First sentence of paragraph 4 of my telegram 223. [1] Question of
recognition and when it is accorded has to be decided in Australia
in the light of far more information than is available to us here
and probably after consultation with other interested States. 2.

But my opinion is that it should be accorded very early for the
sooner we are represented here on a proper basis the better.

Otherwise we
(a) leave the field to the U.S.S.R. who I assume will recognize
the new Government as soon as it is formed;

(b) can do nothing to further Australian (and British) views and
interests.

I can see no argument for what I gather to be the United States
attitude, viz. to delay recognition, and I have told both the
United States Ambassador before he left and the officer now in
charge of the Embassy so. It amounts to [an abdication of] [2] any
influence here and gains nothing.