31 Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister, to Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London

Cablegram unnumbered 26 January 1940,

MOST SECRET

In view of forthcoming location of 2nd A.I.F. in Palestine for
completion training and equipment with modem weapons we should be
glad to have earliest possible an appreciation of military
situation in Near and Middle East. In particular we should like
information as to possible employment of Australian troops in
those theatres either on active operations or temporarily on
internal security duties in relief of more fully trained British
troops. We should be grateful also for information as to
anticipated rate of provision of modern weapons and equipment for
2nd A.I.F. [1]

MENZIES

1 This cablegram was dispatched following a decision of War
Cabinet on 25 January 1940 (see AA: A2673, vol. 1, Minute 132).

Bruce's file copy (on AA: M100, January 1940) was minuted at 10.30
a.m. on 27 January: 'Saw Oliva Stanley at the War Office and
arranged with him to refer the questions to the Chiefs of Staff
for examination, with the understanding that when they have
considered the matter I shall have a private talk with them with a
view to determining the form in which the information asked for
should be prepared.' On 30 January Bruce reported: 'Saw the
Secretary of State for War last Saturday and the points raised by
you now being examined by Chiefs of Staff.' (See Bruce's
unnumbered cablegram in series FA: A3195,1.699.)

[FA: A3196, 0.512]

Last Updated: 11 September 2013

Countries, economies and regions

Stakeholder engagement

Development

Travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Passports

24-hour consular emergency helpline

Visas

Historical documents

31 Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister, to Mr S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner in London