Office of the Historian

790.5/10–2052: Telegram

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

secret
Canberra, October 20, 1952—4 p.m.

145. Embtel 139, October 13.1 Fol is substance remarks to Emb rep by Menzies.

He is allowing two days in Wash en route London Conf2 and also stop on return. He thinks Brit ANZUS pressure off till after US elections and his London visit. Churchill msg was “stinker”. Menzies reply “bit of stinker too” and he notes Churchill seems have taken his advice as to tone of Commons statement. In London Menzies will make some “powerful utterances” (phrase used twice) on ANZUS and seems feel sure he “can handle” Churchill. Asked what next if Brit not convinced he replied only “I’ll have to tell them we know where we stand”. He did not elaborate or interpret this but Emb rep inferred no change basic Austral position now contemplated even if Brit obdurate. Menzies continued without pause saying some Englishmen have outdated ideas of Empire and feel Commonwealth members must choose between Brit and third country when considering exclusive relationship with latter. Menzies calls this absurd and said Eden “agent provocateur” for this view. Said he has “job of interpretation” in London to make plain to Churchill and Eden there is no question taking sides or drawing away from UK, that US must have most powerful ally possible and therefore US wld want strengthen Commonwealth not weaken it by loosening its internal bonds. He added “and Winston knows no one is more Brit than I am”.

As fundamental cause Brit pressure Menzies seemed attach highest importance to offended dignity and little or none to Brit territorial interest in Pacific which he did not bother mention.3

Jarman
  1. In this telegram the Embassy had mentioned an exchange of messages between Prime Ministers Churchill and Menzies on the subject of participation by the United Kingdom in ANZUS, but had stated also that it was not yet informed of the substance of the exchange. (790.5/10–1352)↩
  2. Of Commonwealth Prime Ministers, held Nov. 27–Dec. 11, 1952.↩

  3. Ward P. Allen, UN Adviser to the Bureau of European Affairs, informed the Secretary of the substance of this telegram in a memorandum of Oct. 28. (Conference files, lot 59 D 95, CF 132)

    On Oct. 31, Ambassador Robert Scotten reported on a conversation held with Prime Minister Holland:

    “PriMin called me to his office today and said he wished to talk about ANZUS. Added he deplores UK attempt throw blame on US for non-entry UK observer into ANZUS and will acquaint Mr. Churchill his position during forthcoming visit London. Added he is convinced press campaign from London inspired by UK Govt. Stated if Brit attitude of blaming US persists he will make public statement that NZ stands firm with US this matter.” (Telegram 131 from Wellington; 790.5/103152)

    ↩