IMMEDIATE

Following for Evatt from Beasley.

International Labour Office Report No. 1.

The Conference [2] commenced yesterday and Fraser was invited to
speak at the opening. He made generous references to Australia
calling attention to the fact that I, a Minister of the
Government, was the Government Representative.

Nash elected President of the Conference. Selection Committee
which usually comprises members of the Governing Body was
appointed. Peru, Czecho-Slovakia, Egypt and Australia were
nominated for two vacancies. Egypt and Czecho-Slovakia withdrew in
our favour. We were nominated by Goodrich, America and supported
by China and many South American States including Argentine. This
does not mean that we will be appointed to the Governing Body but
puts us in line.

Canadian and American Delegates have been instructed to assist us
in relation to the Governing Body and we have presented our case
to the Governing Body through Phelan. [3]

It is probable that the appointments Committee will take up today
and general discussion will commence on Monday when I should have
the opportunity to make a general statement.

All the points mentioned in your telegram 518 [4] are covered in a
statement I have already prepared.

I anticipate very good support on the general employment approach,
especially among the smaller countries. The attitude towards the
International Labour Office is lukewarm, mainly because on the one
hand, it is felt to be an ineffective body as at present
constituted and, on the other, no one is prepared to take a stand
and have it radically changed.

I explained fully our approach to the Australian Press, who seemed
to receive it well.