MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
DATE: July 28, 1950
SUBJECT: Conversation with Australian Prime Minister
PARTICIPANTS: Robert G. Menzies, Australian Prime Minister Norman J. O. Makin, Australian Ambassador Secretary Acheson Mr. Harriman Mr. Dulles Mr. Jessup
COPIES TO: Mr. Dulles Mr. Rusk BNA S/S SDA NA
During and after a dinner at the Australian Embassy last night, the persons listed above being the only ones present, a number of subjects were discussed. Mr. Menzies raised the question of the seriousness of the damage caused by Nehru\'s peace effort. The Secretary said that he thought the damage was serious but the consequences could not yet be determined. A general discussion of Nehru and his policies ensued in which Mr. Menzies said that he had never met Nehru and thought he might make him a visit later in the year. The Secretary told Mr. Menzies in some detail about his conversation with Nehru in Washington during his recent visit pointing out that Nehru seemed incapable of suggesting specific action on any of the points regarding which he expressed himself with great vigor but in generalities.
In response to a question from Mr. Menzies, the Secretary said that we did not have encouraging reports concerning Sir Alan \(Owen\) Dixon\'s conversations with Nehru and Liaquat Ali Kahn. It was agreed, however, that Dixon was an admirable man for the job and that if anyone could succeed he could. Mr. Menzies agreed with the Secretary\'s high appraisal of the qualities of Liaquat and of Sir Zafrullah Kahn.
Mr. Menzies asked the Secretary if he would explain to him the reasons behind our action in regard to Formosa. The Secretary replied with a full explanation of our course of action and the reasons for the orders to the Seventh Fleet. Mr. Menzies said that he found this explanation entirely convincing and he believed that when he returned to Australia he would be able on the basis of what he had learned to secure the support of his Cabinet in agreeing with the American action.
S/A:PCJ:MTB