611.4731/436

The Australian Minister (Casey) to the Secretary of State

No. 143/41

Sir: With reference to your note of June 11th 1941, concerning the possibility of negotiating a trade agreement between the United States and the Commonwealth of Australia, I have the honour to inform you that a copy of your communication was forwarded to my Government, which has now instructed me to convey to you the following reply.

The Commonwealth Government greatly appreciates the invitation of the United States Government to designate Australian officials to carry out exploratory trade discussions in Washington. The Commonwealth Government shares the view of the United States Government that a trade agreement between the United States and Australia, as part of a series of agreements between the United States and the various British Empire Governments, would not only be of direct and substantial assistance in resolving special difficulties of exchange and commerce created by the present war, but would also be an important element in the reconstruction of world trade after the war on a liberal and mutually beneficial basis.

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The Commonwealth Government believes that nothing but good can result from the examination now of some of the fundamental questions which it is already apparent will arise in connection with the problem of the restoration of international commerce after the war. It is, therefore, particularly gratified with the proposal that detailed trade discussions should take place, as these will provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas in this general direction. Moreover, the Commonwealth Government believes, in common with the United States Government, that a trade agreement between the United States and Australia concluded on such a basis would be to the mutual advantage of both countries.

In accordance with the invitation of the United States Government and in conformity with the procedure suggested, the Commonwealth Government, therefore, has designated for the exploratory conversations in Washington an official of the Australian Department of Commerce and an official of the Australian Department of Trade and Customs. It is proposed that these officials should reach Washington towards the end of August, provided this suggested date of arrival is convenient to the United States Government.46 In the meanwhile, the preparatory work necessary from the Australian side for the contemplated conversations is being undertaken.

I have [etc.]

Casey
  1. Mr. Alan S. Watt of the Australian Legation, who drafted this note of July 18, telephoned the Department of State that the phrase “provided this suggested date of arrival is convenient” was merely rhetorical, as the Legation had been previously informed that it was all right. He also stated that he did not consider that the note called for any reply from the Department.