Post War Civil Aviation. As indicated in my telegram 159A of
September 10th [1] the intention was that the Empire discussions
[2] should have been followed by a joint Anglo-American-Soviet
meeting, the time and place of which was to be agreed at the
Foreign Secretary's conference in Moscow.

Mainly as a result of Beaverbrook's [3] intervention, the United
Kingdom Government now propose that Beaverbrook, accompanied by
Leathers, should proceed to Washington in the immediate future for
informal discussions with the Americans at which Beaverbrook would
disclose the general line of our thought as crystallised in the
Empire meeting which has just taken place. It is then possible
that after his informal talks with the Americans, Beaverbrook
should proceed to Moscow for similar informal talks with the
Russians. In any event it is proposed that Eden should inform the
Russians both of the Empire talks here and the informal
discussions in Washington and suggest either similar informal
talks with the Russians or the original contemplated Anglo-
American-Soviet meeting. Which of these two latter alternatives he
will suggest will be determined in the light of developments over
the next few days.

Your personal information. This question has now, as a result of
Beaverbrook's temperament, got into an atmosphere of hustle which
has its advantages in view of the urgency of the problem being
faced but has its dangers which have to be safeguarded against.

I attach great importance to and derive considerable comfort from
the fact that it is contemplated that Leathers should accompany
Beaverbrook to Washington.

BRUCE