arrangements for the Control and Occupation of Japan. The following summarises the position as we see it. 2. British Forces of Occupation are unlikely to be much larger than four or five Brigades. United States forces...’
203. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1482 LONDON, 17 August 1945, 11 p.m. TOP SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Control and occupation of Japan. Our information from Washington is that the United States authorities are pushing on with their plans for control of Japan with all possible speed and that if we wish to...’
204. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1483 LONDON, 17 August 1945, 11.03 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram 14th August D. No. 1446. [1] Siam. We have reached the conclusion that in general conditions for our recognition of and collaboration with a Siamese Government which has repudiated Japanese connection should remain as set out in...’
205. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 18 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 306 LONDON, 18 August 1945, 12.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 7th August, 217. [1] SIAM. Please see my telegrams today D1483 and 1484 and 1485. [2] We are glad to note that His Majesty’s Government in Australia are in general accord with our views and with our...’
206. BRUCE TO CHIFLEY: 20 August 1945; ‘Letter (extract) LONDON, 20 August 1945 PERSONAL [matter omitted] In my view, the importance of the work to be done by the High Commissioner in London in the immediate future cannot be exaggerated. For years past we have been working to establish a better system of co-operation and consultation between...’
207. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 21 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 245 CANBERRA, 21 August 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Reference your telegrams D1481, 1482, 1483. [1] Control body for Japan. On receipt of these communications we have conveyed direct request to Washington for United States government’s concurrence in and support of Australian participation as a principal in the Allied...’
208. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 316 LONDON, 20 August 1945, 8.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 240 of 17th August. [1] JAPAN We appreciate Australian readiness to contribute to the execution of the Surrender terms. 2. The question of the occupation of Japan is under careful consideration. We are examining your proposals and...’
209. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 732 WASHINGTON, 21 August 1945, 9.12 p.m. SECRET LEND LEASE. The President has announced that Lend Lease supplies will be stopped immediately. The United Kingdom is protesting and interpretations of the statement are now being discussed. We shall report further as soon as possible. At present it seems that...’
210. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 23 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 249 CANBERRA, 23 August 1945 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Your 305 and D.1481 and 1482 [1]. Control of Japan. 1. We are generally in agreement with your proposals as to the constitution of the Control Council and agree that control should not be linked with occupation zones as in Germany....’
211. EVATT TO EGGLESTON: 25 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 1208 CANBERRA, 25 August 1945 TOP SECRET 1. Ref. your 723, August 21st. [1] I am most anxious that no opportunity be missed to secure immediately from the Japanese not only complete lists of Australian and other Allied P.O.W. and civilian internees, but full records and evidence of their...’
212. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1537 LONDON, 24 August 1945, 2.12 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram 17th August D. No. 1482 [1] control of Japan. The United States Ambassador has communicated proposal of the United States Government for early establishment of a Far Eastern Advisory Commission to be composed of the United Kingdom,...’
213. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 24 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1542 LONDON, 24 August 1945, 6.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL The Council of Foreign Ministers is, as you know, due to meet on 10th September. Questions which it is likely to discuss raise issues of grave importance, not only as regards Europe, but as regards the world as...’
214. BRUCE TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 25 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 102A LONDON, 25 August 1945, 12.05 a.m. SECRET U.N.R.R.A. vote on resolutions for Expansion of Control Committee taken today. Resolution appointing Canada and France carried unanimously. Australian resolution for the inclusion of Australia, Brazil and Yugoslavia was carried by 29 to 7 but owing to the Soviet voting against...’
215. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 August 1945; ‘Cablegram D1546 LONDON, 24 August 1945, 9.25 p.m. TOP SECRET In your telegram of 23rd August, No. 249[1], paragraph 4, you asked us to support your approach to the United States Government for full participation by Australia in the council of Foreign Ministers in relation to every aspect of the...’
216. BRUCE TO CHIFLEY: 25 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 104A LONDON, 25 August 1945 TOP SECRET Everybody here has been getting distinctly hot and bothered as to the atmosphere which is developing with regard to Australia’s international position. With the publicity now given to the matter I detect a distinct feeling of resentment. Yesterday the Prime Minister, Bevin...’
217. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 25 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 332 LONDON, 25 August 1945, 9.20 p.m. TOP SECRET I am much disturbed at the situation which appears to be arising under which the policy and actions of the United Kingdom Government are made the subject of official public comment in Australia. I well understand and recognise Australia’s anxiety...’
218. MOORE TO KEANE: 25 August 1945; ‘Cablegram V5737 WASHINGTON, 25 August 1945, 6.21 p.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. Further to my 5682 [1], the termination of lend lease. I discussed this matter with a high official of Foreign Economic Administration and advised him of Australian hostility to the out of hand manner of terminating lend lease....’
219. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 27 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 253 CANBERRA, 27 August 1945 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Dr. Evatt and I have discussed the matter of your telegram No. 332. [1] The statements made by him, Mr. Beasley and myself represented the views of the Government which regards it as vital that Australia should be included as...’
220. MINTER TO EVATT: 27 August 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 27 August 1945 I have the honor to refer to your note, dated August 21, 1945, and to its accompanying memorandum setting out the attitude of the Australian Government concerning the surrender of Japan and related matters. [1] I immediately communicated with my Government from which I have...’
221. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 28 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 255 CANBERRA, 28 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your D.1537 [1] and 1538 [2] of 24th August. Far Eastern Advisory Commission. 1. We have been impressed in the past with the need for a body similar to, but more representative than, the European Advisory Commission for Pacific purposes....’
222. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 28 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 256 CANBERRA, 28 August 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 319, Portuguese Timor. [1] 1. We would like your early consideration of the immediate position likely to arise in Portuguese Timor. This territory in hostile hands can always provide a very real menace to Australia as was shown by...’
223. CHIFLEY TO BRUCE: 28 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 201 CANBERRA, 28 August 1945 IMMEDIATE Cabinet has given consideration to question of representation in London and has decided that Dr. Evatt will leave almost immediately to represent Australia in conferences etc. associated with the formulation of peace terms and relative international implications. It was further decided that Dr....’
224. BRUCE TO CHIFLEY: 29 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 106A LONDON, 29 August 1945, 6.30 p.m. SECRET Reparations. I have now received through the United Kingdom Government the formal communication set out below with a request that I will immediately transmit it to you. Begins: ‘The Provisional Government of France and the Governments of the United Kingdom of...’
225. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 344 LONDON, 30 August 1945, 9.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram of 28th August, No. 256. [1] The Portuguese Government have made it clear both here and in Lisbon that they are most anxious to re-establish their authority in Portuguese Timor with a minimum delay and that...’
226. CHIFLEY TO MACARTHUR: 31 August 1945; ‘Message CAB302 CANBERRA, 31 August 1945 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET I thank you for your message CX.10599 of 28th August [1], embodying copy of General Headquarters General Orders No. 41, from which it is noted that, as from 1200 hours, 2nd September, 1945, the Southwest Pacific Command will be dissolved, and...’
227. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 31 August 1945; ‘Cablegram 267 CANBERRA, 31 August 1945 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Your cablegram 316 of 20th August. [1] 1. The Government notes that, in regard to its acceptance of initial responsibility for Borneo and territories to the East thereof, it is the intention of the United Kingdom Government to make available, as...’
228. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 30 August 1945; ‘Cablegram Precom 9 LONDON, 30 August 1945, 7.35 p.m. SECRET 1. The Executive Committee has now completed consideration of the memorandum on methods of work and terms of reference for its technical sub-committees. Slow progress was due mainly to long debates on:- (a) Composition of the Interim Secretariat. (b) Consultation...’
229. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 31 August 1945; ‘Cablegram Precom 10 LONDON, 31 August 1945, 9.25 p.m. TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE 1. The first meetings of the 7 Technical Sub-Committees today elected Chairmen and arranged preliminary documentation. I felt obliged to decline chairmanship of the Committee on Specialised Organisations as it would be impossible with a small delegation to...’
230. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 1 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 349 LONDON, 1 September 1945, 12.25 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET [Y]our telegrams 240 [1] and 245. [2] 1. We support your proposal for increased Australian participation in the occupation of Japan. 2. Notwithstanding the points made in your telegram, which we fully appreciate, we still consider that the general...’
231. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 3 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 269 CANBERRA, 3 September 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 344 [1] and 347 [2]. Portuguese Timor Surrender. 1. We note your concurrence in our proposal that surrender be taken by an Australian force and arrangements have now been made with Lord Mountbatten for this purpose. 2. Suggestion in...’
232. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 1 September 1945; ‘Cablegram D1609 LONDON, 1 September 1945, 5.50 p.m. TOP SECRET IMPORTANT My telegram 29th August D No.1581. [1] Far Eastern Advisory Commission. His Majesty’s United Kingdom Minister at Washington reports that the United States State Department explain that both the President and the Secretary of State attach great importance to...’
233. CHIFLEY TO BRUCE: 4 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 211 CANBERRA, 4 September 1945 TOP SECRET Our 53 16th March [1] and previous exchanges re uranium. [2] We are proceeding with liquidation Mount Painter project and expect that final report will be available in four or five weeks. Time occupied in finalisation of report has been due to...’
234. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 4 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 352 LONDON, 4 September 1945, 8.42 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram No.269. [1] Portuguese Timor. We entirely appreciate your desire to reach some early agreement with the Portuguese Government regarding the questions concerning Timor referred to in the correspondence exchanged with the Portuguese Government in Lisbon in September...’
235. EGGLESTON TO DUNK: 5 September 1945; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 5 September 1945 PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL I have already congratulated you on your appointment [1] and I look forward to a very pleasant association with you because I think that you have the qualities which will bring about an efficient organisation and get the best work out of...’
236. CHIFLEY TO BRUCE: 6 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 213 CANBERRA, 6 September 1945 TOP SECRET Repeated attempts made thoughout war have failed to obtain for Australia information on research in progress in England and America on utilization of atomic energy. This development is of very considerable importance both in regard to its wartime application and its peacetime...’
237. EGGLESTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 784 WASHINGTON, 6 September 1945, 12.08 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your No. 1236 paras- 3, 4 and 5. [1] 1. In view of current discussion and speculation here on the future status of Manus as reported in my telegrams Nos- 721, 726 and 750 [2], it would seem desirable that...’
238. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 8 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 364 LONDON, 8 September 1945, 2.37 p.m. TOP SECRET We are anxious to economise in shipping and to reduce the length of time taken to send supplies to the British Pacific Fleet and it is therefore desirable that full use should be made of the base facilities which remain...’
239. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 10 September 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 10 September 1945 IMMEDIATE A summary of the facts and findings of Sir William Webb’s report [1] on the investigation of Japanese atrocities and war crimes in the South West Pacific, together with a statement by Dr. Evatt, is being released in London and Canberra today. Following...’
240. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 10 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 286 CANBERRA, 10 September 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your cablegram 349 of 1st September. [1] 1. We have carefully considered your further proposals for the organisation of a British Commonwealth Force to participate in the occupation of Japan. 2. At the outset we should like to make it...’
241. DUNK TO EVATT: 11 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 292 CANBERRA, 11 September 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Reference Dominions Office telegram D.1599 [1] and immediately following telegrams [2] and New Zealand No. 286 [3] to the Dominions Office. Peace Treaty with Italy. We are advising Dominions Office that you will deal with these questions in person. Following...’
242. CHIFLEY TO VAN AERSSEN: 11 September 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 11 September 1945 CONFIDENTIAL I refer to your letter of the 10th August, 1945 [1], regarding the proposal for the basing of a Netherlands Force on Australia. 2. I am pleased to note from your letter that the publicity given to this matter did not originate with you...’
243. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND MAKIN: 12 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC4 LONDON, 12 September 1945, 4 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET On the first day after arrival in London I saw both Addison and Bevin and put fully to them the case for direct participation of Australia in activities of the Council of Foreign Ministers, at any rate where Australia...’
244. EVATT TO DUNK: 14 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC6 LONDON, 14 September 1945, 1.45 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram No. EC3. [1] My telegram No. EC8 [2] contains the text of the reply of the Portuguese Government to a communication made through the Ambassador on 10th September. From the political angle the reply seems adequate...’
245. EVATT TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 14 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC8 LONDON, 14 September 1945, 1.40 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram E.C.6. [1] Portuguese Timor. The following is a translation of the text of the Portuguese reply. Begins: The Portuguese Ambassador [2] presents his compliments to His Excellency, the Australian Minister for External Affairs, and has the honour...’
246. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND BEASLEY: 14 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC10 LONDON, 14 September 1945, 9.28 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The United Kingdom Government are anxious that we should have another took, at the decision as to the British Commonwealth [force] contained in your No. 286. [1] With the general principles of your 286 I am of course in...’
247. EVATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC12 LONDON, 14 September 1945, 9.28 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET After a weeks struggle during which I have been in the closest touch with the British Government and representatives of other countries on the Council of Foreign Ministers we have succeeded in obtaining an invitation to attend the Council...’
248. DUNK TO EVATT: 16 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 232 CANBERRA, 16 September 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Reference Dominions Office telegrams D.1688, 1689, 1690 and 1691. [1] Soviet proposals for peace treaties with Finland, Bulgaria, Hungary and Roumania. [2] 1. Our interest in these countries is mainly the general one of seeing created conditions which will enable...’
249. MAKIN TO EVATT: 17 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 230 CANBERRA, 17 September 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Hubner approached me on question of Australian support for Chilean nomination on Social and Economic Council. I informed him I would bring matter to your notice and propose replying by note to effect we would gladly endeavour obtain support for Chile...’
250. DUNK TO EVATT: 17 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 233 CANBERRA, 17 September 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Peace Treaty with Italy. Concerning Italian-Yugoslav frontier following is additional commentary to outline given in my telegram 292 [1] (part 3): 1. On ethnic grounds and in the light of other general considerations stated in telegram under reference the greater...’
251. WAR CABINET MINUTE 4452: 19 September 1945; ‘CANBERRA, 19 September 1945 THE MISSION ABROAD OF THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS It was decided that a cablegram be forwarded to the Minister for External Affairs requesting that the Government be kept informed of his activities in connection with his discussions with United Kingdom Ministers and the Council of...’
252. DUNK TO WATT: 20 September 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 20 September 1945 Thank you for your two letters of the 1st and 7th September. [1] I have written to Sir Frederic on the staff situation and no doubt you will see the letter. [2] It is the best I can do at the moment. Frankly, I find...’
253. EVATT TO DUNK: 19 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC16 LONDON, 19 September 1945, 10.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET I would like you to chase up for me the following matters. 1. My cable to Chifley and Beasley regarding the proposal to send forces for Tokyo. [1] This is urgent. 2. I am sure you will agree...’
254. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 September 1945; ‘Cablegram D1743 LONDON, 19 September 1945, 2.50 p.m. TOP SECRET The Joint Staff Mission at Washington have reported to us that the United States Chiefs of Staff have communicated to General MacArthur an exposition of his authority as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. This document has been approved by...’
255. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 September 1945; ‘Cablegram D1746 (extract) LONDON, 19 September 1945, 8.25 p.m. TOP SECRET IMPORTANT My telegram D No. 1739 19th September. [1] Council of Foreign Ministers. Yugoslav-Italian Frontier. The following reports of statements by the Australian, New Zealand and South African Representatives have been supplied by the respective delegations. 1. Dr Evatt...’
256. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 21 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 305 CANBERRA, 21 September 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Dr. Evatt has informed us [1] that you are anxious that we should reconsider the decision communicated in our cablegram No. 240 of 17th August [2] and reaffirmed in cablegram No. 286 of 10th September [3], that the Australian Force...’
257. CHIFLEY TO MACARTHUR: 21 September 1945; ‘Message CAB321 CANBERRA, 21 September 1945, 5.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET You will recall that, in my message to you of 24th August [1], I advised you of the Australian Government’s desire to provide a composite Australian Force operating under an Australian Commander, subject only to yourself as Supreme Commander,...’
258. DUNK TO MAKIN: 21 September 1945; ‘Memorandum (extracts) CANBERRA, 21 September 1945 The establishment of Australian representation in Malaya (Singapore) is a matter of some importance. It will be recalled that Mr. V. G. Bowden was appointed the Australian Official Representative in 1941. [1] Our sources of information in South East Asia now are few, and...’
259. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 September 1945; ‘Cablegram D1758 LONDON, 20 September 1945, 11.30 p.m. SECRET My telegram 19th September D.1746. [1] Peace Treaty with Italy. The following proposals of Dr. Evatt for draft heads concerning Trieste to which he referred in paragraph 3 of my telegram under reference have been circulated to the Council of Foreign...’
260. DUNK TO EVATT: 22 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 249 CANBERRA, 22 September 1945 SECRET Your E.C.16 19th. [1] 1. Understand that Prime Minister has replied to your B.C. 10 [2] conveying full information on Cabinet decision on Tokyo force. 2. I fully agree on the importance of present talks of Keynes- Halifax Mission in Washington. It is...’
261. HOOD TO DUNK: 22 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC18 LONDON, 22 September 1945, 8.34 p.m. SECRET The Minister asks that you should have the following summary of the present position here regarding the Council of Foreign Ministers. The Council’s invitation to the Dominions to present views on the Italo Yugoslav Frontier question was part of the recognition...’
262. HASLUCK TO DUNK: 21 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 10107 LONDON, 21 September 1945, 11.59 p.m. SECRET PRECOM 16. 1. Trusteeship Sub-Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Evatt has agreed on recommendation to the Executive Committee re interim arrangements pending the establishment of a Trusteeship Council. Difficulty arose in application of article 86 inasmuch as the Trusteeship Council...’
263. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY: 24 September 1945; ‘Agendum 669B CANBERRA, 24 September 1945 SECRET BRETTON WOODS MONETARY PROPOSALS Introduction 1. The previous agendum on this subject (No. 669A of 28th August, 1944) submitted the Bretton Woods proposals for an International Monetary Fund and an International Bank for Reconstruction together with the report of the Australian Delegation. 2....’
264. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 25 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 256 CANBERRA, 25 September 1945 SECRET 1. Extension of Washington talks on Keynes-Halifax mission to include commercial policy (see Dominion Office cable D.1752 20th September [1]) makes it imperative that we should be more fully represented in Washington. 2. The matter was discussed in Cabinet yesterday and it was...’
265. CHIFLEY TO ADDISON: 25 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 312 CANBERRA, 25 September 1945 SECRET 1. During the war it became necessary to arrange production within Australia of many new types and lines of goods Australian requirements of which were previously met by importations. Speaking generally these new industries lack tariff protection. 2. The increasing availability of supplies...’
266. LEGATION IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 836 WASHINGTON, 24 September 1945, 1.48 a.m. SECRET The text of the White House announcement on policy in Japan. The following is a statement of the general initial policy relating to Japan after surrender, prepared jointly by the Department of State, the War Department and the Navy Department and...’
267. PROUD TO DUNK: 25 September 1945; ‘Memorandum ALLIED LAND FORCES HEADQUARTERS, FAR EASTERN LIAISON OFFICE, MELBOURNE, 25 September 1945 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Subject: Conversation with the Lieutenant Governor General of the Netherlands Indies-Dr. Van Mook I met Dr. Van Mook on Thursday last at 12 noon, and obtained from him the following information which I understand...’
268. DUNCAN TO CHIFLEY: 25 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 10200 LONDON, 25 September 1945, 10.46 p.m. TOP SECRET Your 211 of 4th September [1], Uranium. Sir John Anderson [2] who is advising the Prime Minister and with whom the High Commissioner took up the matter finds it difficult to give full and satisfactory answers to the questions raised....’
269. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 26 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC26 LONDON, 26 September 1945, 5.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The proceedings of the Council of Foreign Ministers have been well summarised in the cables. [1] On the whole the progress made has been small. In effect the Big Three at Potsdam passed the buck to the Council of...’
270. EGGLESTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 844 WASHINGTON, 26 September 1945, 7.14 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 1327. [1] Consulates. We have discussed informally with the State Department the opening of Consulates in the United States and have indicated that the Government desires at an early (late to appoint Kellway Consul- General in New York. [2]...’
271. BURTON TO EVATT: 28 September 1945; ‘Cablegram 272 CANBERRA, 28 September 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Please see paragraph 4 Information Bulletin cabled yesterday. [1] The Dutch shipping trouble still continues and now affects Dutch ships here even though carrying only relief supplies, the view of Waterside Workers Federation apparently being that food is as much an item...’
272. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 26 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC29 LONDON, 26 September 1945, 10.45 p.m. TOP SECRET I have discussed with Prof. Oliphant [1] the content of your cable 213 [2] about information concerning the utilization of nuclear energy. He informs me that steps are now being taken to set up a research establishment to conduct investigations...’
273. EVATT TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC34 LONDON, 28 September 1945, 8.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The Netherlands Ambassador called on me yesterday and left the following memorandum. ‘The crews of some of the Netherlands ships that are lying ready to sail from Australia to the Netherlands East Indies went on strike in connection with the...’
