Many thanks for your letter of the 21st October. [1] I fully
appreciate 'the difficulties inherent in the situation' and my one
desire is to help in every way to overcome them. I can not,
however, leave the matter there in view of the task my Government
has entrusted to me.

I have an obligation to my Prime Minister in face of the many
vital issues that will arise in the immediate future to inform him
now that notwithstanding all my efforts I have failed 'to ensure
that in respect of major issues we will be fully informed and have
an opportunity to express our views before decisions are taken'.

[2]

Before I do so I would ask you to let me come and talk the matter
over with you. I am certain that in personal discussion we would
find a way out and get rid of this question which should not be
occupying either time or thought in these tremendous days. [3]

S. M. BRUCE