Reference your cablegrams Nos. 40 [1], 44 [2] and 53. [3] The
conclusion of the War Cabinet and the Advisory War Council on the
course of action to be followed was that the central principle of
Australia having a voice in the higher direction of the Pacific
theatre should be put up to Mr. Churchill. [4]

2. As you will have noted, the arguments are based on the
provision in the draft agreement for an ABDA Council, our special
interest in the Pacific region and the repetition of my most
recent representations regarding consultation with the accredited
Australian representative by the War Cabinet and Defence Committee
in London.

3. The correct tactics are to await Mr. Churchill's reply on the
principles for which the Commonwealth Government stands and the
question of machinery will then be elaborated in the light of his
reply. [5]

4. Your discussion of the Prime Minister's cablegram to Mr.

Churchill [6] with the British Chiefs of Staff is not favoured as
the correct course of action, and in seeking to respond to their
requests for a detailed elaboration of our ideas on machinery you
discount the value of the Prime Minister's direct approach to Mr.

Churchill.

5. You cannot be authorized to discuss the question of Australian
representation in the War Cabinet in London, this has been dealt
with to date by special communications to Churchill and by
discussions by Page [7] along lines on which he was specially
briefed.

6. It is suggested you confine your representations to Churchill
to the fundamental principles which have been stated in cablegram
No. 37. [8]

EVATT