I am grateful to you for your long cable regarding Washington [2],
and for the valuable way in which you have analysed the various
factors to be considered. On full reflection my judgment agrees
with your instinct that you should continue in London. At the same
time, I am attracted by your idea that you should go to Washington
to negotiate with the American administration for the
establishment of reciprocal Legations and to inaugurate our own.

This would, I think, be very satisfying both to American and
Australian opinion and would enable Casey to return to Australia
and report to us. [3]

Would be glad if you could arrange accordingly and let me know at
what time you think I could publicly announce it here because
there is some natural impatience at our delay in making a move in
relation to America.

I have had some reservations about Casey, but on the whole I think
that a man of political experience is essential at Washington, and
he appears to be the most suitable of those available.

You might perhaps take this cable as authority to open up official
negotiations with British Government so that proposals to America
may be formally made through British Ambassador.

Though I honestly believe we have been doing very well under
difficult circumstances, we have some newspaper critics-notably
Murdoch [4]-while Page [5] and Cameron [6] are conducting
specially poisonous public campaign. Result is that I may be
seriously challenged when House meets on November [15], though
challenge win not, I think, succeed. So far as general public
concerned, I think we stand fairly high but naturally a great deal
of work is not publicly known or appreciated.

I greatly value the statement in your cable that amongst the
Dominions Australia has in recent years acquired most influence,
which has been greatly strengthened with me as Prime Minister, and
that our country is the most effective voice in Empire counsels
today. If this were known in Australia position of Government
would be enormously improved.

MENZIES