With further reference your cablegram 22nd April, Circular D. 145
[2], proposed conference Dominion Ministers: I have given great
deal of thought this matter during last few days. Naturally I
would be most willing to attend conference if circumstances here
permitted. However, you are aware of position of my Government
from political standpoint and that election must be held this
year. Whether this takes place at an early date or later in year
is dependent upon conditions which may emerge as matters of policy
are dealt with by Government. It may be that we will find it
necessary to hold elections in, say, July. If this is so and
present Government returned it would be possible for me to be in
London in August. On contrary, however, we may find that it would
be most inadvisable to hold elections until much later in the
year. Till then it would be most difficult for me to be absent
from Australia for any considerable period. Necessity for
continual watchfulness over Australian war effort is another
reason why it is difficult for me to arrive at decision whether I
should be absent from Australia during next few months. You will
realise this also has political implications. However, I am going
carefully into all possibilities and will give you more definite
answer within, say, a fortnight. No need to assure you that I will
do whatever appears to be best in the interests of all of us. [3]