My telegram of 18th July D.No. 1036. [1] Civil Aviation.

1. We have been further considering the position in regard to the
future of civil aviation in the light of our talks with United
States representatives and information which we have received
regarding the United States attitude in other bilateral
conversations which they have held. We have noted also the extent
of United States plans for participation in international air
services as shown by the recent announcement of the Civil
Aeronautics Board [2] regarding routes considered suitable for
United States operators.

2. It seems to us that the time has come when, in pursuance of the
preliminary discussions held during the Commonwealth meeting last
October [3], it would be profitable to make further progress with
practical plans for air services connecting the various countries
of the British Commonwealth. We suggest that this might most
usefully be advanced by an informal Commonwealth meeting between
experts at the official level to make definite recommendations for
the consideration of the Governments. Topics which would require
to be explored at such a meeting would be-
(1) Basis on which the members of the Commonwealth might
participate in the organisation of such air services. In this
connection we have seen with interest the provisional scheme drawn
up by the Australian Director-General of Civil Aviation [4], and
can ourselves put forward some tentative proposals.

(2) The routes to be followed.

(3) Matters subsidiary to the foregoing such as ground
organisation, uniformity of equipment etc.

3. We hope that you will feel able to agree in principle to this
proposal, and should be glad of the earliest possible advice as to
your views. Further consideration could then be given to the place
and time of meeting which we hope could take place in the near
future.