DISCUSSION WITH SIR OWEN DIXON

The Prime Minister invited Sir Owen Dixon to make a statement to
War Cabinet on his activities and impressions in the light of his
service as Australian Minister to the United States and Accredited
Representative of the Government on the Pacific War Council. [1]

2. The following is an outline of the main points of Sir Owen
Dixon's statement:-

(a) Relations with Service Authorities. The United States Naval
and Army authorities preferred to deal with military
representatives of foreign countries rather than with civil
representatives. Sir Owen Dixon had overcome initial difficulties
which arose out of this, and he had established good relations
with Admiral King and General Marshall.

(b) Information from Australia. He felt that he was not completely
briefed on matters raised by the Commonwealth Government, and he
thought that the Government might be able to make more use of him
if he were given instructions or suggestions as to the directions
in which he might further representations made by the Government.

He received very little information regarding operations and the
trend of events in the South-West Pacific Area, and it would be
helpful if arrangements could be made for such information to be
made available to him regularly.

(c) Australian Service Representatives. General Sturdee was in day
to day touch with the Planning Staff and his officers had close
liaison with the Munitions Assignment Board. Air Marshal Williams
had comparable contacts in relation to R.A.A.F. requirements. Sir
Owen had considerable faith in Lieutenant-General Sturdee and Air
Marshal Williams, who kept him informed, but he regarded them as
being directly responsible to their own Chiefs of Staff
(d) Pacific War Council. The Pacific War Council was not a very
effective body. It was the practice of the President to make a
general statement to the Council at each meeting, but he always
avoided critical issues. Discussion afterwards was in relation to
any matters that members themselves wished to raise. No agenda
were submitted and no minutes were kept. [2]

The disadvantage of making special requests at meetings was that
they would be considered by a body where all competitors were
present. The advantage of the Council was that it enabled the
views of the nations represented to be kept prominently before the
President.

It might assist if Service representatives were present at
meetings, but there was a strong tendency in the United States to
confine discussions on strategical questions to the Chiefs of
Staff organisation. The Pacific War Council was regarded as a
civilian body. [3]

Sir Owen considered that an approach to General Marshall and
Admiral King would have better prospects of success than if it
were placed before the Pacific War Council. This should be on the
basis of a detailed and closely reasoned appreciation of
Australia's case, which he felt they would be prepared to study.

[matter omitted]