IMMEDIATE

From long private conversation with Menzies [1] following Cabinet
Meeting last Monday [2] and from short interview with the Prime
Minister [3] this morning I am satisfied that the Commonwealth
Government remain strongly of the opinion that almost any
alternative is preferable to involvement in war with Germany in
the event of the latter forcibly intervening in Czechoslovakia.

Menzies is giving powerful support to the views of the Prime
Minister as outlined in my telegram No. 165. [4] Government have
received through Stirling [5] summary of information obtained
recently in Paris as to the improbability of any action by Russia
and also this morning a telegram recording appreciation of the
Nuremberg speech by His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin [6] and the
latter's recommendations that extreme final pressure should be put
upon Benes. [7] With those recommendations the Prime Minister told
me he agreed entirely but the Commonwealth Government are unable
to telegraph pending the receipt of message referred to in the
Dominions Office telegram No. 195. [8] Lyons when I saw him had
already arranged to speak by telephone to Bruce at four
(Australian time) today. [9]