Editorial Note
In telegram 5089 to London, May 8, the Department instructed Ambassador Walter J. Gifford to advise Mr. Morrison that Mr. Dulles would be available in London May 21–26 for further discussion of a Japanese peace treaty.
“The week of May 21 is suggested to enable Mr. Dulles to return to resume negots with Australia and New Zealand with the arrival here of Amb Spender. In view of present anxiety in Japan we think [Page 1040] it wld be undesirable to delay crucial discussions between our two govts until after conclusion of negot relating to the interdependent security pact between US, Australia and NZ. We also think it may be useful to be in position publicly to indicate that discussions between two govts such as Mr. Dulles wld have in London with Mr. Morrison preceded final phase of negotiating triangular pact thus re-emphasizing that this pact is to be made with full knowledge and cooperation of UK.” (694.001/5–851) Mr. Spender presented his credentials as Ambassador of Australia to the President on June 8.
However, on May 11 Mr. Morrison replied (through the Embassy in London) in part that not only did his scheduling prevent talks at the suggested time but that the British cabinet would not be able fully to instruct him in the matter until May 28.
“The point which you make regarding Mr. Dulles’ negotiations with Australia and New Zealand is a difficult one. It would, as Mr. Acheson suggests, be useful to be able to say publicly that discussions between our two govts, such as Mr. Dulles would have here, preceded the final phase of negotiating a triangular pact. This would, as you say, re-emphasize that the pact is being made with the full knowledge and cooperation of HMG and it is a point to which I attach considerable importance. My first reaction (though I have not had an opportunity to consult my colleagues) is that so far as we are concerned it would not be necessary to delay discussions with Australia and New Zealand about the security pact until such time as you and we had reached agreement on the terms of a draft Japanese peace treaty.” (694.001/5–1151)
Mr. Morrison concluded by inviting Mr. Dulles to visit London early in June. By May 15, June 2 had been set as his date of arrival.