For the Minister from Dr Evatt.

Please convey the following message from the Prime Minister to the
President.

Begins.

In the Australian press of 20th January a report is published of
an interview with Rear Admiral Robert Carney, Chief of Staff,
South Pacific forces, in which he states that the next objectives
of the forces in the south and south west Pacific areas are Rabaul
and Kavieng.

2. The Australian Government views with concern authoritative
public statements of this nature on plans of operations with which
its own naval, land and air forces are associated. The only
information which the Government receives on these plans is that
which is given to me as the Prime Minister by the Commander in
Chief, South West Pacific Area, in the strictest secrecy. Apart
from the value to the enemy of such authoritative public
statements and the consequent additional risk to our forces it is
embarrassing that officers should speak in public on matters of
this nature on which the head of the Government is precluded from
making any statement.

3. Under the Commander in Chief's Directive [1] he alone is
authorised to issue communiques and it is considered an
instruction should be issued prohibiting other officers from
making statements on plans for future operations.

4. I am communicating a copy of this message to General MacArthur
for his information.

5. The Government and the people of Australia are glad to learn
that you have recovered from your recent illness and have been
able to resume your responsible task. I hope that your great
endeavours will be crowned this year with decisive military
victories.

JOHN CURTIN