Your telegram No. 341. [2]

No press references to current talks [3] have been made here.

Talks are unknown outside the very restricted official circles.

On 2nd February references to the Hull-Casey talks of last year
[4] appeared in the press. They originated in Wellington New
Zealand on 14th January and apparently came to America by mail.

Reports claim that 'understanding' existed between the United
States Australia and New Zealand in accordance with which
Australia and New Zealand had agreed to grant 'refuelling
facilities at ports' and 'flying fields' in return for some
unspecified American 'limited guarantee' allegedly connected with
the defence of Singapore.

Before publication Editor 'New York Times' [5] asked Hamilton of
State Department and myself for confirmation and we refused to
comment.

Burrell [6] subsequently learned that Admiral Stark [7] was very
disturbed at the publication of reports.

Utmost secrecy regarding the present talks which are proceeding
very slowly is so essential that I suggest that the Censor should
continue to hold up reports which originated in New Zealand. If
this should become impracticable, reports should be linked clearly
with Hull-Casey conversations which occurred at the end of last
year and perhaps passing reference made to Minister's recent
illness.

I have discussed your telegram with Butler [8] who agrees (1)
utmost secrecy concerning present talks necessary. (2) Australian
censor should hold up reports if possible, (3) if (2)
impracticable they should definitely link with the Hull-Casey
conversation of last year.

WATT