I saw the Prime Minister today concerning the American note handed
to him, and, I understand, to the Commonwealth Government
yesterday [1], regarding the Australia - New Zealand agreement.

[2]

Mr. Fraser said that he was awaiting advice as to your attitude
before replying.

He felt, however, that the American attitude was based on a
misunderstanding of Article 13 of the agreement which mentioned 'A
regional zone of defence within the framework of a general world
plan of security'.

He said also that as it had not been intended to hold the [. . .]
[3] envisaged under Article 34 until after the Conference of
British Commonwealth Prime Ministers, there was no reason why we
should not accept the American suggestion of a discussion in
Washington en route to London. He thought that it might be to our
advantage to have a full discussion of the agreement with Hull and
Roosevelt.

Mr. Fraser felt that the very fact of the American note indicated
the impression made by the agreement on America. He felt, however,
that we should be careful not to give the administration's
political opponents material for criticizing Roosevelt and Hull.

Mr. Fraser doubted whether the Netherlands would accept an
invitation to a conference not attended by the United States,
although the French might.

D'ALTON