Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 12: Australia and the Postwar World, 1947

1. ADDRESS BY EVATT TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY: 18 September 1947; ‘NEW YORK, 18 September 1947 The General Assembly is meeting at a period in world history which can be described as the half light between war and peace. It is already over two years since Japan laid down its arms, yet the peace treaties are still not concluded with either...’
2. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO CHIFLEY: 16 September 1947; ‘Cablegram UN870 NEW YORK, 16 September 1947, 11.46 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Assembly No. 21. The session opened today. Election for President-Aranha received 26 votes, Dr. Evatt 23, invalid 6. Voting on second ballot was Aranha 29, Evatt 22, invalid 4. 2. This was a great tribute to Australia as...’
3. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 8 March 1947; ‘Cablegram D227 LONDON, 8 March 1947, 5.20 p.m. SECRET My telegram D.146 of 14th February. Palestine. In view of the importance of achieving early settlement of Palestine problem we have been considering possible means by which consideration by the United Nations Assembly might be expedited. We do not consider it...’
4. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 17 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 68 CANBERRA, 17 March 1947, 5.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your D.227. Palestine The proposal for the establishment by the Secretary-General of an ad hoc Committee on Palestine, while it might appear to be a time saving device, raises several difficulties. We consider it would be bad tactics and be a...’
5. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 21 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 54 LONDON, 21 March 1947, 6.25 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 17th March No.68 repeated Wellington No.64. Palestine. We agree that the United Nations Charter does not specifically empower the Secretary-General to summon an ad hoc Committee of the type proposed but on the other hand there is nothing in...’
6. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 25 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 75 CANBERRA, 25 March 1947, 3.40 p.m. Your D268 and 54, Palestine. We note with interest United States agreement with our view that an Ad Hoc Committee may not be regarded as satisfactory. 2. We note also that your concern is to have matter settled at this coming Assembly...’
7. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 April 1947; ‘Cablegram UN393 NEW YORK, 14 April 1947, 12.22 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Assembly 434. The Secretary-General has asked us to pass the following message to the Australian Government. ‘I have the honor to inform you that a majority of members have today concurred in the request of United Kingdom to summon...’
8. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 26 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 274 CANBERRA, 26 April 1947 SECRET Your UN.420. 1. Terms of summons to Special Session indicate clearly that its purpose is ‘constituting and instructing a special committee to prepare for consideration of the question of Palestine at the second regular Session’. 2. We are, as a matter of principle,...’
9. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 11 August 1947; ‘Cablegram G82 CANBERRA, 11 August 1947, 4 p.m. SECRET Your UNSCOP 6. Minister regards it as most important that you should at this stage take no line against partition. He is anxious that Australia should not be committed on Palestine questions without prior consultation, and stresses the fact-finding nature of...’
10. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UNSCOP 12 GENEVA, 28 August 1947, 6.37 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Our UNSCOP.9. Views in Committee have now finally emerged as follows-for partition plus economic union seven, for federation three (India, Iran, Yugoslavia), without commitment to either proposal Australia. The Australian attitude was outlined as follows-that in accordance with...’
11. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 September 1947; ‘Cablegram UN904 NEW YORK, 25 September 1947, 6.56 p.m. SECRET Assembly 39. 1. First meeting of Palestine Committee [1] today Dr. Evatt was with one vote of abstention elected President. He was nominated by Cuba and seconded by Belgium. Yugoslavia in abstaining said that they knew personally Dr. Evatt would...’
12. EVATT TO BURTON: 26 October 1947; ‘Cablegram E43 NEW YORK, 26 October 1947, 9.25 p.m. TOP SECRET PALESTINE COMMITTEE The Palestine position is now as follows- 1. The full Committee [1] received not less than 17 draft proposals some referring to problem as a whole, others to certain aspects only. The two main proposals were- (A)...’
13. BURTON TO EVATT: 13 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E102 CANBERRA, 13 November 1947, 1.35 p.m. PERSONAL SECRET Prime Minister is obviously strongly of view that Australia should not be one of Commission of Administration for Palestine. [1] He also feels Australia should refrain from voting on final decision if at all possible but realises this may be...’
14. EVATT TO BURTON: 15 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E63 NEW YORK, 15 November 1947, 12.50 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET [matter omitted] 6. Your 102. I am making tremendous attempt to have Palestine finished in committee before Saturday 22nd instant when we are due to leave New York. Australia has not been suggested as one of the...’
