Everybody here has been getting distinctly hot and bothered as to
the atmosphere which is developing with regard to Australia's
international position.

With the publicity now given to the matter I detect a distinct
feeling of resentment. Yesterday the Prime Minister, Bevin and
Addison discussed the situation at length. The first intention was
to issue a public statement traversing the facts and forcefully
setting out the United Kingdom's point of view. In the end the
conclusion was reached that this course was undesirable in that it
would almost certainly lead to controversy, misunderstanding and a
state of strained relations between Australia and the United
Kingdom which at this time of all times was most undesirable. It
was accordingly decided that no public statement should be issued
but consideration should be given to sending a Prime Minister to
Prime Minister telegram designed to straighten out the position
and obviate any further publicity.

My own view is that having obtained our immediate desiderata,
namely, separate signature to the Surrender Terms and full United
Kingdom support to Australia's inclusion in the Control Council
for the Far East, the excitement and speculation should be damped
down and we should pursue our further objectives in privacy.

From my observations here I am convinced that a continuance of
high pressure tactics will not help us but will create so much
resentment as to impede our obtaining our legitimate objectives. I
am greatly influenced in this view by the fact that I am convinced
that the members of the new Labour Government who count are
sympathetic to our aspirations and are sincerely desirous of
ensuring ways and means by which we will be consulted and have an
opportunity of expressing our opinions before important decisions
are taken. Do not let us destroy this favourable atmosphere by
overplaying our hand just at the moment when possibilities of
achieving what we have been fighting for for years are opening.

BRUCE