274. MELVILLE TO CHIFLEY: 29 September 1945; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 29 September 1945 You may remember that, when I reported to the Government on the Bretton Woods proposals [1], I was, on balance, in favour of their acceptance by Australia. That was on the assumption as stated in paragraphs 41 and 62 of my report (paragraphs 22 and...’
275. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND MAKIN: 30 September 1945; ‘Cablegram EC41 LONDON, 30 September 1945, 6.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram EC.40. [1] Following is text: Australia welcomes the announcement of the early establishment of a Far Eastern Commission to carry out the Japanese surrender. This marks an important step forward for the Commission is capable of initiating...’
276. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND MAKIN: 1 October 1945; ‘Cablegram EC43 LONDON, 1 October 1945, 12.28 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Council of Foreign Ministers You will note from Dominions Office telegrams Nos. 1834 and 1835 [1] that both Bevin and Byrnes have come round to my contention that the European peace settlement should be treated as a whole at...’
277. EVATT TO BURTON: 1 October 1945; ‘Cablegram EC46 LONDON, 1 October 1945, 12.28 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Received your telegram regarding Indonesians. [1] Despite the trouble and embarrassment caused, it would be undesirable to use deportation power as a weapon. In the first place as your telegram clearly appreciates drastic punishment might be inflicted in Dutch East...’
278. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 September 1945; ‘Cablegram D1838 LONDON, 30 September 1945, 9.00 p.m. TOP SECRET CONTROL MACHINERY FOR JAPAN As you will have seen from reports of discussions in the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Soviet Delegation have proposed the establishment of an Allied Control Council in Japan consisting of Representatives of the United States,...’
279. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 30 September 1945; ‘Cablegram D1839 LONDON, 30 September 1945 IMPORTANT TOP SECRET & PERSONAL My immediately preceding telegram, control of Japan. [1] My immediately following telegram [2] contains the draft amended terms of reference for the Far Eastern Advisory Commission which were worked out here in agreement with the United States Delegation as...’
280. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 30 September 1945; ‘Cablegram D1840 LONDON, 30 September 1945, 10.30 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL My immediately preceding telegram. [1] CONTROL OF JAPAN. Draft amended terms of reference for Far Eastern Commission. I. Establishment. The Governments of (here insert the names of the Governments originally proposed by the United States Government plus India)...’
281. REPORT BY FORSYTH: 1 October 1945; ‘Extract [CANBERRA], 1 October 1945 JAPANESE SURRENDER ARRANGEMENTS IN RESPECT OF PORTUGUESE TIMOR Report by Political Adviser attached to Commander, Australian Forces in Timor (September 20th-27th, 1945) 1. Political Adviser, assistant and interpreter [1] arrived at Koepang 11.20 a.m. 21st September and after consultations with Brigadier Dyke went to Dilli...’
282. EVATT TO BYRNES: 1 October 1945; ‘Letter LONDON, 1 October 1945 I sincerely hope that you will agree to the Far Eastern Commission having its headquarters at Washington and not at Tokyo. The personnel available at Washington will be better. Moreover, at Washington it would be possible for matters of non-military policy to be discussed with...’
283. CHIFLEY TO BRUCE: 2 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 275 CANBERRA, 2 October 1945 SECRET Your letter 31st August 1945 [1], reparation claims by Australia against Germany. Owing to delay in receipt of complete copy of invitation and two annexes [2] the figures required for Annex B are not yet available. These will be forwarded immediately they come...’
284. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 1 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 396 LONDON, 1 October 1945, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET Australian Government telegram 305. [1] We are most gratified that you have agreed with our suggestion for a joint Commonwealth Force for the occupation of Japan. 2. We agree with the proposals in your telegram. We should like however, to...’
285. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 1 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1843 LONDON, 1 October 1945, 11.15 p.m. TOP SECRET Java. The following are the salient facts of the political situation which has developed in Java:- (a) Terauchi (Japanese Supreme Commander of the Southern Region) on 19th August declared the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, naming Soekarno as President,...’
286. BYRNES TO EVATT: 2 October 1945; ‘Letter LONDON, 2 October 1945 I have received your letter of October [1] stating your view that the Far Eastern Commission should have its headquarters in Washington. I am glad to have your thoughts in this matter. There was criticism by some officials of several of the Allied Governments participating...’
287. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 3 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 343 CANBERRA, 3 October 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your Precoms 12 and 13. [1] The United Kingdom plan of organization on the economic side seems somewhat inadequate. The field of the Economic and Social Council is so wide, including as it does social, cultural and educational matters, that unless a...’
288. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND MAKIN: 3 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 3 October 1945, 12.32 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The session of the Council of Foreign Ministers terminated tonight. The concluding stages since the end of last week were given over entirely to the arguments on Protocol questions described in Dominions Office telegrams [1] and so came to...’
289. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 2 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1848 LONDON, 2 October 1945, 10.24 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 1st October D. No. 1843. [1] Java. The Netherlands Ambassador and the Netherlands Minister for Overseas Territories [2] recently discussed the situation in the Netherlands East Indies with the Foreign Secretary. 2. The Ambassador said that Soekarno had...’
290. BURTON TO EVATT: 4 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 292 CANBERRA, 4 October 1945 Cabinet last night agreed to the appointment of a number of Trade Commissioners including Peterson at Batavia. [1] The submission by Commerce [2] was not shown to us in advance but Mr. Makin has stated that he made the point, to which Cabinet agreed,...’
291. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 4 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 324 CANBERRA, 4 October 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your No. 396. [1] 1. We are glad you agree with the proposals in our telegram 305. [2] We note that you would like to be sure that your interpretation of certain aspects of the machinery proposed, is correct, and...’
292. EVATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 October 1945; ‘Cablegram Precom 25 LONDON, 3 October 1945, 10.27 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Location of the permanent headquarters was discussed by the Executive Committee today. In view of the supreme importance of our interest in the Pacific I spoke in support of San Francisco as against Geneva, but made a positive case...’
293. CHIFLEY TO BRUCE: 5 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 301 CANBERRA, 5 October 1945 SECRET Considerable industrial trouble being experienced here as certain Unions sympathetic to Sectional movement in Netherlands East Indies directed against N.E.I. Government and aimed at securing greater measure of local autonomy. This cable expresses no views regarding the merits of the dispute which concerns...’
294. BURTON TO EVATT: 5 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 304 CANBERRA, 5 October 1945 SECRET Indonesian seamen have unsuccessfully demanded that Indonesian military personnel in Australia should be allowed to return with them to N.E.I. Proceedings under S.5 (2) Immigration Act were taken against ninety five Indonesian seamen deserters in Melbourne but adjourned until 12th October. Similar action...’
295. MAKIN TO EVATT: 6 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 306 CANBERRA, 6 October 1945 South Seas Regional Commission. 1. French Minister [1] here has been enquiring as to when Commission would be created and has expressed keen desire of France to receive invitation. 2. Following upon the agreement reached at San Francisco upon broad question of international colonial...’
296. CHIFLEY TO ADDISON: 6 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 327 CANBERRA, 6 October 1945 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Reference my No. 324 of 4th October [1], the Commonwealth Government nominates Lieutenant General J. Northcott, C.B., M.V.O., as Commander-in-Chief of the British Commonwealth Force for the occupation of Japan, with his present temporary rank of Lieutenant General. Lieutenant General Northcott...’
297. MOUNTBATTEN TO CHIFLEY: 6 October 1945; ‘Cablegram SAC24425 [COLOMBO], 6 October 1945, 6.47 a.m. PERSONAL SECRET Lieutenant Governor General Van Mook has told me that strikers in Australia are preventing the loading and sailing of ships des[t]ined for Batavia. 2. The situation regarding relief stores in N.E.I. is serious and I shall be very grateful for...’
298. MINTER TO MAKIN: 8 October 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 8 October 1945 Under instructions from my Government I have the honor to advise you that the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China have agreed to the establishment of a Far Eastern Advisory Commission for the consideration of...’
299. CHIFLEY TO MOUNTBATTEN: 10 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 10 October 1945 SECRET I have your personal telegram [1] and the matter received my immediate consideration. No crews available for Dutch ships owing to Indonesian seamen’s strike. Dutch ship VAN SPEZAAK fully loaded with mercy cargo ready for sailing since 24th September is still in Sydney...’
300. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO POSTS: 10 October 1945; ‘Cablegrams variously numbered CANBERRA, 10 October 1945 SECRET A ‘Washington Post’ editorial quoted in today’s Australian Press may create the impression in America that Australians are aligning themselves with the Indonesian movement. In actual fact expressions of partisanship have been curiously few, and then almost entirely confined to waterside workers...’
301. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND MAKIN: 10 October 1945; ‘Cablegram EC49 LONDON, 10 October 1945, 1.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Since the final meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers I have continued my discussions with Attlee, Bevin and Addison. I have also consulted with other Dominion representatives. We have now established a recognition of the principle that...’
302. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 10 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1893 LONDON, 10 October 1945, 9.25 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 2nd October, D.1848, Java. [1] The Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs has spoken to the Foreign Secretary regarding the situation in the Netherlands East Indies. 2. Mr. Van Kleffens said that had his Government realised when they concluded...’
303. CHIFLEY TO MOUNTBATTEN: 12 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 294 CANBERRA, 12 October 1945 SECRET 1. The British ship ‘Esperance Bay’ leaves Sydney on October 13th under special charter. She will carry approximately 1200 Indonesians now in this country who have volunteered to return to certain points of the N.E.I. These ports and the exact number of Indonesians...’
304. EVATT TO MAKIN: 11 October 1945; ‘Cablegram EC51 LONDON, 11 October 1945, 12.04 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 318 [1] and 319 [2]. Par Eastern Commission. The actual initiation of the Far Eastern Commission is of vital importance to Australia. For that reason I think you should announce that in the earlier stages of the Commission...’
305. MAKIN TO MOUNTBATTEN: 13 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 13 October 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET I should be grateful if you would kindly refer to the Australian Prime Minister’s message to you of October 12th [1] concerning the departure for Dutch territory of several hundred Indonesians now in Australia. 2. All the Indonesians are voluntarily...’
306. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 11 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1898 LONDON, 11 October 1945, 10.30 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram D.1893 10th October. [2] Java. The Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs has again discussed the situation in the Netherlands East Indies with the Foreign Secretary. The Netherlands Minister for Overseas Territories [3] and the Netherlands Ambassador were also...’
307. BURTON TO EVATT: 14 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 328 CANBERRA, 14 October 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE 1. Consider we have vital interest in informing U.K. Government on situations in this area. 2. In course of week we shall have representatives and observers at many key points reporting to Department. 3. Please see D.1893 Indonesian problems. [1] Decisions are...’
