External Affairs Officer in London [1] has discussed informally
with the United Kingdom authorities the question of effect of war
with Italy on Anglo-Italian Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of
1883 [2] We understand that view taken is that position of pre-war
treaties will be regulated in the peace settlement. While this may
be so in general, our view is that this treaty might receive
immediate consideration. For some years we have been anxious to
secure abrogation of treaty which has always been source of
embarrassment causing political difficulties and conferring no
benefits so far as Australia is concerned.

Whatever the course of the war, the abrogation of treaty will in
our view not be prejudicial to the United Kingdom or Australia,
while it will have the advantage of causing Italy to raise it at
peace settlement.

We would ask that some positive action be taken now to ensure
abrogation and not merely suspension of the treaty. If the United
Kingdom Government does not feel disposed to take such action our
view is that in the light of changed circumstances a separate
notice of abrogation should be given in respect of the
Commonwealth.