Your 1226. [1] Reciprocal Aid.

1. The Government's decision was only made after careful
consideration of all relevant factors including considerations
raised in your telegram and also the following-
(a) Magnitude of our contribution in relation to capacity.

(b) Certainty of Australia being pressed step by step to extend
and increase volume of supplies to United States of America.

(c) Prospect of pressure continuing for a considerable time after
European war ceases and thus imposing an unreasonable strain on
our very small resources.

However, your point regarding Truman Committee is appreciated and
in view of this and of our understanding that United Kingdom
Government will be forwarding its views next week we are agreeable
to deferring the delivery of the message to the State Department
for the moment.

3. We shall advise you further. In the meantime it would be unwise
for you to enter your [sic] conversations either informally or
formally with Hopkins. Please do not discuss matter with anybody
and let me have answer to my No. 1324 as soon as possible. [2]