The F.A.0. Conference terminated yesterday with all nations
represented in complete accord with decisions subject to the
approval of the Governments [1] I am forwarding copies of reports
and comments. Our chief mission was to present Australia's case,
modify resolutions to fit in with our particular circumstances and
to block mischievous resolutions sponsored by some importing
countries. I think we achieved these requirements. There appears
to be a great lack of understanding of the problems of the
southern hemisphere agriculture and some northern hemisphere
resolutions, if adopted, would have embarrassed us. We are already
carrying out many of the requirements set out in the resolutions,
such as a central collection agency for wheat and control of
distribution. The proposal to extend the Combined Food Board
originated with the original members of the board. Our danger is
that the new organisation may desire to cut across our food
contracts with the United Kingdom but such claims as the one
adopted dealing with the preservation of existing trade channels
proved a preliminary safeguard, though this matter will have to be
closely watched when the new organisation is established.

The first meeting of the new organisation will take place here in
the immediate future and I propose to attend when the central
committee will be elected and no doubt broad lines of policy
discussed. I think it essential that we should be strongly
represented at this meeting. We will, of course, endeavour to
secure representation on the central committee. [2]

The highlights of the conference were production collection,
distribution and utilisation of foodstuffs. Extraction rates for
wheat were discussed. We intimated that many factors governed this
matter and the resolution adopted amply protects the position. The
same qualifications apply as far as we are concerned to other
major resolutions, such as livestock feeding, utilisation of
available supplies and prevention of waste. This conference dealt
particularly with the present emergency but yesterday it was
determined to call the annual conference of F.A.0. in Copenhagen
on 2nd September. It is generally accepted that the Copenhagen
meeting will deal with the future policy of F.A.0. as a permanent
world Organisation and Australia will be vitally interested in the
matters likely to arise. Consequently I would appreciate your
instructions as to whether you desire me to return home via
Copenhagen and attend the conference en route. Such an arrangement
would postpone my return to Australia by about three weeks on
present indications and I think continuity of representation is
essential. Officers associated with me, namely, Brigden, Garside,
Richardson, Day, Munro [3] have been consulted regarding the
contents of this cable and fully concur. I desire to express to
you my appreciation of the whole hearted co-operation given me by
these gentlemen.