275 Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London, to Mr J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister

Cablegram 167 LONDON, 24 September 1938

German memorandum of Dominions Office telegram Number 265 [2]
great advance on Hider's letter, Dominions Office telegram Number
259 [3], in tone and substance particularly by inclusion of date
1st. October. Pending information from Prime Minister [4] and
examination no conclusion can be formed but atmosphere for the
moment distinctly more hopeful.

BRUCE

1 According to the Department of External Affairs inward cablegram
register this cablegram was not received until 26 September 1938
but it seems more likely that it arrived on 25 September.

2 Not printed; see Document 274, note 2.

3 The text of Hitler's letter was in fact given in circular
cablegram B263 of 24 September 1938, not printed (See AA : A981,
Czechoslovakia 18, ii). The letter stated that it was impossible
for Germany to refrain from giving 'immediate protection' to the
Sudetenland, although she would allow a plebiscite to be held
under international control.

4 Neville Chamberlain.

[AA : A981, CZECHOSLOVAKIA 18, ii]

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275 Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London, to Mr J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister