237 Critchley to Department of External Affairs

The Americans today presented simultaneously to both parties and to other members of the Committee in the form of informal and confidential oral note a draft agreement for an overall settlement. [1] Covering letter states that if both parties after consideration are prepared to accept draft as a suitable basis for negotiations the United States delegation will introduce draft into Committee as a working paper. The letter also stresses desirability at present of secrecy as to existence and contents of draft.

2. In substance the draft closely follows previous Australian - United States proposals. [2] It provides establishment of a provisional Federal Government following elections to a Federal representative assembly to take place [during] [3] January, 1949 3. My immediately following telegram will give a more detailed analysis of the proposals.