The Rudd Letters

FROM RUDD TO TURNBULL

April 4

* Rudd formally asks the Australian Government to nominate him for the position of UN secretary-general.

* Writes he would need nomination to be lodged by April to give him time before "straw polls" UN selection process in July.

* Says the government only needs a single experienced officer and support officer to co-ordinate campaign out of New York.

May 1

* Claims to have been sent messages of support from Turnbull after conversations with foreign minister Julie Bishop in September.

* Says further assurances of support given by Turnbull at meetings in November and December.

* Is "shocked" after phone call in May where Turnbull retracts Cabinet support with the view Rudd doesn't have qualifications for the position.

July 28

* Says feedback from diplomatic missions has been positive.

* Requests a post-election meeting with Mr Turnbull to put forward case in light of "range of cabinet views".