109 Mr J. McEwen, Minister for External Affairs, to Mr R. G. Casey, Minister to the United States
Cablegram 30 21 March 1940,
My telegram No. 22. [1] Sale of wheat and flour to Japan. We have noted United States authorities admission that they are continuing to subsidise exports wheat and flour to China and other countries.
Japanese importers and Australian flour exporting interests have again approached Commonwealth Government with proposals for sales of flour to Japan on basis fifty per cent. cash fifty per cent.
credit. In view unemployment flour milling industry shortage of mill offals and continued anxiety regarding disposal stored wheat we have indicated to interested parties that we will favourably consider authorising credit deals, subject to later submission of details of proposed contracts. [2]
Above is for your information and use at discretion.
MINISTER EXTERNAL AFFAIRS