Condensed reports of your speech on 8th March on Defence which
have appeared in Australian press indicate that the protection of
oversea possessions would be only the third objective of Britain's
defence policy. The inference has been drawn by the press that in
the event of war, Great Britain may not be able to defend her
oversea possessions. This naturally has caused considerable
misgiving in the minds of the Australian people and, without
doubt, will be the subject of question in Parliament. As you know,
we have had no official advice from your Government. I would be
glad if you could forward some supplementary and reassuring
statement for use here.

LYONS