1. The work of the Conference is now finishing. No resolutions
have been taken but there is general agreement with Australia's
general attitude as summarised in my recent cablegram. [1]
Moreover, the Conference is accepting in principle our proposed
strengthening of the Social and Economic Council by providing that
the nations must pledge themselves to carry out economic
objectives such as full employment and that Council be empowered
to initiate International conventions with such ends in view.

2. It is only right to say that the burden on myself has been an
extremely heavy one. It includes stating the case on every point
and also the closest supervision of the drafting and technical
committees. However, it is universally stated by the delegations
and their advisers that Australia has undoubtedly taken the
leading part in the proceedings. Eden, Cranborne and Attlee have
all made statements to that effect.

3. A considerable practical difficulty over the legal work now
arises with regard to San Francisco. I am sending Bailey to
Washington to assist in the supervision of the drafting of the new
statute for a permanent Court of International Justice. At the
same time there are technical questions of drafting which will
arise under almost every clause of the Dumbarton Oaks draft. Quite
a number of these clauses will need the most careful amendment.

Commissions and committees will be appointed to deal with each
chapter of the long draft constitution and matters of legal
interpretation and drafting will continually arise during the
proceedings of the commissions. Bailey will help greatly but it
will be almost impossible for him and me to do all this work owing
to the fact that the commissions and committees must have one or
more delegates present. There will be continual reference to and
back from experts and advisers. In the circumstances, I would
strongly recommend that Knowles [2] be requested to fly to San
Francisco so as to be available there to act in conjunction with
Bailey. Knowles has already made several suggestions which have
been valuable. He is very well acquainted with the charter of the
League of Nations and his skill in drafting is unsurpassed.

4. This visit will mean his being away for some weeks at least and
it is a question for him whether Castieau [3] can carry on in his
absence. My own opinion is that Castieau can do so. The Bills of
the session were for the most part finished under my general
direction before I left Australia. Please discuss matter with
Knowles and Castieau. It will be a great help if he can be sent.

[4]

Best wishes,
EVATT