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Fr Wilford
COIL:NTIAL
HONG KONG: ILING.A. IPKIOPANK
1. Ir. Callender's letter of 9 Lurust to Fr. Squire reports the preliminary conclusions of the Australian that the leak to the ation eview" of Australian telegram from airon was through the personal (politically appointed) staff of Ir. Bairns, the Tenuty Crime Minister.
2.
The earlier history is given in aigon telegram No. 208 and Canberra telegram No. 702. copy of the article from "ation Review" with the text of the Australian telegram is also attached. in account of the ich Commission's representations to the (made on the basis of CC telegram No. €10 to Canberra and 1o. 162 to the larue) is in Canberra telegram No. 727.
3. The Australiane lave not handled thin case at all skilfully, and they should, as a matter of courtesy, have informed us before waiting to the namer. however, this doubtless reflects, at least in part, the ersonal involvement of senior Finisters who would not appear to see eye to eye. As the ustralians have upologised, this aspect need not be pursued further. ut it rains a matter of concern that the leak should apparently have come from Dr. Cairns's Office. However much the
y see. to tighten the screw and restrict access of political stuff to sensitive material, there must be a continuing risk of leaks. USD are keeping an eye on this.
14 August 1974
cc Mr. Squire (SAD)
Mr. Crowson (IIKIOD) Mr. Tonkin (PUSD)
F. G. de Courcy Ireland
South West Pacific Dept.
ん
11/8
CONFIDIITIAL
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