Cablegram 177 [1] LONDON, 17 July 1943, 3.50 p.m.
SECRET THE MINISTER
Reports have been received here which suggest that various matters
in connection with past conduct of the war are being raised in
controversy in the present election campaign in Australia. I am
concerned at the possibility that these controversies may lead to
disclosures of secret information and of expressions of views
contained in messages which we have, from time to time, sent to
the Australian Government.
Moreover, it seems to me there is a real risk that our views and
policy may become a controversial issue in Australian politics
which, I am sure, you will agree would be unfortunate and
undesirable and might compel me to make some explanations.
I would ask you, therefore, to consider what can be done to
prevent embarrassing and possibly dangerous disclosures, and, in
particular, to urge that those who, by reason of their position,
are in possession of secret information should not employ it in
public political controversy.
[FA:A3195, 1943, BOX, MOST SECRET INWARDS MASTER SHEETS FROM SECDO, 1.29705]