I have, for some time past, felt considerable concern as to the
adequacy of Australia's representation on the Executive Committee
of the Preparatory Commission. This feeling has been intensified
during the past few days as I have learned of the calibre of the
senior representatives and the type and size of delegations which
are being sent from other countries. The senior representative in
all cases is either a Foreign Minister, Minister of State, or
Ambassador, and the numbers of all the delegations appear to be
substantial. For example, the Russians are sending Gromyko from
Washington and a delegation of 11, and Massigli, the Ambassador
here is representing France with a delegation of 10. Australia's
representation hardly appears comparable to that of other
countries and this will, I think, unquestionably cause comment in
view of the active part that Australia played at the San Francisco
Conference.

From the practical point of view, also, I think there will be
substantial difficulties because it appears clear that the meeting
will be organised on the basis of at least 9 or 10 separate
committees which, while they will probably not all meet at the
same time, there is certain to be some overlapping which would
make it physically impossible for Australia to play its adequate
part in all the committees. It is true that we can leave the work
to be done by the representatives of other countries, but this is
so contrary to the role that Australia has played during recent
years at International Conferences that, frankly, I do not like
it. If Evatt is coming himself in the near future, accompanied by
the requisite personnel, the problem that is worrying me does not
arise. If, however, he is not, my anxieties persist and I find
some difficulty in suggesting a solution.

I would naturally be willing to act as Australia's representative
should you so desire until such time as Evatt or some Minister
could be spared to replace me. As, however, cable 216 to the
Dominions Office intimates that Evatt will be the Australian
representative on the Preparatory Commission and Executive
Committee and whoever is acting here would only be his
representative I would not be prepared to accept such a position,
nor I am sure would you ask me to do so.

In the circumstances, the only suggestion which it occurs to me to
offer is whether it would be possible for you to send a junior
minister with adequate staff to hold the fort until Evatt can be
spared. [2]

BRUCE