Many thanks for your telegram. [1] Please convey to the Prime
Minister from [2] and myself deepest concern and give him our most
affectionate greetings. Please tell him too that we both think
that the lodge may be extremely uneven in temperature and even at
times be cold with danger of a chill.

It is increasingly obvious that Forde should not remain here any
longer. All the issues in which Australia is vitally interested
are either over or are in a position where all that is required
can be carried out by myself. Previously I thought it unwise to
retain two senior ministers here when the strain on Cabinet as a
whole was so heavy. I would also submit to yourself as a friend of
Forde to tell him the true position. The trouble is that he seems
incapable of thinking of anything excepting the signing of the
document which is a formal matter of no importance whatever. The
fact is that all the work to be done now and indeed 90 per cent of
it through the Conference has had to be performed by myself and
the officers of External Affairs.

In his own interest I think he should return also. But you can
take it as absolutely certain that Australia's interests would in
no way be prejudiced by his leaving immediately knowing that the
Prime Minister has had an unfortunate relapse.

Please discuss this with Chifley, Beasley and Makin. Many thanks
for your thoughtful and regular messages.