1 Evatt to Stirling
Cablegram 226 CANBERRA, 2 July 1942
SECRET
Please have the following message transmitted to the British
Ambassador, Kuibyshev. [1] Begins:-
Would be glad if you would communicate personally following
message to M. Molotov [2] from me:-
While in London in May you will recall I discussed with you and
your Ambassador in London the completion of an agreement in
principle for the exchange of diplomatic representatives between
the Soviet and the Commonwealth. You will recall in this
connection that you expressed yourself as personally favourable to
the agreement but desired the matter to wait until you could
obtain approval from M. Stalin. In our view the time has now come
for the announcement of an agreement in principle for exchange of
ministers following the example of Canada leaving the question of
appointment etc. to be determined later. I hope you will treat
this as an earnest of our desire for continuance of present
cordial relationships between our countries. It is many months
since we first suggested exchange and further delay would be a
matter for regret. I trust Your Excellency would be good enough to
regard this matter as one deserving of your early consideration.
[3] With kindest regards and best wishes.
EVATT