741.022/8–1450: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Australia

secret

24. Re Deptel 56 Mar 27.1 Please inform Spender Austral offer establish joint bases with US on Manus and elsewhere that area has recd careful consideration this Govt. Joint Chiefs of Staff have determined that from mil point of view estab such joint bases in Austral [Page 212] terr not necessary. JCS however consider it desirable US ships and aircraft be permitted use Austral bases when and as occasions might arise. Conversely they consider it desirable Austral ships and aircraft be permitted use of US base when and as the occasion arises. In conveying reply please express warm appreciation this Govt Austral offer.2

Acheson
  1. In his telegram 25, February 3, from Canberra, not printed, Ambassador Jarman reported that during a wide-ranging discussion, held the previous day, Australian External Affairs Minister Percy Spender volunteered that Australia would be happy to establish joint bases with the United States at Manus Island and elsewhere in the area. Spender indicated that Australia would raise no question of sovereignty (741.022/2–350). Telegram 56, March 27, to Canberra, not printed, authorized Ambassador Jarman to inform Spender that his offer was appreciated and was being considered (741.022/2–350).
  2. Telegram 57, August 16, from Canberra, not printed, reported that the message authorized here had been delivered to the Australian External Affairs Ministry with the request that it be relayed to Spender and to Australian Acting Prime Minister Fadden (741.022/8–1650).