I absolutely agree with your reaction to American draft and
specific criticisms made. [2] We were not deceived by the
Americans' approach to us after my speech [3] and played them
until they produced the draft. Then it became apparent that we had
rocked them by coming forward and their draft was a defence. As a
result of visiting the shipyards, retail stores and factories, I
have some of the political atmosphere of this country and
understand the Government's fear of antagonising the strong
republican old-time capitalistic group. The formal procedure for
us to follow would have been to wait until the United Kingdom had
approached the United States on employment agreement, but I am
convinced that we have done the right thing. With the freedom you
gave me, I had no hesitation in pressing the matter into the open.

Negotiations on an official level would have got us nowhere. You
and I understand better than the officials how necessary it is to
take matters of this kind into the open and I am convinced that we
have done right in bowling it up to the Americans at this time and
publicly. We cannot afford to wait for formal procedure and must
be prepared to fight. I see clearly now that our whole future is
at stake in negotiations such as these and realise the valuable
line you have put us on to. It will be a great thing when party
and people fully understand what you have done. I shall take care
to see that the Australian press report me more fully and connect
policy with past statements. I find A.A.P. gave only 500 words to
commence with and confined themselves to the bare facts of the
policy in spite of the fact that we gave them complete background
verbally and in my statement. They were apparently reprimanded and
have now sent someone here. I see the importance of associating
what I say here with your past attempts and with other proposals.

I am glad to have your full backing.