INTERNATIONAL SITUATION
The international position was discussed at some length, and the
Minister for External Affairs [1] read cablegrams which had been
received from the High Commissioner in London [2], and the replies
sent by the Prime Minister. [3]

With respect to the cablegram despatched by the Prime Minister of
Australia on Sunday, 27th August [4], it was explained that this
action was taken after discussion with Ministers who were
available in Melbourne.

Mr Spender [5] asked that some method be found for keeping all
Ministers properly informed with respect to international affairs,
and that the cablegrams relating thereto should be circulated not
only to a limited number of Ministers but to the whole Cabinet, as
otherwise they could not properly exercise their judgment upon
particular questions.

It was resolved that the Minister for External Affairs should take
this matter up with the Prime Minister immediately.

Mr Spender also stated that in his opinion the last cablegram
received from Mr Bruce was unsatisfactory as it did not convey to
Ministers sufficient information. [6]

It was resolved that the Minister for External Affairs should
immediately communicate by telephone with the High Commissioner in
London, requesting fuller information; but before doing so should
obtain the Prime Minister's agreement.

The Minister for External Affairs then left Cabinet to consult
with the Prime Minister. [7] On his return he advised that the
Prime Minister was thoroughly in agreement with the resolution.

Arrangements were then made with the Postmaster-General [8] for a
telephone conversation with Mr Bruce, which took place at about
4.30 p.m. The Minister for External Affairs then reported to
Cabinet the substance of his conversation with Mr Bruce. [9]

In reference particularly to Mr Spender's request that the High
Commissioner state whether he knew the tentative terms of the
reply to be sent by the British Government to Herr Hitler [10],
the Minister for External Affairs reported that the High
Commissioner had informed him that the terms were unknown to him
but that he understood the reply to be generally satisfactory and
in accordance with the view expressed by the Prime Minister, Mr
Menzies, in his cablegram of Sunday last. The High Commissioner
stated, further, that in his view the position was much easier
than twelve hours earlier. As requested by Cabinet he would send a
full cablegram immediately to the Prime Minister giving as much
detail as possible in respect of the international position. [11]