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

316 Mr R. G. Casey, Minister to the United States, to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister

Cablegram 105 WASHINGTON, 30 May 1940, 9.12 p.m.

FOR THE PRIME MINISTER

Interview with Sumner Welles reported in my telegram 106 [1] was result of Bruce's views in his telegrams 365 and 366. [2]

I agree with him that the French Government-Smuts proposal is unwise but I think his suggestion number (3) regarding a conference is premature.

I told Welles of my recommending you to press for Bruce to be made member of the British War Cabinet. [3] He agrees wholeheartedly and says it would have extremely good effect in this country where faith in British War Cabinet is not great. Fact also of Australia having direct voice would be very well taken here. [4]

CASEY

1 Document 319.

2 Documents 308 and 309.

3 See Document 313.

4 Casey sent a similar cablegram (no. 28) to Bruce on 30 May 1940 (on file AA: A3300, 47).

[AA: A981, EA DEPT 192, ii]

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