My telegram 28. [1]

I presented a note to Dekanazov last night setting out the wishes
of the Australian Government in regard to prisoners of war in
territory occupied by the Red Army and discussed the matter with
him.

Dekanazov said that he would place the matter before his
Government immediately and assured me that the Soviet had no
desire to retain Allied prisoners of war on Soviet occupied
territory any longer than necessary for arrangements to be made
for their repatriation. He said that the question of prisoners of
war was now being discussed by the big three who no doubt would
arrive at an agreement in relation to all prisoners of war. I
emphasized that any agreement which might be arrived at by the big
three on this matter would not apply to Australian prisoners of
war in regard to their performing any labour function either
voluntarily or compulsorily.

3. Dekanazov next asked what the Australian Government were
prepared to do in return. I informed him that such a question did
not arise as there were no Soviet prisoners of war within the
jurisdiction of the Australian Government but were there such, I
was sure that the Australian Government would co-operate with the
Soviet authorities along the same lines as it was now asking the
Soviet to co-operate with us.

4. He seemed sympathetic with our case but raised the question of
transport asking what Australia could do by way of providing ships
to repatriate prisoners of war and by what routes or means did the
Australian Government propose to evacuate its men. I informed him
that at this stage I could not answer such questions. The means of
transport required depended on just when and in what locality our
men were liberated and no doubt we would be asking the Soviet to
help us in every way possible with transport where it was within
their power to do so. The Government's objective was to have our
men repatriated home at the earliest possible date by the best
possible route and means. He said that it would greatly help if
Australia could provide ships to evacuate our men. I explained the
possible difficulties in the way of Australian ships being sent to
Russia for this purpose but said that I would raise the matter
with my Government.

5. I assume, should the Soviet agree with our request, that no
objection would be raised by you to my obtaining all facilities
and cooperation possible from the British Military Mission in
regard to our prisoners of war men.

MALONEY