Japanese whaling in [Antarctica [']].

1. On receipt of your first report (your 13 of August 12th [2])
Dr. Evatt [3] replied on 13th August as follows:-

'I am greatly disturbed by report of resumption of Japanese
whaling at the very moment when the Australian Government is
proposing to embark upon the whaling venture. [4]

Please contact MacArthur and see if we cannot obtain a suitable
ship and equipment for Australia.'

2. As we had learned of United Kingdom approach to State
Department [5] and as matter was being considered here with P.M.

and interested Departments, transmission to you of Dr. Evatt's
telegram was deferred.

3. We informed Dr. Evatt who replied as follows on 17th August:-

'(1) Urgency of this matter is shown by report received from
Macmahon Ball and forwarded by you to Dominions Office. It was
advisable for you to defer transmission of my personal message to
Ball in view of United Kingdom approach to United States
Government.

(2) I consider you should now forward my message immediately
asking Ball to discuss matter with MacArthur along lines
previously suggested and also with view to seeing if it is
possible to secure deferment of final action at least until
Australia and United Kingdom can act.'
4. Dominions Office on 19th August telegraphed as follows:-

'The United Kingdom Government are considering urgently the
difficult issues raised but doubt whether a reply can be sent by
21st August though it will be done as soon as possible. Meanwhile
we hope that Macmahon Ball will be able to keep the issue open'.

5. I suggest that you see General MacArthur and informally convey
to him at least that Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand are
interested in whaling in [Antarctica] and that the three
Governments are considering the matter urgently and hope it will
be possible for him to defer further action until they have had
opportunity to complete their consideration. Gascoigne should be
kept informed.

6. Our telegram-of 19th August-indicates position you should take
in event of matter being raised in Allied Council. [6] If in your
judgment on the spot it would be preferable to omit reference to
S.C.A.P. and Allied Council and base your remarks only on fact
that matter is being considered by Governments you represent,
there would be no objection provided the main object of preventing
a final decision in favour of Japanese whaling in Antarctica is
not prejudiced. [7]