Jf tl3p. Bevir. 23.1.39.
Mr. Lee 23/1
Mr, Dixon -23/1/39.
Mr. Acheson 23/1/39 at once.
7035/8/39.
PARAPHRA.3B telegram from the Secretary of Stute.for the
Colonies to the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific
(tient 0,0 p.m., 24th January, 1939).
No. 3. Secret.
Please refer to concluding paragraph of your secret •
[J*   telerrava Mo. 10 of 19th January.
The intention is that the proposed conference should
deal not only with defence questions "but also With the question
of civil aviation routes in the Western Pacific, the measures to
be taken for re-enforcing our claims to British islands on which
the United states Government may have designs, together with
questions relating to islands at present unattached e.g. in the
Lino and Pitcairn group.
2.     His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have
informed His Majesty's Government in New Zealand thwt they
agree generally with their proposals that the discussions on
defence of the proposed conference should take the form proposed
by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand (vide paragraph 6 below
This will necessitate waiting for consideration by His Majestyfs
Government in United Kingdom of report of Hew Zealand Chiefs of
Staff,     It is feared that, if defence discussions at the
conference were to open before about middle of April, there would
not be time for adequate study of report as this report cannot
be received in United Kingdom until 3rd February, and for framing
instructions for the guidance of United Kingdom representatives.
His Majesty's Government in United Kingdom desire that the-
conference should not be too long delayed, especially in so far
as it relates to questions connected with the activities of the
United* States Government in the Pacific, in view of possibility
of some early action on their part.
Copy to gp^on 86059, 6q>?/20ri - and In 3,
due course to Adj^r^lty, 4>€T., JaA(79 Xi*&7 -
and circ. for conson of sending to Treasury.
3. Jlle Majesty's Government in Hew Zealand \/ere also
informed that it would be very difficult if the conference were
held earlier than the middle of -April tc arrange for adequate
United Kingdom representation, having   regard to the position
as described above us regards representation on the defence side,
and also to the fact that your attendance for a lengthy period
might be difficult.
4. His Majesty1s Government hoped, therefore, that it
would be possible for conference to meet as coon aa ponsible
after the middle of April., and if so, they would propose that
in addition to any special defence representatives who might
be appointed after study of report of Hew Zealand Chiefs of
Staff* their representatives at the conference should be ths
High Commissioner for Hew Zealand of His Majesty's Government in
the United Kingdom (Sir KU Batterbee) and the High Commissioner
for the k/e stern Pacific (or a representative)•     It was
suggested, therefore, that His Uajesty's Government in Mew
Zealand should communicate with you and with His Majesty's
Government in the Commonv/eal th of Australia, and ohouldjnotify
His Majesty's Government in United Kingdom arrangements
contemplated for meeting of conference as result of such
discussions as soon ae may be convenient*
5. In view of plans which you may have for visiting the
Hi^h Commission territories T appreciate that it may be difficult
for you to arrange to attend any such conference.     If you your-
self are unable to attend X should be ylad to receive your
recommendations us to the representation of Fiji and the v/eatern
Pacific.
6. Please inform me if you do not receive detailed
proposals for diucuno.Lon of defence Questions as indicated in
paragraph 3 above, separately
I will deal/with cho remainder of your telegram
Ho. 10 of 19th January.