800.796/811: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Bucknell) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 15—5:03 p.m.]
3934. The Prime Minister of Australia has replied as follows to our invitation to discuss aviation matters informally in Washington on his way home:
“I am in receipt of your letter of 4th May, together with enclosure,13 relative to the inquiry of your Department of State whether I would be disposed to hold exploratory talks on post-war international aviation in Washington when I return there after the conclusion of my present visit to London.
It is essential that I should arrive back in Australia at the earliest possible date after the termination of the present conference and, having regard to the time needed to deal with important subjects requiring my attention in the United States and in Canada, I regret that it will not be practicable for me personally to engage in detailed discussions of the nature proposed.
My preliminary consideration of this matter indicates that great difficulty would confront my Government in arranging suitable representation at the proposed talks at the present. I am, however, having your suggestion further examined and advice will be furnished to you as early as possible. Signed: John Curtin.”
- Neither printed.↩