740.0011 Pacific War/1673
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Robert B. Stewart of the Division of European Affairs
Mr. Watt74 of the Australian Legation came in today to mention, among other things, Mr. Casey’s75 call at the White House yesterday. The purpose of Mr. Casey’s call, according to Mr. Watt, was to impress upon the President Australia’s interest in the projected discussions in Moscow (Kuibishev), Chungking, Singapore and Washington to explore possible means of coordinating the war effort of all of the associated powers. Mr. Casey has received strong instructions (perhaps with a tinge of criticism) to keep in touch with the situation and see that Australia’s interest is kept in mind. Mr. Casey expressed to the President the desire of his Government to be separately represented in any such discussions as may be held. The President appeared sympathetic but asked what about Canada, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa. If Australia were separately represented these Dominions might claim similar representation. Mr. Casey replied that he felt Australia’s interest is greater and more immediate than that of the other Dominions. While failing to get a definite promise, Mr. Casey was apparently satisfied in having brought the matter to the President’s attention.
In the course of the conversation between the President and Mr. [Page 759] Casey, reference was made to the attitude of the Soviet Government in the present conflict, about which the President was not entirely happy. He said, however, that the Soviet attitude was “probably right” considering the whole picture.
Mr. Watt mentioned press reports from Australia indicating a growing bitterness about the Japanese successes in Malaya. Mr. Watt said that the Australians were willing to accept Crete and the losses incurred at that time but they are not willing to look upon Malaya and Singapore as another Crete. Mr. Watt felt that the situation in Malaya is now very sticky and thought that if the British have again failed to provide adequate equipment there is going to be real anger in Australia. Moreover, from the Australian point of view, Singapore is the last outpost of defense which in any appreciable degree protects Australia from direct attacks. The Australians could not contemplate the loss of this post except with deepest gloom.