My dear P.M.,

The Dominions Office sent you a despatch by the last mail, in
which they advised that the French Government had offered a
decoration to Captain Robins, R.A.N., to mark their appreciation
of something that he did in the New Hebrides in his naval
capacity.

I am asked by the Foreign Office to advise you, personally and
privately, that, in view of the present and past negotiations with
the French with regard to the New Hebrides, they are anxious not
to be put in the position of having to receive favours at their
hands-and so they hope that you will not accede to the French
request that this decoration be granted.

The Foreign Office go on to say that this, of course, has nothing
to do with the merits of whether Captain Robins deserves this
decoration or not. They realise that it may be hard on the man but
they submit that the interests of this country in negotiations
with France should come first. [1]

I am, Yours sincerely,
R.G. CASEY