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(b)

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I recognise the danger of a false impression that the United

Kingdom is retreating from its responsibilities in the Pacific. We should take steps to forestall this. The Australian and New Zealand Governments could help us very effectively over this and I am sure that, if we back them over the Treaty, they will do so. At the appropriate time, concerted statements could then be made by the Australian and New Zealand Governments as well as our- selves emphasising the strengthening of the arrangements for security and mutual support already existing within the Commonwealth and the closeness of the planning between the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

In short, I recommend that we should accept the draft Tripartite Treaty as it stands. We should, however, explain frankly and fully to Australia and New Zealand the anxieties which have given us so much thought, and we should seek their help over the two particular points mentioned in paragraph 6 above. I attach at Annex B a draft message on these lines to Mr. Menzies.

Commonwealth Relations Office,

9TH MARCH, 1951.

S.W.1,

P.C.G.-W.

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