IMMEDIATE

Reciprocal Lend Lease.

(1) I was summoned to the State Department and handed a document
which will be telegraphed to you in my immediately following
telegram. [1] In form it is a draft exchange of notes between the
Australian Minister, Washington, and the Secretary of State
indicating Australian willingness to provide reciprocal aid in the
widest terms; and agreeing to the inclusion of other United
Nations who participate.

(2) It assumes that Australia has already signed a duplicate of
the United States-United Kingdom Mutual Aid Agreement of February
23rd [2], and appears to be a standard form for all United
Nations. A copy different only in name was handed to the United
Kingdom representatives at about the same time. A similar copy is
to be given to Mr. Nash. [3]

(3) We are given to understand that the document has been approved
by the President [4] and Cordell Hull. [5] It must inevitably
supersede discussions with Acheson [6], and will require
consultation with United Kingdom which may not agree to the major
policy involved. I saw Phillips [7] and will send comments on the
foregoing when responding to your 671 [8] just received.