CONFIDENTIAL
if we postponed a further meeting until after the
Australians had approached third countries: the
agreed record says simply that there are to be talks
as soon as possible". Our own bargaining position,
given that we are the crucial element in the Australian
proposals, is strong enough to enable us to protect
our position whenever the talks take place. On the
other hand, I am concerned at the risk that a further
round of talks now would give the impression to third
countries that we were already committed in principle
and that we were ganging up against them. I accept
that the Australians will be disappointed not to have
further talks immediately, but if this issue is mis-
handled it will have bad effects on our relations with
a large number of countries, including Australia, going
much wider than air services.
4. I therefore propose that, in handing over the
proposed message, the High Commission in Canberra should
tell the Australians that we look forward to meeting them
as soon as they are able to report on their discussions
with third countries.
5. At the same time as the message is delivered in
Canberra, I propose that our Posts in certain mid-point
countries (India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and
Indonesia) should be instructed to explain that we are
not yet committed to the Australians' ideas and that they
CONFIDENTIAL
/would