Your 205. You will see from my telegram 183 that when the question
of Canberra conference was discussed by High Commissioners on the
21St May, Addison and McNeil suggested tentatively the last week
in August as commencing date.

2. When I spoke to McNeil on the 30th May (see my 198) Addison was
absent from London and the suggestions made by him were not only
subject to your approval but also to Addison's. On his return
Addison was emphatic, as I explained in my 180, that he would not
leave here without adequate preparation and was unwilling to
travel by Lancastrian. This meant therefore that the earliest he
could undertake to commence work in Canberra would be the week
beginning 26th.

3. To obtain agreement to hold conference in Australia was no mean
task. It called for much effort and plain speaking at several
conferences. The decision of even obtaining as early a date in
August was not easily obtained.

I regret the result of this effort has been rejected so I will
inform Addison and McNeil accordingly so they can withdraw their
telegrams to South Africa and Canada. [1]

Your advice from South Africa does not fit our information as they
have appointed their High Commissioner to attend the conference in
London. On Monday morning High Commissioners meet again, and
Addison is almost certain now to proceed with original plan of
London conference. Could you let me have your view of suitable
date and name of representative. Other Dominions have appointed
their High Commissioners but you may wish to send a delegate from
Australia. Please let us have any material for conference so we
can make all necessary preparations. I am disappointed that the
plans are unacceptable, as I feel it would have meant a good deal
to the Government if the conference had been held in Australia.

However, I will do all I can to either put or assist in presenting
Australia's case at the London conference.