519 Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, to Mr John Curtin, Prime Minister

From the concrete results achieved and the reports in the Press you will have appreciated Evatt's [1] success here.

There is little that I could add to his very comprehensive report to you on the results of his mission. Bearing these results in mind, I think that he has been wise in making his visit brief and concentrated, though it must have taken a heavy toll of his energy. He worked unceasingly both night and day.

Since his departure I have heard many comments on his visit. On every hand I have found them favourable. To my mind the most satisfactory feature is the attitude in Governmental and Press circles. Both were inclined to regard him before his arrival with a certain measure of suspicion. This has disappeared and has been replaced by a feeling of friendly regard. This changed atmosphere will undoubtedly be helpful not only to the Government but to Australia as a whole. It was remarkable how quickly Evatt sensed the atmosphere here.

His broadcast given within a few days of his arrival was admirable. While presenting Australia's case with force and directness he had regard to the susceptibilities of these somewhat difficult and certainly harrassed and war-worn people and so won their sympathy and understanding for Australia. The note he struck in that first broadcast he maintained throughout his visit.

I realise it is not for me to comment on the performance of Ministers but I felt you would like me to send you personally my views.

BRUCE