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Indeed, neither of

in its present form might be read as implying that the United Kingdom

was renouncing its proper share of responsibility in the area. Again,

it might give the impression that the United Kingdom was being unduly

subservient to the United States in the Pacific, which, at a time when

public opinion in the United Kingdom is particularly sensitive on this

point in relation to Naval appointments in the Atlantic, would not be în

the best interests of Anglo-American relations.

these impressions would be helpful to our common cause, which is why

I feel justified in speaking to you so frankly on the subject. Both of

these impressions would in fact be strengthened if, while the United

Kingdom did not participate in the Treaty, the Philippines were permitted

This consideration, therefore, reinforces the case for the

conclusion of a Pacific Treaty without Philippine participation.

to do so,

I hope that you will share our views about the Philippines and

will feel able to press the United States that they should not be included.

We ourselves are ready to inform the United States Government that we

would welcome a Treaty on the lines of the present draft.

Indeed in

view of the highly important bearing of the question on Anglo-American

relations, we should like the agreement of the Australian and New Zealand

Governments to our discussing the whole question with the United States

Government equally frankly and letting them know our views as set out

above. In particular, as you know, the overall strategic plans, into

which the proposed Treaty seems to fit so well, were worked out in

consultation with the United States Chiefs of Staff and we should there-

fore like to confirm with them that they share our view. We shall,

of course, not say anything to the Americans until we hear from you.

I expect that your experts are looking into the detailed

drafting16 There is one point which occurs to us.

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