308. BURTON TO EVATT AND HOOD: 14 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 329 CANBERRA, 14 October 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram Indonesia.1 1. In view of the worsening situation in Java and the reported discussions in London between the Dutch representatives and English Ministers [2], we have been giving consideration to the policy to be adopted towards the...’
309. SOUTH EAST ASIA COMMAND TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 14 October 1945; ‘Cablegram [SAC 25255] [1] [COLOMBO], 14 October 1945 Reference your 131505. [2] Much regret that owing to the extreme delicacy of the situation now in Java and Sumatra both from the point of view of food supplies and the political situation it is impossible to permit any disembarkation of repatriated...’
310. CHIFLEY TO MOUNTBATTEN: 14 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 14 October 1945 SECRET 1. Have just received, this Sunday afternoon, your signal. [1] While appreciating your difficulties, this movement has already commenced and must proceed. 2. The decision to return the Indonesians to Java and Sumatra was made with the agreement of the Dutch Authorities after...’
311. HASLUCK TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 October 1945; ‘Cablegram Precom 30 LONDON, 13 October 1945, 8.15 p.m. SECRET 1. Committee 3 yesterday adopted its report on the Economic and Social Council for submission to the Executive Committee. 2. Most of the report was drafted by the Australian representative and retains our essential points. The title ‘Economic and Employment...’
312. MOUNTBATTEN TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 14 October 1945; ‘Cablegram SAC25261 [COLOMBO], 14 October 1945, 5.23 a.m. SECRET Received 15 October 1945 Further to SAC25255 131731. [1] Have now had time to review the implication of your 131505 October. [2] Fully aware of your earnest desire to repatriate all Indonesians from Australia earliest. In view of this and present...’
313. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 16 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 210 CANBERRA, 16 October 1945 South Seas Regional Commission. We are anxious to make an early approach to United States, United Kingdom and French authorities with a view to- (a) obtaining approval in principle to the establishment of the South Seas Regional Commission; (b) securing the calling of a...’
314. MINTER TO MAKIN: 16 October 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 16 October 1945 I have the honor to advise you of the receipt of a communication from my Government stating that it had been requested by the Allied Control Council for Germany to notify the Governments of countries concerned of the Council’s readiness to accept applications to accredit...’
315. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 15 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 409 LONDON, 15 October 1945, 9.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET As a result of discussions which have taken place between the members of the British Commonwealth it has now been arranged that a Joint British Commonwealth Force will participate in the occupation of Japan. 2. This Force will be drawn...’
316. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 15 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 15 October 1945, 10.36 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET 1. A meeting was called this morning by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and attended by myself, other Dominion representatives, the President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for the Dominions. The meeting discussed further the...’
317. DUNCAN TO CHIFLEY: 16 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 10834 LONDON, 16 October 1945, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Your 275 of 2nd October, German Reparations. [1] The Control Council in Germany are likely in the near future to determine that certain capital industrial equipment in the Western Zones of Germany will be available for advance deliveries in accordance with...’
318. DUNCAN TO CHIFLEY: 16 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 10835 LONDON, 16 October 1945, 5.42 p.m. SECRET My 10834 16th October. [1] The United Kingdom, French and United States Governments have invited the Commonwealth Government to appoint a representative to the meeting of officials to be held in Paris on 9th November to consider data supplied by Governments...’
319. EVATT TO MAKIN: 16 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 16 October 1945, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Have received a request from the Lebanese Minister in London [1] for establishment of a Lebanese Consulate or Honorary Consulate in Sydney and in reply I have stated that the Government is agreeable to the proposal and will await the nomination...’
320. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 16 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 16 October 1945, 5.45 p.m. While in London I have been particularly impressed with the importance of Australian participation in the obtaining and using of industrial and technical information from Germany. In this we are already at a disadvantage compared with the United Kingdom, Canada and the...’
321. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 18 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 1500 CANBERRA, 18 October 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE With reference to the series of cablegrams to Dominions Office repeated to you [1] on British Commonwealth Force, arrangements have now been completed for the Organisation of the Force and, with the concurrence of the British Commonwealth Governments concerned, the...’
322. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 17 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1939 LONDON, 17 October 1945, 11.35 a.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 11th October D No.1898. [1] Java. Admiral Mountbatten recently discussed the situation in Java with General Christison, Admiral Patterson [2], Dr. van Mook, M. Van der Plas [3] and Admiral Helfrich and has reported as follows- (a) The...’
323. HOOD TO BURTON: 17 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 325 LONDON, 17 October 1945, 9.20 p.m. SECRET I made a formal call on the Netherlands Ambassador this morning and had some discussion on the N.E.I. situation. The Ambassador thought that the worst of the crisis had passed and was hopeful that the position could be stabilised on the...’
324. MAKIN TO BEASLEY: 19 October 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 19 October 1945 [1] I thank you for your letter of 3rd October, 1945 [2] and note with pleasure that you concur in the proposal that a Political Observer be attached to the Australian Service Mission, Tokyo. Mr. B. C. Ballard, M.A., LL.B. who has been head of...’
325. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EGGLESTON: 19 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 1509 CANBERRA, 19 October 1945 SECRET Your 867. [1] Before making any policy commitments in regard to reparations from Japan we need more information concerning the intentions of other countries. These should become clearer when the Far Eastern Commission meets. 2. Broadly we favour fitting reparations into the context...’
326. WOOTTON TO DUNK: 19 October 1945; ‘Memorandum (extract) 19 October 1945, CONFIDENTIAL Death of Mr V. G. Bowden In company with Mr. V.G. Bowden [1] and Mr. J.P. Quinn [2] I left Singapore on the morning of Sunday, 15th February [1942], on the launch ‘Mary Rose’, under circumstances which have been referred to in a separate...’
327. MOUNTBATTEN TO CHIFLEY: 20 October 1945; ‘Cablegram KLB45 [COLOMBO], 20 October 1945, 1.53 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET With reference to our exchange of signals [1] regarding the 1400 Indonesians which you have guaranteed repatriation from Australia to Dutch Timor, Java and Sumatra. 2. In view of your insistence that these Indonesians should be repatriated to...’
328. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1965 LONDON, 20 October 1945, 5.16 p.m. SECRET My telegram 15th October, D. 1923. [1] Education Conference. His Majesty’s United Kingdom Ambassador, Washington, has been instructed to inform the United States Government that His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom consider that the most economical and efficient method of...’
329. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 22 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 422 CANBERRA, 22 October 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference D.O. 418 of 18th October. [1] We are arranging attachment of Macmahon Ball, as Political Representative to Allied Commander in the Netherlands East Indies. Cables will be sent to Dominions Office and SACSEA immediately for this purpose. Please acquaint Foreign Office...’
330. CHIFLEY TO MOUNTBATTEN: 23 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 23 October 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET The Australian Minister for Immigration stresses that he undertook that the Indonesians would be landed at ports of their choice, namely, at Sourabaya. and Medan. He has strongly represented to me that the landings should be permitted at those ports...’
331. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 23 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 23 October 1945 MOST SECRET IMMEDIATE PERSONAL 1. With reference to the Anglo-American negotiations now proceeding in Washington, I should like to supplement by a personal message to you my Government’s telegram No. 352 [1] of today’s date which has been sent in reply to Dominions Office...’
332. MOUNTBATTEN TO CHIFLEY: 22 October 1945; ‘Cablegram SAC26178 COLOMBO, 22 October 1945, 11.25 p.m. SECRET Your 212246. [1] As this matter appears to be a conflict of views on governmental level I am referring it to Mr. Attlee. I request that you will not allow ESPERENCE BAY to enter any port in Java or Sumatra until...’
333. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY: 23 October 1945; ‘Teleprinter message CANBERRA, 23 October 1945 SECRET I have received your message regarding appointment Macmahon Ball to the Netherlands East Indies. [1] Fully appreciate that Cabinet appointed Peterson as Trade Commissioner [2] and of course have no desire to interfere with that decision. Since appointment however there have been many...’
334. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 23 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 360 CANBERRA, 2[3] October 1945 [1] MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. Admiral Mountbatten has been good enough to repeat to me his telegram of 23rd October to London concerning the movement of some 1400 Indonesians from Australia to the Netherlands East Indies. [2] 2. My immediate reaction is to...’
335. BERRYMAN TO NORTHCOTT: 23 October 1945; ‘Letter G/174/Int [ADVANCED HEADQUARTERS ALLIED LAND FORCES], 23 October 1945 Subject: Free Indonesian Movement Ref:. Our G/040.2/Int. of 19 Oct 45 [1] Apart from incidents reported in the above-mentioned letter, there is evidence that the Australian Communist Party is actively engaged in further aggravating unrest among the Indonesian inhabitants in...’
336. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 22 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 50 LONDON, 22 October 1945, 11.05 p.m. TOP SECRET 1. Progress of Executive Committee since your departure is reported in telegrams Precoms 31, 32, 33 and 34. [1] Following background may be useful. 2. Soviet attitude. Some concern was felt last week over attitude of Soviets. Gromyko returned unexpectedly...’
337. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO WALKER: 24 October 1945; ‘Cablegram P8 CANBERRA, 24 October 1945 Your 41-Reparations. [1] 1. It is desired that the invitation of the French Government as host be accepted and that you and/or Tange represent Australia. [2] 2. Tange is familiar with the viewpoint of the Australian Authorities on the issues concerned while crucial points...’
338. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 23 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 427 LONDON, 23 October 1945, 10.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram of 23rd October, 360. [1] 1. I am very sorry to learn of the difficult position which has arisen with regard to the 1,400 Indonesians now in the ESPERANCE BAY on her way from Darwin to the...’
339. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 24 October 1945; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 24 October 1945 PERSONAL TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE I have just received your message regarding the Indonesians. [1] The ship is due to sail in 12 hours. To hold this ship will break faith with the men and would cause widespread industrial trouble here and prejudice our...’
340. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1982 LONDON, 23 October 1945, 9.40 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 17th October D No. 1941. [1] Paragraph2(B). JAVA Mr. Dening (Chief Political Adviser to S.A.C.S.E.A.) arrived at Batavia 20th October and has now sent a brief preliminary appreciation of the situation in Java. The following are the main...’
341. HASLUCK TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 October 1945; ‘Cablegram Precom 35 LONDON, 23 October 1945, 9.20 p.m. SECRET 1. When the debate on the report of the Security Council was resumed by the Executive Committee this morning, the United States delegation made a statement on their general position regarding the Security Council. As the Americans in the Technical...’
342. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D1988 LONDON, 24 October 1945, 10.15 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 16th October D No.1934. [1] Control of Japan. Following is a summary of instructions which have now been sent to the United Kingdom representative on the Far Eastern Commission (my telegram 15th October D No.1921 [2]) as regards...’
343. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 25 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 432 LONDON, 25 October 1945, 11 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Thank you for your telegram of 24th October about the ‘ESPERANCE BAY’. [1] I fully realize your difficulties and am grateful for your appreciation of ours. I note that you intend initially to send the ‘ESPERANCE BAY’...’
344. EVATT TO BYRNES: 26 October 1945; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 26 October 1945 I ask permission to address you on a matter of urgent importance. The Washington press carries an item of news today with regard to a new proposal for the establishment of a Control Council at Tokyo. It is suggested that the constitution of this Council...’
345. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 26 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 56 LONDON, 26 October 1945, 11.24 a.m. SECRET PERSONAL Following background to debate on Assembly Committee is forwarded for what it is worth- My impression is that Soviet is gradually realising importance of Assembly and is hoping to establish machinery which would enable them to exercise considerable control over...’
346. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 348 LONDON, 27 October 1945, 12 midnight SECRET Reference your 422 paragraph 2, INDONESIA. [1] Have had various discussions on this matter over the past week or 10 days but without gaining any definite impression of the United Kingdom views. I doubt whether any settled views on the question...’
347. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 29 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 368 CANBERRA, 29 October 1945 SECRET Your 435. [1] We agreed with your previous view and immediately made suitable arrangements, along line you suggested. [2] We are surprised at changed attitude and consider it most undesirable to appoint Consular Representatives at this stage of negotiations. Such action would be...’
348. FULL CABINET SUBMISSION BY MAKIN: 29 October 1945; ‘Agendum 976 29 October 1945, AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION IN THE PACIFIC Recent events in the areas immediately to the Northwest of Australia and particularly in the Netherlands East Indies and French Indo-China have emphasised the necessity for having adequate means of receiving information. Developments in these areas have a direct bearing...’
349. DUNK TO CHIFLEY: 28 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 944 WASHINGTON, 28 October 1945, 9.58 p.m. SECRET 1. The following aide memoire has been presented to the Australian Minister in Washington by the Department of State. ‘The Government of the United States proposes that discussions should be begun at an early date with Representatives of the Government of...’
350. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN MOSCOW: 30 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 190 CANBERRA, 30 October 1945 SECRET It has been decided [1] to recognise the Polish Provisional Government of National Unity and you should, therefore, request the Polish Ambassador at Moscow [2] to inform his Government of the decision and to enquire what are its intentions regarding consular representatives in...’
351. HASLUCK TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 11237 LONDON, 29 October 1945, 10.30 p.m. SECRET Your 447. [1] 1. I saw D. No. 1965 [2] for the first time to-day. The views expressed accord with the line taken throughout the Executive Committee by the United Kingdom with the general object of strengthening the United Nations Organisation...’
352. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 31 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 374 CANBERRA, 31 October 1945 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET 1. We have noted with interest the preliminary appreciation of the position in Java in your D.1982. [1] It seems to us that a critical stage in the situation is rapidly approaching and that, in view of the vital Australian interest...’
353. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 31 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 1608 CANBERRA, 31 October 1945 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Thank you for your E5 [1] on British Commonwealth force of occupation. I feel it is proper for you to be aware of the following information which has been furnished to the Australian Chiefs of Staff by the Australian Service Mission...’
354. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 30 October 1945; ‘Cablegram D2016 LONDON, 30 October 1945, 6.25 p.m. SECRET Korea 1. The United States State Department recently told the United Kingdom Embassy at Washington informally of a proposal to institute a trusteeship by the United States, United Kingdom, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China for Korea until the Koreans...’
355. MAKIN TO SMUTS: 1 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 118 CANBERRA, 1 November 1945 SECRET My Government feels that the time has come for South Africa and Australia to exchange High Commissioners. [1] We are certain that great benefit would accrue to both Governments. I hope that you will agree to receive a High Commissioner for Australia at...’
356. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 October 1945; ‘Cablegram 367 LONDON, 31 October 1945, 8.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Reference my immediately preceding telegram. [1] The Netherlands Government recognise the legitimate aspirations of Indonesians towards a national existence, and are convinced that these aspirations can be realised by a process of evolution through friendly co-operation between the Indonesians...’
357. BURTON TO EVATT: 2 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1620 CANBERRA, 2 [November] [1] 1945 IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL 1. Good press here on recent statements by you. Statements intelligently reported. Indonesian situation is becoming main interest. Emphasis you placed on welfare approach important as Australia not prepared for any direct responsibility involving use of Australian forces....’
358. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE [1]: 2 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 467 CANBERRA, 2 November 1945 SECRET Reference Dominions Office telegram D1965 [2] and our 447 to Hasluck. [3] 1. Concerning relationship of proposed Educational and Cultural body to United Nations, we have broadly three alternatives:- (a) To establish it as a specialised agency under either Article 57 or 59...’
359. EVATT TO BURTON: 1 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E11 WASHINGTON, 1 November 1945, 12.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Byrnes announced yesterday a four power agreement (America, Britain, Russia, China) to destroy major remnants of the Japanese Navy and divide equally 38 destroyers and additional smaller craft. You know how keenly I am concerned in this, both from...’
360. BURTON TO EVATT: 2 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1626 CANBERRA, 2 November 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Your E.11. [1] On the 13th October Dominions Office reported U.S. proposal and text of proposed reply asking for our early comments (D.1914, D.1915 [2]). 2. On 31st October Defence replied that they agreed with proposed reply and that in the...’
361. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 4 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1631 CANBERRA, 4 November 1945 My 1603. [1] Indonesian Policy. 1. Since despatching telegram under reference the situation in Java has seriously deteriorated along lines we had anticipated. The refusal of the Hague to sanction negotiations with Soekarno has led to delays during which Soekarno has lost influence and...’
362. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 3 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 446 LONDON, 3 November 1945, 5.20 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL SECRET Your telegram of 25th September No. 312 [1] has received very careful consideration. The United Kingdom Government fully realise that the establishment in Australia during the war of new industries lacking tariff protection raises difficult problems for Australia and they...’
363. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 4 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 447 LONDON, 4 November 1945, 5.32 p.m. TOP SECRET Java. Thank you for your telegram of 31st October NO. 374. [1] We are very glad to have this full statement of your views. I can assure you that we have throughout had Australian interests well in mind. 2. We...’
364. DUNK TO MCFARLANE: 4 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 986 WASHINGTON, 4 November 1945, 8.26 p.m. SECRET Thanks for your 1599 and 1602. [1] I have written to Clayton outlining our views on inventory and settlement. [2] I thought it desirable as I am leaving Washington on Monday to set down something concrete so that there will be...’
365. WALKER TO CHIFLEY, MAKIN AND EVATT: 5 November 1945; ‘Cablegram ILO20 LONDON, 5 November 1945, 4.50 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET 1. The Australian Government’s election to the governing body [1] followed protracted negotiations with several blocs since a situation developed in which canvassing of individual votes could not affect the result. Latin Americans were determined to obtain four out of...’
366. DUNCAN TO CHIFLEY: 6 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 159 LONDON, 6 November 1945 United Kingdom has now reached conclusion that war being over time is ripe to invite Eire to become member of Commonwealth Air Transport Council. [1] This question was I understand discussed at Montreal last December but it was then decided to take no action....’
367. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 7 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1658 CANBERRA, 7 November 1945 MOST SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE AUSTRALIAN NETHERLANDS RELATIONS 1. In a note to be handed to the Netherlands Minister on 9th November, the Acting Minister for External Affairs will refer to a recent statement over the Hilversum radio that the Netherlands Minister to Australia had...’
368. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 8 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1664 CANBERRA, 8 November 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET I have sent the following to Attlee. ‘I regard the discussions which you are to have in Washington on the atomic bomb [1] as most important and I would like to be kept informed. As you know, Australian scientists made contribution and...’
369. BURTON TO EVATT AND HOOD: 8 November 1945; ‘Cablegrams 1666, 494 CANBERRA, 8 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE 1. Reference telegram regarding note to Netherlands Minister. [1] Acting Minister will speak to Netherlands Minister along lines indicated but will not hand note. Objective of discussion will be to attempt to get a fresh start in our relations with the...’
370. BURTON TO BALL: 8 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 2 CANBERRA, 8 November 1945 SECRET Message received through service channels from Subardjo ‘Foreign Minister Indonesian Republic’ whilst expressing gratitude also mentions indignation at non-disembarkation of ‘twenty seven’ Indonesian ‘people’ and states that reason for action taken is unknown, but according to reports at order of Australian Government. Please...’
371. SMUTS TO MAKIN: 7 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 101 PRETORIA, 7 November 1945, 1.04 p.m. SECRET Your 118. [1] The Union Government welcome the proposal to exchange High Commissioners and will be happy to receive an Australian representative here. Owing to an acute shortage of personnel, it will however, be difficult for the Union to reciprocate at...’
372. EVATT TO BURTON: 7 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E20 WASHINGTON, 7 November 1945, 2.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I am very surprised and concerned at the idea of sending such a note at the present time. [1] It can only do harm and may do considerable. At a later stage the question may possibly deserve reconsideration. _...’
373. FORSYTH TO BURTON: 7 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 994 (extract) WASHINGTON, 7 November 1945, 8.46 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET FEC.8. 1. Reference FEC.5 paragraph 7. [1] The United Kingdom Delegation informed us [5 November] [2] that the British Ambassador had been instructed to make a protest to the State Department concerning the United States statement under reference...’
374. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 9 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 394 CANBERRA, 9 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D 2069. [1] Commercial Policy. As intimated in my cable 1516 [2] the Australian Government is prepared to join in discussions on commercial policy and to engage in the bilateral negotiations with a sincere desire to reach a satisfactory settlement...’
375. BALL TO BURTON: 8 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 2 BATAVIA, 8 November 1945 SECRET I urgently request authoritative clarification of the position of Australia representatives here. British authorities in Batavia are apparently not informed of my status or functions. It has been necessary for them to enquire from Plumb about my identity and mission. This is profoundly...’
376. BALL TO BURTON: 8 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 3 BATAVIA, 8 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I had a long talk with Walsh, Christison’s adviser. He said- (1) That the final bilateral conference under Christison’s chairmanship was scheduled for the fourth [1] but yesterday Soekarno firmly refused to meet until 15th despite strongest British Dutch protest against...’
377. BURTON TO EVATT: 10 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1688 CANBERRA, 10 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Netherlands Minister making frequent calls these days and interview at some time could not easily be avoided hence appointment already made was not cancelled. However, whole character of interview was changed as result your messages [1] and your point met. He...’
378. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1 TOKYO, 9 November 1945, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET Control of Japan exercised by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers is effected by the issue of directives to the Japanese or the appropriate agency thereof by the Supreme Commander through the Japanese Central Liaison Office at Tokyo, or...’
379. BALL TO BURTON: 10 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 4 BATAVIA, 10 November 1945 TOP SECRET I have seen Foote [1] who was most cordial. Makes gloomy prediction. Believes Nationalists represent only small articulate minority but heavily armed and led by German and Japanese Agents. Believes immediate problem not ultimately complete ownership of these Islands but urgent human...’
380. EVATT TO MAKIN: 10 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E23 WASHINGTON, 10 November 1945, 6.56 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Far Eastern Commission. The latest position is that the Russians have proposed Four-Power Body in Japan which would be a Control Council and in which, in effect, veto would apply even to directives from the Far Eastern Commission. As...’
381. EVATT TO BURTON: 9 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E24 WASHINGTON, 9 November 1945, 10.04 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1684 [1], my view is that Macmahon Ball should be brought immediately into continuous consultation on all matters affecting Indonesia because of our vital concern in the area and the part we played in its defence and liberation. Request...’
382. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 12 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 396 [1] CANBERRA, 12 November 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET You will doubtless be aware that our Political Representative W. Macmahon Ball is now in Batavia. There is no need to reiterate our vital concern at developments in the Netherlands East Indies area. We have already stressed to you our belief...’
383. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND KEANE: 11 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E26 WASHINGTON, 11 November 1945, 3.14 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1682. [1] 1. Liesching [2], accompanied by Shackle [3] and Cockram [4] of the United Kingdom Delegation, asked to see me this afternoon to discuss your telegram 1682 about Commercial Policy. 2. Liesching said that in the first place...’
384. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 2 TOKYO, 10 November 1945, 1.15 a.m. SECRET My telegram 1 [1], paragraph 3. The most important directives may be classified under the following main heads:- (1) Financial and industrial. (2) Public relations. (3) Educational and religious. (4) Public health. 2. The following is a digest of the chief...’
385. BALL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 6 BATAVIA, 11 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following is a summary of my reaction so far. Unable to estimate the strength and unity of Soekarno Movement owing to fragmentary and inconsistent reports of the attitude of the Indonesians outside the small British perimeter of Batavia and Sourabaya. Yet...’
386. EVATT TO CHIFLEY AND KEANE: 11 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E27 WASHINGTON, 11 November 1945, 4.31 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Telegram E.26 [1] dealing with the commercial question represents Liesching’s [2] views and the language attributed to him in the telegram was in fact approved by him. My personal view is that the formula commits us in a practical...’
387. BALL TO BURTON: 12 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 7 BATAVIA, 12 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I have not yet received any acknowledgement or instructions consequent on my previous six telegrams. As suggested in my earlier telegram [1], 10th November has been the important day here. Soekarno is appealing to me to secure Australia’s protest against the...’
388. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 12 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 459 LONDON, 12 November 1945, 9.02 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 394 [1] repeated Wellington 228. COMMERCIAL POLICY We have studied your message with care and are, of course, most anxious that in supporting the United States proposals as now revised as a basis for discussion at the...’
389. EVATT TO MAKIN: 13 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1021 WASHINGTON, 13 November 1945, 12.53 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE In view of the suggestion regarding United Kingdom policy in relation to the Indonesians dispute [1], I brought up the subject with Attlee. He stated that the only purpose of activity on the part of the British Armed Forces was...’
390. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 461 LONDON, 13 November 1945, 7.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 12th November, No. 396. [1] JAVA As stated in my telegram 25th October, No. 431 [2], the Allied Commander, Netherlands East Indies, and our political advisers to the Allied Commander, Netherlands East Indies, and the Supreme Allied Commander,...’
391. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 15 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 408 CANBERRA, 15 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 459-Commercial Policy. [1] 1. We have given careful consideration to your telegrams 459 and 460 [2] in reply to our telegram 394 [3] in which we expressed the concern we have felt about the proposed document and your contemplated association...’
392. BALL TO BURTON: 14 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 10, BATAVIA, 14 November 1945 SECRET Had long talk with Christison and Dening and Walsh this morning. All three in comparative optimistic mood as a result of the break up of the Soekarno Cabinet. [1] Dening argues that Eastern people easily instigated to theatrical political demonstrations that are superficial...’
393. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 15 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 466 LONDON, 15 November 1945, 1.00 p.m. TOP SECRET & PERSONAL Following is the text of a statement issued to the Press to-day. Begins. The President of the United States, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister of Canada have issued the following statement: 1....’
394. BALL TO BURTON: 15 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 11 BATAVIA, 15 November 1945 SECRET The Conference between the Dutch and Indonesians under Christison’s Chairmanship is still expected to meet to-day. Christison told me this morning that although the British were happy for me to attend the Conference as a silent observer, he felt unable to insist on...’
395. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 15 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E32 WASHINGTON, 15 November 1945, 7.51 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET You will have seen communique regarding atomic energy. [1] It follows pretty closely the principles which were contained in my earlier telegram. [2] What has been done in substance is to pass the buck to the United Nations Organisation...’
396. CABINET SUBMISSION BY DRAKEFORD: 16 November 1945; ‘Agendum 1006 16 November 1945, PROPOSED RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT WITH U.S.A. REGARDING AIR TRANSPORT RIGHTS The American Legation, Canberra, has submitted to the Department of External Affairs a proposal that an air transport agreement be negotiated between the Australian and United States Governments and has submitted a draft agreement accordingly. This...’
397. CABINET SUBMISSION BY DRAKEFORD: 16 November 1945; ‘Agendum 1007 16 November 1945, BRITISH AIR SERVICES IN THE PACIFIC INTRODUCTION Following discussions between the British Commonwealth countries at Montreal and London last year, Cabinet on Agendum No. 805 [1] approved, inter alia, that the Australian Government join with the New Zealand and United Kingdom Governments in the formation...’
398. FORSYTH TO BURTON: 16 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1033 (extract) WASHINGTON, 16 November 1945, 11.16 a.m. SECRET F.E.C.17. On 15th November Committee C under the Chairmanship of Dr. Evatt completed a review of the basic objectives and policies (parts I Objectives, II Allied authority, and III Political). Part IV Economic, will be dealt with next week. The...’
399. BALL TO BURTON: 17 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 12 BATAVIA, 17 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Received 18 November 1945 This is 12th telegram I have sent you since arrival at Batavia ten days ago. Several telegrams contained urgent request for your directions. During this period I have received only one short message in reply [1] and...’
400. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON, MOUNTBATTEN, FRASER, EVATT: 21 November 1945; ‘Cablegrams 415, 24, 242, 1774 CANBERRA, 21 November 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D.2115 [1], Siam. We appreciate manner in which we have been kept informed of the course of negotiations with Siam and of the reception accorded by S.E.A.C. Headquarters to Colonel A. J. Eastman, Australian Services Representative with S.A.C.S.E.A.’s...’
401. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 21 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1776 CANBERRA, 21 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your E.30. [1] 1. We are growing somewhat concerned about the following aspects of the delay in receiving any answer to our communication to the United States Government:- (A) The despatch of the Australian component of the British Commonwealth Force....’
402. EVATT TO MAKIN: 21 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E40 WASHINGTON, 21 November 1945, 2.19 a.m. SECRET Lehman, Director General of U.N.R.R.A. has approached me in regard to the question of convening a further Council Session in 1945. He stated that in the view of the Central Committee the volume of business would not warrant a further session...’
403. FORSYTH TO BURTON: 21 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1048 WASHINGTON, 21 November 1945, 2.19 a.m SECRET FEC.19. 1. The Committee on basic policy dealt with Part IV economic policy on 20th November and appointed a sub-committee of United States, China and Australia to draft a report to be submitted to the full Commission on 23rd November. The...’
404. BALL TO BURTON: 21 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 15 BATAVIA, 21 November 1945 SECRET Your telegrams are apparently now arriving smoothly. Please thank Mulrooney for his telegram. [1] I fully understand his difficulties. I have not shown any incoming messages to anybody but have allowed Christison to see two outgoing. I have now declined to show him...’
405. BALL TO BURTON: 22 November 1945; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 22 November 1945 I hope that my telegrams, though fragmentary, may have given you a reasonably coherent picture of the Java situation as I see it. I must emphasise ‘as I see it’, because while I realise that what you want is fact and not opinion, facts are...’
406. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO WALKER: 23 November 1945; ‘Cablegram P26 CANBERRA, 23 November 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 59 Reparations. [1] In view of the very much greater damage suffered by European countries and consequent stronger claims to reparations we do not wish to press our own beyond what our substantial war effort will reasonably justify and bearing in...’
407. DE VALERA TO CHIFLEY: 22 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1 DUBLIN, 22 November 1945, 12.42 p.m. For a long time my colleagues and I have wished to establish closer relations with Australia, for whom the people of my country have always had the most kind feelings, and we think that an early exchange of representatives would be the...’
408. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 22 November 1945; ‘Cablegram D2138 LONDON, 22 November 1945, 8.20 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL The United States Secretary of State recently approached us with a view to securing Long-Term Military Base Rights in territories (mainly in the Pacific) administered by the United Kingdom and asked for our support of United States negotiations...’
409. EVATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E46 WASHINGTON, 23 November 1945 SECRET London telegram 131 to Washington. [1] OBSERVERS FOR GREEK ELECTIONS The Greek Government had approached me direct suggesting that Australia should send observers on our account quite separately from the United Kingdom. I indicated that we would do this if possible, and I...’
410. EVATT TO MAKIN AND CHIFLEY: 23 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E47 WASHINGTON, 23 November 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE INDONESIA In view of long series of cables from Australia including Macmahon Ball’s reports and conversation with Makin, I have reached following conclusions. The situation appears to be worsening following failure of conference [1] with probability of very serious disorders...’
411. EVATT TO MAKIN AND CHIFLEY: 23 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E48 WASHINGTON, 23 November 1945, 10.27 p.m. TOP SECRET Following is the draft statement referred to in my E47. [1] Part 1. The Australian Government is vitally interested in the situation in the Netherlands Indies and in the future of Indonesia. The war against Japan has shown the importance...’
412. EVATT TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 23 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E49 WASHINGTON, 23 November 1945, 11.23 p.m. SECRET At today’s meeting of the Far Eastern Commission further progress was made and the basic policy and principles for the Japanese occupation as drafted by the Policy Committee, of which I am Chairman, will come up next week to be dealt...’
413. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 24 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E50 WASHINGTON, 24 November 1945, 1.59 a.m. SECRET British Occupation Force for Japan. The answer of the United States Government received this evening is as follows:- The United States Government accepts in principle the participation in the occupation of Japan of British Commonwealth Forces and will be pleased to...’
414. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 26 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1802 CANBERRA, 26 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Your E.47. [1] I have examined your proposal and fully agree with you regarding Australian security interests in settlement before situation further deteriorates. At same time judging by recent discussions regarding future use of Australian forces I am sure...’
415. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 November 1945; ‘Cablegram N29 LONDON, 25 November 1945, 7.26 p.m. SECRET The following are early impressions derived from my first visit to the Hague. 1. Morale is higher than in Brussels and much higher than in Paris. Losses and hardships during the occupation were severe but the general attitude is not to...’
416. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN WASHINGTON: 27 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1815 CANBERRA, 27 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1055. [1] 1. Our telegram 1509 [2] emphasises our need for cyclotrons by way of reparations from Japan. 2. In addition on November 8th, Army authorities were instructed to inform Australian Scientific Mission to Japan that we required cyclotrons with...’
417. WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 435 LONDON, 26 November 1945, 8.09 p.m. SECRET In accordance with agreement on control machinery in Austria (see telegram D.1368 of 3rd August [1]), the Allied Council have agreed in principle that military missions should now be accepted in Austria. In view of the practical difficulties, such as the...’
418. BALL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 21 BATAVIA, 27 November 1945 SECRET For some time now Dutch women and children ex-internees have been beseeching me to gain asylum for them for some months in Australia. Their condition is pitiful. This morning the Combined Red Cross Authorities have made an appeal in the press to support...’
419. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 27 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 489 LONDON, 27 November 1945, 8.50 p.m. SECRET IMPORTANT Thank you for your telegram of 21st November No. 415 [1] about negotiations with Siam. We recognise the Australian Government’s interest in developments in Siam and have had it in mind throughout negotiations to date. But your telegram under reply...’
420. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 29 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1833 CANBERRA, 29 November 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET British Commonwealth Force. Following are the comments of the Australian Chiefs of Staff on the reply of the United States Government contained in your E.50. [1] 2. The Chiefs of Staff recalled that the Commonwealth Government originally agreed to the...’
421. FORSYTH TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 November 1945; ‘Cablegram 1069 WASHINGTON, 28 November 1945, 12.08 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET FEC23. (1) The third report of Committee I will be considered by the Commission on 28th November. This report consolidates Committee and Sub-Committee revisions of ‘United States initial post surrender policy for Japan’ in the light of discussions in...’
422. EVATT AND LAVARACK TO CHIFLEY: 30 November 1945; ‘Cablegram E59 WASHINGTON, 30 November 1945, 10.02 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 1832 [1] and 1833. [2] Having carefully tested out the position here and weighed all the probabilities if we resist the United States proposals which will probably arrive formally to-morrow, we both feel strongly that in the...’
423. HODGSON TO MAKIN: 1 December 1945; ‘Dispatch 12 (extracts) PARIS, 1 December 1945 I have the honour to advise you that I presented my credentials to General de Gaulle [1] this morning. [matter omitted] 4. … General de Gaulle said that he was very happy to receive the diplomatic representative of Australia and that he hoped...’
424. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO FORSYTH: 3 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 1853 CANBERRA, 3 December 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Our 1845 [1] re Zaibatsu. Reference D.2116 [2] and 468 [3] from Dominions Office. 1. The following comments represent Departmental view on above cables. Please inform us if you decide to forward any comments direct to the Secretary of State for...’
425. DUNK TO SHEDDEN FOR EASTMAN: 3 December 1945; ‘Message 1249 CANBERRA, 3 December 1945 SECRET IMMEDIATE H.M. Government in the United Kingdom has advised [1] that it is quite practicable for you to be associated with Mr. Dening as Australian Representatives in the concluding phase of negotiations with the Siamese. 2. The question of appointing you as Australian...’
426. FORSYTH TO DUNK: 1 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 1085 WASHINGTON, 1 December 1945, 12.15 a.m. PERSONAL SECRET You will have seen FEC28, reporting 7th meeting of Commission 28th November. [1] There was substantial agreement on contents of document ‘post-surrender policy for Japan’ produced by basic policy committee under Dr. Evatt’s chairmanship. Contents are in line with Australian...’
427. FORSYTH TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 1088 WASHINGTON, 2 December 1945, 4.54 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET F.E.C.31. The following is the text of the document referred to in F.E.C.28 [1] as circulated by the Secretariat for consideration and acceptance (by Commission) as a document suitable for reference to Governments. The next meeting is Wednesday morning 5th...’
428. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 4 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 438 CANBERRA, 4 December 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Bretton Woods Monetary Proposals. We note from your D.2173 [1] that you may be submitting the Bretton Woods proposals to your Parliament for their consideration during December with a view to acceptance of membership before the closing date for original membership, i.e....’
429. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 4 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 440 CANBERRA, 4 December 1945, 11 p.m. A review of the prospects for our balance of international payments following the cessation of the war emphasises the following adverse factors in the outlook for 1945/46 and 1946/47- (A) Our terms of trade are likely to be seriously adverse. Import prices...’
430. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 3 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2176 LONDON, 3 December 1945, 9.47 p.m. TOP SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Allied Council. Revised tentative draft proposed by the United States on 30th November. 1. There shall be established an Allied Council, with its seat in Tokyo under the Chairmanship of the Supreme Commander for Allied...’
431. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 3 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2177 LONDON, 3 December 1945, 11.12 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram of to-day D No.2175 [1], Far Eastern Commission. Tentative terms of reference proposed by the United States on 30th November. Begins- 1. Establishment Governments of (here insert the names of Governments originally proposed by the United States Government,...’
432. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, U.N. PREPARATORY COMMISSION [1], TO DUNK: 4 December 1945; ‘Memorandum UNO/Rep 7 LONDON, 4 December 1945 1. At the first meeting of Committee 4 dealing with Trusteeship Mr. Belt of Cuba was elected Chairman and Mr. Kuzma V. Kiselev of the Byelo-Russian S.S.R. Vice-Chairman. 2. As soon as Hasluck, speaking as Deputy for Dr. Evatt, had introduced Chapter 4...’
433. BALL TO BURTON: 4 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 2 SINGAPORE [1], 4 December 1945 SECRET I feel it undesirable to have two Political Representatives with S.E.A.C. dealing with Netherlands East Indies situation. Proud’s accreditation to Supreme Commander gives him exclusive or paramount right to join Java policy conversations here. This automatically relegates me to subordinate and redundant...’
434. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON AND FRASER: 6 December 1945; ‘Cablegrams 443, 263 CANBERRA [1], 6 December 1945 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D.2016 [2] and D.2125. [3] We agree with the principle of Trusteeship for a period which should be terminated when U.N.O. Assembly, acting on advice of Trusteeship Council, determines Korea is fit for independence. We think, however, that United...’
435. EVATT TO MAKIN: 7 December 1945; ‘Cablegram E64 WASHINGTON, 7 December 1945, 12.48 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. The proposal in relation to Korea mentioned in your telegram [1] has two aspects. The first is the membership of the proposed trusteeship arrangement. As to this Four Power Trusteeship is unsatisfactory. In all probability unanimity would be insisted...’
436. COCHRANE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 December 1945; ‘Memorandum LONDON, 7 December 1945 REPARATIONS-PARIS CONFERENCE I returned from Paris on the 5th instant after attending the Reparations Conference on the 25th November to 4th December. I stayed rather longer than I intended since it was anticipated that the table of quotas proposed for each country would be laid...’
437. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EASTMAN: 8 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 7 CANBERRA, 8 December 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE See our immediately preceding cablegram. [1] We have asked the King to appoint you Minister Plenipotentiary for the negotiations with Siam. The Prime Minister has directed that, in the exercise of your powers, you are restricted to carrying out only...’
438. DUNCAN TO CHIFLEY, MAKIN AND EVATT: 7 December 1945; ‘Cablegrams 170, 314 LONDON, 7 December 1945, 2.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Bevin hurriedly summoned a meeting this morning of representatives of the Dominions to advise us that he feels himself compelled to make the following statement in the House this afternoon. [1] Begins:- ‘A meeting of Foreign Secretaries...’
439. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 7 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 513 LONDON, 7 December 1945, 8.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 438. [1] In accordance with the procedure outlined in my telegram D.2180 [2] the bill to give effect to the Bretton Woods agreements has been introduced in the House of Commons today with the intention that it should...’
440. EVATT AND LAVARACK TO CHIFLEY: 8 December 1945; ‘Cablegram E65 WASHINGTON, 8 December 1945, 11.31 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET ONE. The following is the text of the detailed reply to our proposals of 20th October [1] for British Commonwealth occupation force. Begins:- I have the honour to refer to your note of 20th October, 1945 containing a...’
441. EVATT TO MAKIN: 9 December 1945; ‘Cablegram E66 WASHINGTON, 9 December 1945, 1.38 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. It is most unsatisfactory that the United Kingdom has so hurriedly agreed to a Three Power Conference the business of which will greatly affect Australia particularly items Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6. [1] Again there was no adequate...’
442. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, U.N. PREPARATORY COMMISSION, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 12287 LONDON, 9 December 1945, 8.12 p.m. SECRET UNO22. 1. Full dress debate in committee 8 on site of permanent headquarters of United Nations has commenced following two days manoeuvering over procedure. As there has been no decision re manner in which vote will eventually be taken and as...’
443. DUNK TO MINTER: 11 December 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 11 December 1945 I have the honour to refer to your communication of 22nd September, 1945, and subsequent verbal exchanges concerning the signing of articles of agreement of the International Monetary Fund and the articles of agreement of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, contained in Annex...’
444. MINTER TO MAKIN: 12 December 1945; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 12 December 1945 I have the honor to advise you of receipt of instructions from my Government to deliver to the Commonwealth Government the following communication: ‘The Government of the United States refers to the document “Proposals for Expansion of World Trade and Employment” [1] and to the...’
445. ADDISON TO CHIFLEY: 11 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2214 LONDON, 11 December 1945, 9.15 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram 22nd November D.2138. [1] We have now given preliminary consideration to the United States request and the following represent our provisional views. (a) It is clearly to our advantage and, indeed on particular grounds is of...’
446. CHIFLEY TO EVATT AND LAVARACK: 13 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 1917 CANBERRA, 13 December 1945 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your cablegram No.E.65 of 8th December. [1] The detailed United States reply has been communicated to the British Commonwealth Governments concerned who have been informed that certain aspects appear to require further consideration and consultation between the Governments concerned before the...’
447. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 13 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 453 CANBERRA, 13 December 1945 SECRET Our Nos. 447 [1] and 448. [2] With your 518 [3] in mind we have issued fresh instructions to Colonel Eastman the effect of which will be apparent if for (B) preamble and (1) of our 447 to you the following is substituted-...’
448. EASTMAN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 20 SINGAPORE, 12 December 1945 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Further to my telegram 18 of December 11th. [1] 1. Siamese talks were resumed at 1,000 hours on December 11th. Delegations were informed that I did not wish to address them at the commencement of the meeting but at a...’
449. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN MOSCOW: 14 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 219 CANBERRA, 14 DECEMBER 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET MEETING OF FOREIGN SECRETARIES 1. During the recent Council of Foreign Ministers Session Dr. Evatt secured acceptance in principle by both Byrnes and Bevin that there should be a peace conference at which all relevant issues would be finally determined...’
450. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2221 LONDON, 13 December 1945, 10.42 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegrams 3rd December D. Nos. 2175 [1] and 2176 [2] and my telegram 12th December D. No. 2218 paragraph 1 (3). [3] Control of Japan. We should still like to secure that both Australia and United Kingdom should...’
451. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 13 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2223 LONDON, 13 December 1945 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Your telegram 6th December 443. [1] Korea. Grateful for your observations. Meanwhile, as stated in my telegram 12th December D 2218 [2], the United States Secretary of State has proposed that among items for discussion at the forthcoming Moscow meeting should...’
452. HASLUCK TO DUNK: 14 December 1945; ‘Memorandum LONDON, 14 December 1945 AUSTRALIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE WORK OF THE UNITED NATIONS 1. When the United Nations is established by the first meeting of the General Assembly in January, 1946, certain immediate problems relating to Australian participation in the work of the new organisation will arise. As Executive...’
453. CHIFLEY TO ADDISON: 15 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 460 CANBERRA, 15 December 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My cablegrams 454, 456 and 457. [1] British Commonwealth Occupation Force. The following signal [2] from Lieutenant General Northcott, Tokyo, is being considered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Australia immediately and their views will be communicated to the...’
454. EGGLESTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 1154 WASHINGTON, 15 December 1945, 3.03 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference telegrams D.2221 [1], 2222 [2] and 2223. [3] Copies have been given me by Lord Halifax. I have been in touch with Evatt at Victoria B.C. [4] He objects in general to the discussion at Moscow of arrangements for...’
455. EVATT TO MAKIN: 15 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 469 OTTAWA, 15 December 1945, 3.07 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET I have just had a long telephone conversation with Eggleston [1] regarding Moscow meeting and make the following points. 1. In relation to the Far East and Pacific affairs we must maintain consistent policy that there should be...’
456. EVATT TO MAKIN: 15 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 471 OTTAWA, 15 December 1945, 9.44 p.m. SECRET I have already spoken to Dunk and Burton and London in connection with Australia’s prospective candidature for the Security Council and Economic Council at the forthcoming assembly in London. I would now propose that an approach should be made not through...’
457. FORSYTH TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 495 LONDON, 15 December 1945, 3.45 p.m. SECRET South Seas Commission (reference your 1850 to Washington [1]). 1. In an informal unofficial talk on 6th December in Washington with Bunche, Chase and Miss Armstrong, officials of the Dependent Territories Section of the State Department, I gathered that these officials...’
458. BALL TO DUNK: 17 December 1945; ‘Memorandum (extracts) CANBERRA, 17 December 1945 REPORT ON N.E.I. The purpose of this report is to sum up the N.E.I. situation as I see it. I must emphasise ‘as I see it’, because while I realise you want facts, and not opinions, hard facts were extremely difficult to come by...’
459. WAR CABINET MINUTE 4601: 18 December 1945; ‘CANBERRA, 18 December 1945 DISCUSSION WITH RT. HON. S.M. BRUCE, C.H., M.C. The Prime Minister welcomed Mr. Bruce on his return to Australia and expressed on behalf of the Government, its appreciation of his services as High Commissioner in London. Mr. Bruce gave the following resume of his impressions on...’
460. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 17 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 219 WELLINGTON, 17 December 1945, 10.20 p.m. TOP SECRET I have to-day sent the following message to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and would be most grateful for the views of your Government on the question of American claims for British island possessions in the Pacific. As...’
461. HODGSON TO MAKIN: 17 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 500 LONDON, 17 December 1945, 1.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The intense interest and debate on the site of headquarters culminated yesterday in a most dramatic session of conference with the selection of the United States. Protagonists for Europe had fought the question very hard and had used every device...’
462. WALKER TO CHIFLEY AND MAKIN: 17 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 90 PARIS, 17 December 1945, 5.48 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET REPARATIONS 13 The Inviting Powers yesterday tabled the draft final act including recommendation that Government conclude an agreement on reparation shares, on establishment of agency, and on restitution of monetary gold as set out in the final act. The...’
463. THE MACARTHUR-NORTHCOTT AGREEMENT: 18 December 1945; ‘Extracts TOKYO, 18 December 1945 SECRET MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD Tentative arrangements covering establishment of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan have been effected between Staff Conferees of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and the British Commonwealth Force as enumerated below. These arrangements have been concluded on a...’
464. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 19 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 465 CANBERRA, 19 December 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D.2221 [1], 2222 [2] and 2223. [3] 1. We assumed that any discussions at Moscow would be purely preliminary and exploratory, pending detailed review and final decision by all countries directly concerned in the matters under discussion. 2. It appears...’
465. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, U.N. PREPARATORY COMMISSION, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 12542 LONDON, 19 December 1945, 1.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET UNO30. Reference UNO14 3rd December-Trusteeship. [1] 1. Between 3rd and 8th December, Committee 4 was engaged in finishing the examination of rules of procedure for Trusteeship Council. Finally, drafting sub-Committee consisting of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Nicaragua, Syria, Ukraine and Yugoslavia...’
466. MALONEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 344 Moscow, 19 December 1945, 8.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET I saw Bevin this morning when he gave me the text of the American suggestions relative to the Far Eastern Control Council and Commission together with the Soviet’s proposed amendments to read and later discuss with his Far Eastern expert....’
467. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 19 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2264 LONDON, 19 December 1945, 9.05 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET My telegram 18th December D. No. 2252 [1] paragraph (6) proposed establishment of United Nations Commission to consider control of atomic energy. We have been informed by the United States Government that they propose to put forward at Moscow...’
468. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EASTMAN: 21 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 25 CANBERRA, 21 December 1945 SECRET Siam. Your 42. [1] We agree that it would be desirable to issue simultaneous release in Canberra, Bangkok and Singapore of terms of Australian letters with covering statements at same time as release regarding British formal agreement. Covering statement on following lines. Begins....’
469. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2267 LONDON, 20 December 1945, 9.38 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram D.2258 of 19th December. [1] 1. The preparation of peace treaties was further discussed at Moscow on 18th December. M. Molotov maintained the position he had taken up in London. The upshot was that the United...’
470. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 20 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2268 LONDON, 20 December 1945, 10.15 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 19th December D. No. 2264 [1] atomic energy. We agree generally with the United States proposals. 2. We have informed the United Kingdom Delegation at Moscow that we consider that the five permanent members of the United Nations...’
471. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 22 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 467 CANBERRA, 22 December 1945 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram D.2267. [1] 1. We agree that India’s very substantial effort in the European War justifies full participation in the Peace Conference. India’s position in world affairs has already been recognized by foundation membership of the United Nations and should...’
472. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 21 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 537 LONDON, 21 December 1945, 9.30 p.m. TOP SECRET IMPORTANT Thank you for your telegram of 19th December No. 465 [1] (Far East) of which the Foreign Secretary was at once informed. 2. It will be seen from my telegram to-day D. No. 2282 [2] that with your position...’
473. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 21 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2282 LONDON, 21 December 1945, 9.30 p.m. TOP SECRET IMPORTANT Control of Japan. The Foreign Secretary, in reporting as in my telegram of to-day D. No. 2277 [1] says that he has done his best at Moscow to secure (a) Separate United Kingdom and Australian representation in the Allied...’
474. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 22 December 1945; ‘Cablegram D2293 LONDON, 22 December 1945, 8.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram D. No. 2267 20th December. [1] The Foreign Secretary reports that the Soviet Government have now accepted the list of States to be invited to the Peace Conference as in paragraph 1 of my telegram under reference...’
475. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, U.N. PREPARATORY COMMISSION, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 12627 LONDON, 23 December 1945, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET UNO34. 1. Committee 4 yesterday accepted without dissent a compromise resolution unanimously recommended by the Sub-Committee referred to in paragraph 2 of UNO.30. [1] 2. During the preceding day or two the attitudes within SubCommittee had unexpectedly stiffened, and complete...’
476. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EGGLESTON: 25 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 1980 CANBERRA, 25 December 1945, 12 noon The King has given his informal approval to the appointment of the Hon. Norman John Oswald Makin, M.P., as Australian Minister to the United States. Details of Mr. Makin’s career will be known to you from official publications and Who’s Who. Please...’
477. HODGSON TO MAKIN: 24 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 12645 LONDON, 24 December 1945, 3.16 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. Last Friday Addison called meeting at Dominions Office of High Commissioners and Dominion Delegates to Preparatory Commission to discuss elections for Security Council and Economic and Social Council at the forthcoming General Assembly. Duncan and I attended...’
478. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 24 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 542 LONDON, 24 December 1945, 9.30 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 21st December No. 537. [1] Allied Council in Tokyo and Far Eastern Commission. You will since have seen from my telegram 22nd December D. No. 2291 [2] the nature of the agreement reached at Moscow. The Foreign Secretary...’
479. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 27 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 285 CANBERRA, 27 December 1945 SECRET 1. We are entirely in agreement with the views expressed in your telegram No. 219 Of [17]th December. [1] We are also of the opinion that the questions raised should be discussed during the forthcoming meetings in London. 2. While we feel that...’
480. ADDISON TO COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT: 28 December 1945; ‘Cablegram 543 LONDON, 28 December 1945, 2.35 p.m. SECRET You will have seen that it has been agreed at Moscow that the Allied Council in Tokyo should be a body of four and that the British member should represent jointly Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and India. It will now...’
481. EGGLESTON TO DUNK: 1 December 1945; ‘Letter (extract) [December [1] 1945], I have just read Mr. Macmahon Ball’s report of the 17th of December [2] on his work in the Netherlands East Indies. While I agree with a great deal of his report and his attitude, like most political scientists of today he seems to me...’

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