286 Department of External Affairs to Stirling
Cablegram 182 CANBERRA, 18 September 1944
SECRET
We are concerned at the setting up of Armistice Control machinery
in various centres of Europe without any apparent provision for a
central body for coordinating policy and without any
representation for the Dominions or the smaller European Allies at
any level. We would appreciate detailed information regarding the
present situation regarding the United Nations Commission for
Europe proposed by Mr. Eden in July, 1943 [1], or of any similar
proposals, and particularly of opportunities for representation of
smaller nations on them. [2]
1 See Documents on Australian Foreign Polity 1937-49, vol. VI,
Documents 227 and 242.
2 In cablegram 130A, dispatched 28 September, Bruce told Curtin
that he believed the U.S. and Soviet Govts were opposed to the
admission of others than the Big Three to the central control body
for Germany, and that the U.K. Govt would have to 'overcome their
objections'. In cablegram 131A (incorrectly circulated in Canberra
as A141), dispatched 29 September, Bruce noted that the U.K. Govt
were considering inclusion of a number of personnel from Australia
and the other Dominions in the British element of the proposed
control machinery for Germany and Austria. Both cablegrams are on
file AA:A1066, H45/1013/2/1A, i. See also Document 271.
[AA:A989, 43-44/735/1009]
