Dear Mr. Hudd,

I am interested to learn from your telegram No. 944 of June 10th† that the question of disposing of the Italian Colonies has been discussed again in meetings at the Dominions Office. I am inclined to agree with Mr. Robertson's view, to which you have referred, that the disposal of the Italian Colonies is not a subject in which we have an immediate and direct concern. Although small Canadian Units participated in the African campaigns, it is doubtful whether we would wish to present a claim for participation in the negotiations of the Big Four concerning the disposal of Italy's African possessions.

I understand that the United Kingdom has now undertaken to support the claims of Australia and South Africa to appear before the Deputies before a decision is taken on the terms of reference for any Commission of Investigation which may be established and also to support Australia's claim to make representations to the Commission, and to receive copies of relevant documents. This decision appears reasonable to us, particularly since it seems unlikely that claims for more direct participation of Commonwealth countries would meet with the approval of other members of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Pending further consideration of our interest in these questions, I think you should continue in your discussions with the Dominions Office and other Commonwealth representatives, to follow the general line indicated in paragraph 3 of your telegram. In this connection it would be well to avoid giving the impression that Canada would be prepared to give other than general support to the principle that "interested governments" should participate directly in the Four Power negotiations for the disposal of The Colonies. In particular, we would not wish to give any appearance of supporting the Australian accusation that the United Kingdom is prepared to bargain Commonwealth interest for concessions from other states, an accusation which in our view is most unjust. We should be careful also not to concur in what appears to be the Australian assumption that it can insist of right that the United Kingdom Government present and support Australian views in meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers and its subsidiary bodies.

Yours sincerely,
L.B. PEARSON

⁸J.A. Beasley, haut-commissaire d'Australie au Royaume-Uni.
J.A. Beasley, High Commissioner of Australia in United Kingdom.