Recent press messages reaching here from United States sources
refer to conclusion of defensive arrangements between United
States and Australia-New Zealand. We are also informed by Latham
[1] that prominence has been given to similar messages from New
York in Japanese press. So far these reports have been held here
by censorship out of regard for secrecy of general defence
conversations in Washington frequently emphasised in your
telegrams. As it may shortly be necessary however in view of
oversea publicity to make or allow some public reference to
subject, would like from you indication of line United States
press is taking and particularly whether it has any official
backing.