Repeated to Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister

Cablegram unnumbered OTTAWA, [to Canberra] 24 May 1940, 10.49 p.m.

Received 25 May 1940

MOST SECRET

I have received Mr. Menzies' telegram [1] and share his
appreciation of the gravity of the situation and emphasis he has
placed on the importance of immediate supplies of aircraft which
could only be sought in any large numbers in United States. I was
about to reply when I received your telegram of to-day. [2] I
entirely concur in your views as to the situation in Washington.

Public opinion in the United States has been profoundly changed in
the past few weeks and latest events will undoubtedly result in
further modifications. The action of Foreign Affairs Committee of
the Senate this week in rejecting by a vote of twelve to one a
proposal to make Army planes available to the Allies indicates,
however, the difficulties in translating this opinion into
congressional action. Any change of policy in the United States
will have to result from the conviction that a change is necessary
in their own interest. I feel strongly that at the present moment
any public appeal by outside Governments would arrest rather than
assist the formation of public and congressional opinion
favourable to action, and consider that it would be equally
embarrassing if information were to reach the public as to
personal appeals or discussions being made.

2. As to making known the gravity and needs of the situation
particularly regarding the air, I have been for some time in
direct and personal touch and am to give close and direct
attention to this aspect of the situation.

3. I am repeating this telegram to Mr. Menzies, Mr. Fraser [3] and
General Smuts. [4]