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368 Department of External Affairs to Mr R. G. Casey, Minister to the United States

Cablegram 427 27 March 1941,

Following from Commerce. Begins.

Prime Minister [1] is at Present discussing with British
Government possible effects on Australian food exports of shipping
developments and American Lend Lease programme. We are most
disturbed at prospects for some of our major foodstuffs
particularly meat, eggs, wheat and wheat products, and possible
[sic] processed fruits. Minister for Commerce [2] desires
Macgregor [3] remain in close touch with all economic developments
United States resulting from Lend Lease programme and question
arises whether we should appoint Macgregor as liaison officer with
authority to enquire on our behalf on all economic aspects keeping
closest touch with you at all stages. Page is anxious secure
Macgregor's appointment this capacity without delay. Could you
make necessary arrangements with State Department which will
permit Macgregor commence personal contacts at once. [4] Ends.

1 R. G. Menzies.

2 Sir Earle Page.

3 Government Trade Commissioner in the United States.

4 Casey recommended that Macgregor should instead be accredited as
Australian liaison officer to the British Supply Council in North
America, but the Commerce Dept insisted that he should be
accredited directly to the U.S. State Department. See Document 396
and Casey's cablegrams 237 of 29 March and 254 of 3 April and
External Affairs Dept cablegram 442 of 3 April on file AA:A3300,
103.


[AA:A3831, 1941, 493]
Last Updated: 11 September 2013
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