In view of the importance of the meetings that are just starting
in Moscow [1] I would ask that I should be kept informed as to
developments. I would also ask that I should be invited to attend
meetings of the War Cabinet at which matters arising out of the
discussions are considered.

I realise that from time to time meetings must be held designed,
as you say in your letter of 6th October [2], 'to give the United
Kingdom Ministers present an opportunity of clearing their own
minds in the first instance on the questions at issue'. I trust,
however, that in regard to non-domestic questions such meetings
will not be regarded as the ordinary procedure. If they were, the
result would be to nullify the arrangement reached in January 1942
between yourself and my Prime Minister that 'the Accredited
Representative should have the right to be heard in the War
Cabinet in the formulation and direction of policy'. [3]

As I have explained to you previously I have not found it too easy
to carry out the task entrusted to me by my Government, namely,
'quietly and if possible without friction to ensure that in
respect to major issues we will be fully informed and have an
opportunity to express our views before decisions are taken'. [4]

May I appeal to you to lend me a hand in carrying out my somewhat
difficult job.

S. M. BRUCE