611.4731/131a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Sydney (Moffat)
Press reports continue to drift in indicating that Sir Henry Gullett and Mr. Menzies9 are proceeding to the United States, where they will find the ground already prepared for the negotiation of a trade agreement. Possibly the Australian press has gained the impression from Mr. Lyons that his visit was successful in this respect, but, although we do not know what the President said to him, we are disturbed at the prospect of fruitless conversations with Gullett should he come here.
Since the situation with regard to trade agreements with countries whose products are so competitive with ours has not changed since our telegram dated January 15, 1935, we hope that you will find opportunity to drop a hint in the right quarters that an agreement with Australia is not indicated in the near future. You might endeavor [Page 16] at least to prevent the delegation from making a special trip, without giving the impression that a stop-over visit would be unwelcome. You might explain to appropriate active officials the technicalities connected with negotiating an agreement. In your discretion you may visit Canberra at an early date for the above and other purposes. Expenses to be paid from your allotment for travel.
- R. G. Menzies, Australian Attorney General.↩