Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally

250 Mr S.M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London, to Mr R.G. Menzies, Prime Minister

Cablegram 505 (extract) LONDON, 28 September 1939, 8.30 p.m.

FOR PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET

In view of possible peace offensive probably with Mussolini [1] as intermediary in my view imperative nature and form of reply should be fully considered before move takes place. Have obtained agreement to meeting with sub-committee Prime Minister [2], Halifax [3], Chatfield [4], Hankey [5], Eden [6] this evening to discuss matter.

BRUCE

1 Benito Mussolini, Italian Head of State.

2 Neville Chamberlain.

3 Lord Halifax, U.K. Foreign Secretary.

4 Lord Chatfield, U.K. Minister for Co-ordination of Defence.

5 Lord Hankey, Minister without Portfolio in the U.K. War Cabinet.

6 Anthony Eden, U.K. Dominions Secretary.

[AA:A1609, A41/1/1, V]

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