Repeated to Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London

Cablegram unnumbered 28 September 1938

At this late hour I venture to suggest that there may be some
possibility of averting war by personal appeal to Signor
Mussolini. I can think of no other individual who might be able to
influence Herr Hitler towards peaceful solution. If Bruce, our
High Commissioner in London, could be of any service to you by
flying to Rome bearing personal message from you to Signor
Mussolini you may of course regard him as available and I am
cabling him urgently to this effect. I suggest Bruce because, as
Prime Minister of Australia, am on good personal terms with Signor
Mussolini.

J. A. LYONS
Prime Minister