FOR ACTING PRIME MINISTER

I recently suggested to the Minister of National Defence [1]
desirability of closer liaison between Canada and Australia in the
exchange of information regarding military dispositions in the
Pacific area. I suggest that this exchange of information should
be as complete as possible and should take place between
corresponding branches of services of the two countries. Contact
between Canada or Canadian Air Force and Australian Air Force
might be made through Australian Air Liaison Officer, Ottawa [2];

between Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Australian Navy through
Australian Naval Attache, Washington [3]; between General Staffs
by diplomatic bag between Ottawa and Canberra.

I understand that the Minister has placed the suggestion
informally before his colleagues who have indicated approval in
principle.

I thought in addition to its value to the staffs of the three
services in Canada and Australia it might lead to closer liaison
between them in co-ordination of defence plans in the Pacific
area.

I put forward this proposal as a purely personal one and would
like to have your views before taking any further steps. I shall
discuss this matter with the Prime Minister [4] if he comes to
North America.

GLASGOW