CANBERRA, 7 February 1944

Your telegram of February 6th. [1] Following is repetition of my
telegram 0640/6. Begins-31. [2] Personal for Glasgow from Evatt.

Many thanks for your message. [3] What you have done is quite
satisfactory. Personally I felt it imperative to avoid a complete
breakdown and perhaps you should let Norman Robertson know that
even if Canada agrees with either of our suggestions [4] there is
still a possibility that Full Cabinet may disapprove signing
Article 10. [5] However probability is that they would authorize
signature if our suggestion were acceptable.

I regard the thing as going far deeper than the mere flow of
Mutual Aid to this theatre of war. Our Prime Minister was most
pained at the implied threat in Mackenzie King's message [6] and
as you know we are far from satisfied at Canada's contribution to
the war, especially after Odlum's [7] promises when High
Commissioner. Therefore as you are active, I see a good deal of
value in your continuing discussions. The best thing, of course,
would be the omission altogether of the difficult Article 10.

Mackenzie King must know that unless interpreted along the lines
of full employment, it places us in a most difficult position.

Further, I think you should make it clear that New Zealand is in
entire agreement with Australia's interpretation as set forth in
our draft memo [8], that was made plain at our recent conference
[9] when we fully discussed the matter. I am most anxious to avoid
a breakdown with Canada over this matter and for that reason alone
venture upon a new and final approval despite inclinations in many
quarters here to turn down whole agreement. In the circumstances
therefore you can go ahead at your discretion but make sure of
seeing Mackenzie King and assure him confidentially of my efforts
to bring this matter to a satisfactory issue. I will keep you
informed but do not under any circumstances deliver a copy of this
message to anyone. Best wishes. Ends. Error regretted.