Office of the Historian

893.01/11–749: Telegram

The Ambassador in Australia (Jarman) to the Secretary of State

Canberra, November 7, 1949—4 p. m.
[Received November 7—8:12 a. m.]

237. Today’s press carries story Australia is preparing recognize Communist regime China in near future. With these and Depintel November 2, 1 a. m.,3 in mind, Foster4 asked Burton5 whether there had been any change in Australian position. Burton said Australia still stood by position outlined Embtel 224, October 24, and had so informed UK in reply latter’s recent approach. Added that in any [Page 180] case Government would not consider recognition before the federal elections on December 10 (the Government is being criticized by opposition for alleged failure deal vigorously with Communists in Australia). Burton dismissed press stories as lies.

Burton said his information was New Zealand strongly opposed to recognition while India would grant it ahead of everybody else.

Sent Department. Department pass London.

Jarman
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. Andrew B. Foster, Counselor of Embassy in Australia.↩
  3. John W. Burton, Secretary of the Australian Department of External Affairs.↩