743.13/7–550: Telegram
The Ambassador in Australia (Jarman) to the Secretary of State
6. Prime Minister Menzies told me last night he leaves Australia July 9 for London and would like return via Washington discuss number issues with President and Cabinet members. Said he had in mind particularly Pacific and world defense and contribution Australia might make in short run and long run towards common objectives. Also “certain economic questions including those arising out of Australian economic development and the immigration program”. He would hope arrive US about July 25 “and would be able spend week or so in Washington if this plan would be suitable to US administration”.
Prime Minister added that in day or two he would talk to me about details (at which point I will, of course, telegraph Department again). We gather he is now reviewing with Cabinet Chief subjects (possibly [Page 198] including substantial dollar credits) he plans discuss in Washington.1
Prime Minister will be accompanied by following (all bearing diplomatic passports with diplomatic visas from Embassy):
Allen S. Brown, Secretary, Prime Minister’s Department; Commander Robert G. A. Jackson, Secretary, National Development Department; Fred K, H. Wheeler, First Secretary, Treasury (Treasury’s top policy man); Francis Anthony Meere, Assistant Comptroller General, Department Trade and Customs; Trevor W. Swan of Prime Minister’s Department; J. R. Willoughby, personal assistant to Prime Minister; Henry G. Rourke, officer of Australian Military Forces. As Department knows, Commander Jackson was recently “seconded” from UK to assist Casey2 in program of general economic development.
While Menzies away, Fadden3 will be Acting Prime Minister.
Menzies’ visit obviously will steal some of Spender’s thunder in connection latter’s visit in September. When I saw Spender today, I thought he seemed accept this in reasonable good humor. Incidentally I reminded him we are anxious send word Department well in advance concerning purposes his trip and subjects he wants discuss.
Prime Minister has made these plans without requesting us ascertain whether Washington considers his visit desirable and convenient at this time and has, therefore, presented us in a sense with a fait accompli. Nevertheless, we hope Department will agree with us that visit is desirable and will, therefore, telegraph Embassy soonest (bearing in mind his departure 9th), a message for him expressing gratification his visit and opportunity review outstanding problems at first hand with him.
[Page 199]Department pass London. Sent Department 6; repeated info London 1.
- Telegram 11, July 7, from Canberra, not printed, reported that Prime Minister Menzies had publicly announced the previous evening that he planned a quick visit to London, Washington, Ottawa, and Wellington to discuss defense cooperation, migration, and certain financial questions. Menzies was scheduled to arrive in New York on July 27. The telegram also reported that Counselor of Embassy Andrew B. Foster had discussed the proposed visit with Allen S. Brown, Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Department. Foster tactfully pointed out the unusual length of the proposed visit and the lack of opportunity for American officials to prepare adequately for the visit on such short notice. Brown, after consulting with Menzies, offered to split the proposed visit to Washington with a visit to Ottawa (743.13/7–750). Telegram 12, July 7, from Canberra, not printed, reported that Brown had informed Foster that the purpose of Menzies’ visit to Washington was to get better acquainted with President Truman and with the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Defense and other ranking officials; to gain a general idea of American thinking on certain security and economic problems; and to present a picture of Australia’s current position. Menzies had neither the expectation nor the intention of obtaining any commitments nor reaching any agreements during the visit (743.13/7–750).↩
- Richard G. Casey, Australian Minister for National Development and Minister for Works and Housing.↩
- Arthur W. Fadden, Australian Treasurer.↩