[Left corner torn, handwritten, pencil][illegible] Policy [end handwritten]

[Letterhead] EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE.

CABLEGRAM.

SECRET.

DAB:EH.

0. 35710.

DECYPHER TO :_

Sent : - 30th December, 1943.

[stamp] EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RECORDS

[handwritten, black ink] 43/554/2/1-28

[unclear] [illegible signatures, black ink]

BAILLARD,

NOUMEA. [underlined]

91.

[stamp] REC'D [unclear]

Hon. W. Nash is arriving Noumea to-day from Brisbane. Please personally deliver to him following message from Prime Minister, Curtin, and intimate to him that you will despatch any reply to the message that Mr. Nash desires: Begins –

Strictly Personal.

I am being asked to comment on your reported statement regarding immigration into Australia and Japanese justification for expansion. I feel greatly embarrassed and would be glad if you would telegraph to me the text of your statement as delivered.

Having regard to discussions pending between our two governments I dislike the idea of a preliminary public discussion which could easily become a matter of difficulty for both governments. My present view is that had there been any considerable number of Japanese in Australia when we were attacked by Japan our war problem would have been much more acute.

I do not believe that Japan had any legitimate excuse for war and I see a great deal of unwisdom at this stage in statements suggesting the contrary.

……John Curtin.

Copy: _ Prime Minister .

Min. and Dept. External Affairs.

31st December, 1943.

[stamp] REC'D [unclear]