WAR AIMS
The Prime Minister [1] read to Cabinet the reply of the British
Government [2] to his cable on the war aims of the Commonwealth
(31/10/39). [3] An appreciation of Sir Eric Phipps, Ambassador at
Paris, was also read, indicating his views of the mental
background of the French people on the matter of war aims. [4]

It was agreed that the British statement was too uncertain and
that there were in substance two war aims-(i) immediate, and (ii)
ultimate. There was no difference of opinion as to the immediate
aim, namely to completely defeat Germany. In regard to the second,
the Australian Government did not lend itself to any suggestions
for the dismemberment of Germany for this in its view would
ultimately lead to another war. Exception was also taken to the
suggestion in the British reply that some German Government might
be found acceptable to the Allies. The view was expressed
(a) that if the British Government anticipated an internal
revolution in Germany they were over-optimistic; (b) that if it
contemplated a puppet government, it could not serve any purpose.

It was agreed that the Prime Minister should, along the general
lines indicated, prepare and despatch a cablegram to the United
Kingdom. [5]