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

200 Heydon to Burton

Cablegram 2539 LONDON, 29 July 1948, 6.22 p.m.

With reference to Massey's telegram No. 438 [1] Minister has discussed the matter with Attlee and if any request is to be made to Australia it would come from the United Kingdom Government.

This is clear principle and procedure. However, if Massey starts visiting affected areas it may cause embarrassment and Minister thinks he should not be encouraged. [2]

2. Minister has been very active since arrival on Monday and left for Geneva this morning (Thursday). He has seen the Prime Minister, Bevin, Cripps, Noel Baker and other Ministers and has been in close touch with Geneva during the week.

1 Dispatched as July 1948 Massey reported shortages of troops, arms and communications equipment and proposed visiting the affected areas.

2 paternal Affairs instructed Massey not to undertake the visit without specific authority from the Department.

[AA:A3195, 1948, 1.12266]

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

  • R.G. Casey Building
    John McEwen Crescent
    Barton ACT 0221 Australia
  • Phone: +61 2 6261 1111
  • Fax: +61 2 6261 3111
  • ABN: 47 065 634 525

Australian offices:

International offices:

Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, Multilateral Missions and Representative Offices.

Portfolio agencies

Travel

Trade

Issues

Organisations

Foundations, Councils and Institutes

About us

Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries

Stay up to date