Cablegram 41[A] LONDON, 9 March 1942, 9.50 p.m.
IMMEDIATE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL HIMSELF
As I am not directly and primarily handling the vital questions
now under discussion it is not for me to send you an official
communication. I feel however that I should inform you privately
and personally of my views and of the advice I am tend[er]ing [1]
to Page. [2]
In my telegram No. 16 of 25th January [3], I indicated for reasons
therein
given that in my view it was desirable that our influence in the
higher direction of the war in the Pacific and Far East should be
exercised through the Pacific Council in London. That view I have
now changed for the reason given in a note (see my immediately
following telegram [4]) I prepared to clear my own mind after
receipt of your telegram 166 to the Dominions Office. [5] I am
doing everything I can to get support from here with the President
[6] for acceptance of your proposal. The point with regard to King
[7] (Prime Minister's telegram 294 [8]) should be possible of