15. HOOD TO BURTON: 24 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1157 NEW YORK, 24 November 1947, 2.03 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Assembly 176. 1. The Palestine ad hoc Committee made considerable progress yesterday in debate on reports of two Sub-Committees referred to in my UN.1150 Assembly 173 and preceding telegrams. A report of Sub-Committee One was submitted with certain...’
16. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1164 NEW YORK, 25 November 1947, 11.53 a.m. SECRET Assembly 179. Minister yesterday introduced amendment to Sub-Committee One plan concerning holy places, religious buildings and sites. 2. Plan previously stated that no taxation shall be levied in respect of any holy place, religious building or site which was exempt...’
17. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY AND BURTON: 26 November 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered NEW YORK, 26 November 1947, 11.52 p.m. SECRET The Palestine Committee completed work at four o’clock this afternoon. Dr Evatt has received high praise for his Chairmanship. There is great relief that the Committee has come to a final vote. Dr Evatt had consultation with myself regarding the...’
18. EVATT TO LIE AND CORDIER [1]: 27 November 1947; ‘Telegram [CHEYENNE, WYOMING], 27 November 1947 The position with regard to Palestine is in my judgment the most critical in the history of the United Nations. The choice now is between a complete washout and a positive solution. In such a situation abstention can only mean a direct invitation to...’
19. EVATT TO ATTLEE: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 347 CANBERRA, 16 December 1947, 6.25 p.m. PERSONAL PALESTINE. The following observations are submitted to you personally as the matter is of special importance and as I was Chairman of the Palestine Committee. 1. The suggestion that United Nations Commission should delay arrival in Palestine should be looked at...’
20. ATTLEE TO EVATT: 27 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 277 LONDON, 27 December 1947, 4.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Thank you for your message in your telegram No- 347 about Palestine. May I say first how much we valued the co-operation between our Delegations in New York. 2. I am sorry if you formed the impression from the...’
21. ATYEO TO EVATT: 12 March 1947; ‘Letter SALONIKA, 12 March 1947 This conference is following the old line, that we know so well. Hood has left for Albania as Chairman of Investigation team No.3: I’ve taken his place on the commission here & have so far enjoyed it. Though it does get boring, especially when you...’
22. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 110 LONDON, [1] 13 March 1947, 6 p.m. SECRET Reference my telegram of March 4th, probable programme for Commission is as follows. Until 12th March main body of Commission will continue to hear principal witnesses at Salonika. After 12th March witnesses may be heard at discretion of Commission by...’
23. EVATT AND BURTON TO HOOD: 15 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 75 CANBERRA, 15 March 1947, 11.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your 110 gives us the first clear account that we have had. It is clear that non-aggression pacts between Greece, Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria can have no satisfactory effect if the present Greek Government merely takes advantage of these pacts to...’
24. HOOD TO EVATT AND BURTON: 27 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 123 LONDON, 27 March 1947, 6.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Thank you for comments in your telegram No.75. Have discussed this general line of policy informally with certain members of the Commission and feel hopeful it can be followed through with success. It is certainly the best, if not the...’
25. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 June 1947; ‘Cablegram UN618 NEW YORK, 28 June 1947, 12.53 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Security Council commenced discussion of Report of Balkan Commission 27th June. United States opened debate in a statement which after referring to Greece’s record against the Axis upheld the conclusions of the Commission. They stated that the Commission...’
26. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UN657 NEW YORK, 11 July 1947, 9.30 p.m. SECRET Balkans Commission. Your 367. 1. In the Council today we made a general statement supporting the recommendations of the Commission but reserving our position on details of the United States resolution. This leaves way open to us to support worthwhile...’
27. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 5 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 430 CANBERRA, 5 August 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN719. Greece. On the basis of the finding in [Part]A of the proposals of the Balkans Commission, and the subsequent investigations of the Sub- Commission [1], we are convinced that the situation in the Balkans constitutes a threat to the peace...’
28. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN728 NEW YORK, 5 August 1947, 8.26 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 431. GREECE Your 430. 1. I [1] saw Gromyko today and put forward suggestions contained in your paragraph 5. I emphasised point that in view of apparent irreconcilable points of view, no resolution or action supported by...’
29. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 435, MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET CANBERRA, 6 August 1947 Your U.N. 728. We must make every effort to see that the prestige which Council has gained over Indonesia is not at once dissipated over Greece. If you think that following outline of compromise resolution on Balkans might secure acceptance put...’
30. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN MOSCOW: 8 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 151 CANBERRA, 8 August 1947 SECRET My immediately following telegram contains instructions sent to New York on the Balkans situation. [1] Please raise the matter with the Soviet Government on the highest level stressing our anxiety that a failure to reach a basis of agreement will mean a disastrous...’
31. WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 258 Moscow, 9 August 1947, 7.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET GREECE 1. I secured an appointment with Vyshinski today and have just discussed the subject with him for thirty minutes. 2. I spoke to him as directed in your telegram 151 and referred to all points raised in...’
32. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 478 CANBERRA, 14 August 1947, 5.25 p.m. SECRET Greece. In his reply to Watt, Vyshinski made it clear that he considered the proper function of the Security Council was to assign responsibility for the situation. It appears from the United States attitude that they have also accepted the view...’
33. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN759 NEW YORK, 14 August 1947, 10.46 p.m. SECRET Your 478. Greece. Your telegram gravely perturbs me and I would like confirmation from Minister that contents are in accordance with his views. Underlying thesis seems opposed to everything we have previously advanced. Commission of investigation set up at our...’
34. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN773 NEW YORK, 19 August 1947, 8.48 p.m. SECRET GREECE Both Australian and United States resolutions defeated by veto this evening. 1. I saw Gromyko this morning and told him we felt obliged to go ahead with our resolution and that if it was defeated we would support U.S.A....’
35. CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY AND CHAMBERS: 7 October 1947; ‘Agendum 1395 7 October 1947, TRUSTEESHIP AGREEMENT FOR THE MANDATED TERRITORY OF NAURU 1. By instrument dated 17th December, 1920, a mandate under Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations was conferred upon His Britannic Majesty. The Governments of Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand on...’
36. CABINET SUBMISSION BY WARD: 21 November 1947; ‘Agendum 1411 21 November 1947, TERRITORIES OF PAPUA & NEW GUINEA COMBINED ADMINSTRATION Territory of Papua Settled 1884, Australian control under the title Territory of Papua from 1906. Area 90,540 square miles. Population 1941: Europeans 1,800, Natives estimated 300,000. 1941 Revenue 189,518 (including grant of 42,500 from Commonwealth Government); Expenditure...’
37. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1225 NEW YORK, 15 December 1947, 9.59 p.m. SECRET Trusteeship 80. Trusteeship Council met morning and afternoon Monday 15th December. Almost the whole of both meetings was occupied by consideration of report on New Guinea. 2. President introduced the agenda item by referring to statement by Minister for External...’
38. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 2 October 1947; ‘Cablegram E46 CANBERRA, 2 0ctober 1947, 11.20 a.m. At last Cabinet meeting it was noted that the United Nations requirement for the expulsion of Spain from specialised agencies must have a detrimental effect on the work of those agencies. You are of course aware of the difficulty created at the...’
39. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN112 NEW YORK, 12 November 1947, 1.03 a.m. SECRET Assembly 153. SPAIN 1. In accordance with Prime Minister’s instructions (E-46 of 2nd October) we have tried to secure variation in last year’s Assembly Resolution so that Spain would not be barred from Specialised Agencies where her participation would be...’
40. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1135 (extract) NEW YORK, 18 November 1947, 3.11 p.m. SECRET Assembly 165. 2. Paragraph of resolution on Spain providing for reaffirmation of 1946 resolution did not receive two thirds majority. [1] Voting was 29 to 16 (including Australia) with 7 abstentions. Resolution as amended expressing confidence that Security Council...’
41. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 15 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 375 CANBERRA, 15 July 1947 SECRET Your UN.648. New members. Support Portugal and Eire as nations having records of support for aims and ideals of United Nations. Transjordan. Do not support if it appears likely that we will be in minority, but we would not wish to cause their...’
42. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 8 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 447 CANBERRA, 8 August 1947, 12.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 442. Admission of ex-enemy countries. Following are our views on applications of Italy, Hungary, Roumania and Austria: Italy Italy has ratified treaty and may be regarded as satisfying criteria of Article 4. [1] We support provisional acceptance...’
43. EVATT TO HODGSON: 18 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 490 CANBERRA, 18 August 1947, 5.40 p.m. PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I have just been approached by Butler to support Italy’s admission to the United Nations. I feel morally committed to this because of the acceptance of the position at Paris and it is very important for us not...’
44. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 780 NEW YORK, 21 August 1947, 8 p.m. SECRET Security 459. New Members. 1. Council today took up applications from ex-enemies. 2. Hungary. Supported by Syria, United States voted against. Others abstained. Syria explained [it] would support all applications from sovereign states who declared they were able and willing...’
45. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1135 (extract) NEW YORK, 18 November 1947, 3.11 p.m. SECRET Assembly 165. 1. The Assembly at its 118th Plenary meeting adopted Australian resolutions determining that Eire, Portugal, Transjordan, Italy, and Finland are entitled to membership and recommending reconsideration of applications by Security Council (document A/471). Assembly also adopted the...’
46. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 4 January 1947; ‘Cablegram UN14 NEW YORK, 4 January 1947, 2.31 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL The following background information and tentative comments are submitted to assist you in reaching policy decisions on disarmament. 1. The question comes before the Security Council through- A. General Assembly resolution of December 14th, Disarmament. [1] B. Atomic Commission’s...’
47. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 6 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 5 CANBERRA, 6 January 1947, 5.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your Security 209-Disarmament. 1. In dealing with such a vital matter as disarmament, in which co-operation between all the Great Powers is desirable if at all practicable, it is important to avoid wherever possible line up of Soviet Union...’
48. EVATT TO HASLUCK: 7 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 8 CANBERRA, 7 January 1947, 5.110 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Your UN.14. Disarmament. You will have seen our telegram No. 5 which has crossed your UN. 14 and will have noted broad similarity of approach to problem in the two telegrams. I am glad to know your view...’
49. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 January 1947; ‘Cablegram UN25 NEW YORK, 9 January 1947, 11.50 p.m. Security 217 Following is a summary of the Australian statement on disarmament. Disarmament came before the Council under three headings, namely the Assembly resolution on disarmament, the Assembly resolution on armed forces and the first report of the Atomic Energy Commission....’
50. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 January 1947; ‘Cablegram UN29 NEW YORK, 10 January 1947, 9.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security 219. 1. Our Security 220 contains draft Australian Resolution on disarmament which is submitted for your consideration with a view to placing it before the Security Council next Wednesday morning. 2. In drafting the resolution we have based ourselves...’
51. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 January 1947; ‘Cablegram UN30 NEW YORK, 10 January 1947, 9.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security 220. The Security Council, having accepted the recommendations contained in the General Assembly resolution of December 14th, 1946, on the principles governing the general regulation and reduction of armaments, and recognising that the implementation of the General Assembly’s decision...’
52. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 21 CANBERRA, 14 January 1947, 12 noon. Disarmament. Your UN29 and 30. Line you are following is in accord with our policy on this matter, and resolution suggested can be put forward at Wednesday’s meeting in endeavour to combine United States and Soviet viewpoints. You should stress that this...’
53. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 8 February 1947; ‘Cablegram UN108 NEW YORK, 8 February 1947, 1.39 p.m. PERSONAL The following impressions of this week’s private talks on disarmament are submitted for what they are worth. 1. Disarmament resolution developed in Assembly from political contest and implementation is also part of political contest. 2. The United States has been...’
54. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 20 February 1947; ‘Cablegram D171 LONDON, 20 February 1947, 9.10 p.m. SECRET Disarmament. In the light of recent resolution of the United Nations Assembly and present consideration of the matter by the Security Council we have broad principles which in our view should be agreed by the Disarmament Commission before it proceeds to...’
55. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 26 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 191 CANBERRA, 26 March 1947, 10.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your Security 319 and 321. 1. If the United Kingdom or any other country is implying that a reduction in armaments depends firstly on the re-establishment of international confidence such a truism is no ground for decision. A positive...’
56. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 2 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 85 CANBERRA, 2 April 1947, 5.25 p.m. SECRET Your D171 and D299. We feel that a positive approach should be adopted to the problem of disarmament and that your D299 is negative in its approach. In our view the restoration of international confidence should not be made a condition...’
57. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 14 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 118 CANBERRA, 14 May 1947 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your D.171. Australian Defence Committee has considered proposal of armaments truce and makes the following observations. The Defence Forces of Australia are at this time at a low ebb. Demobilisation of the war-time forces has just been completed. The post-war forces...’
58. HILL TO SHANN: 21 April 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 21 April 1947 Australian Policy towards Commissions of ESC The main commissions of the Economic and Social Council were decided upon by the Preparatory Commission of the United Nations when it was agreed that eight such commissions should be established to deal with world problems. However as Tange...’
59. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 15 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 374 CANBERRA, 15 July 1947, 5.35 p.m. SECRET MEETING OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL Please endeavour to enlist support for following proposals:- (A) No more Commissions to be set up; (B) No more meetings of Status of Women Commission this year; (C) Alternates to be allowed to attend Sub-Commissions...’
60. HODGSON TO BURTON: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UN687 NEW YORK, 23 July 1947, 8.25 p.m. SECRET STRICTLY PERSONAL 1. Your 378. [1] We shall do this but I would be failing in frankness if I do not point out that in my view our election to the Economic and Social Council at this time might not...’
61. EVATT TO BURTON: 29 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E17 NEW YORK, 29 September 1947, 9.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL [matter omitted] After some little hesitation and after consulting the Delegation I decided we should stand for the Economic and Social Council. Here the trouble is the complete lack of preparation at New York and Washington...’
62. EVATT TO BURTON: 1 October 1947; ‘Cablegram E21 (extract) NEW YORK, 1 October 1947, 11.16 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Regarding Economic Council you will by now have received cable giving result of our election. In the circumstances it was almost a miracle. We were not included on any ticket and I had to send a...’
63. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 9 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 605 CANBERRA, 9 October 1947, 12.04 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.951. [1] Whilst we do not oppose elimination of any wasteful and unnecessary expenditure we agree that you should try to restore second meeting of Economic and Employment Commission. Even two meetings of this Commission appear inadequate for consideration...’
64. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER: 31 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 287 CANBERRA, 31 October 1947 SECRET Your telegram D.517 Saving. International Meetings. As you know we fully appreciate the dollar and manpower difficulties involved in this matter and we entirely agree that only those international meetings should be held which are important from the point of view of achieving...’
65. EVATT TO POLLARD, COURTICE AND MCKENNA: 18 December 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 18 December 1947 As you will be aware, Australia was elected to the Economic and Social Council by the United Nations General Assembly in October last. The Sixth Session of the Council, the first at which Australia will be represented, will commence in New York on 2nd February...’
66. REPORT BY WILSON: 5 March 1947; ‘Extracts CANBERRA, 5 March 1947 UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION REPORT BY THE AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE ON THE FIRST SESSION, 1947 The conclusions and recommendations of the Economic and Employment Commission at its first session [1] are adequately set out in the ‘Report of the Commission’, a copy of which...’
67. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 13 March 1947; ‘Letter (extract) [1] [LONDON], 13 March 1947 I spent some time with Owen [2], the Assistant Secretary-General, responsible for economic affairs, and his senior assistants. [3] Generally, I was disappointed. Their conception of the Secretariat’s functions appears to me to be unduly passive, although this view is to some extent...’
68. REPORT BY HEYWARD: 1 June 1947; ‘Extracts [NEW YORK, June 1947] [1] CONFIDENTIAL UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION SECOND SESSION JUNE 2-17, 1947 Report by the Australian Alternate 1. The official report to the Council [2] on the Second Session was approved by the Commission, and is accurate so far as it goes. I believe...’
69. DAVIS TO FORSYTH AND CRITCHLEY: 1 July 1947; ‘Note CANBERRA, 1 July 1947 I.L.O. Preparatory Asian Regional Conference New Delhi 27th October to 10th November It appears to be highly desirable that (a) Australia should be represented at the above Conference; and (b) the Australian Government representation should include a person either well versed or well briefed in...’
70. MACKAY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 577 NEW DELHI, 29 October 1947, 11.30 p.m. SECRET I.L.O. Two. A draft resolution submitted by the Government of India but not yet discussed requests the governing body- (a) To ascertain in consultation with the Governments and employers and workers organisations in industrially developed countries what maximum opportunities can...’
71. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 6 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 462 CANBERRA, 6 November 1947 SECRET Your 577. I.L.O. You should endeavour to avoid participation in any debate on- (a) immigration of labourers; (b) training in industrial establishments. If drawn into discussion on training you might emphasise that Australian educational institutions and training establishments are very overcrowded and that,...’
72. BURTON TO BULCOCK: 12 August 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 12 August 1947 F.A.O.-THIRD SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE The following are the views of the Department of External Affairs on the agenda items for the forthcoming session of the Conference [1]:- 1. Admission of New Members The application of Siam should be supported. We see no reason to...’
73. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 29 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 238 CANBERRA, 29 August 1947, 4.15 p.m. SECRET Your 592-Future Policy of F.A.O. We agree that all international organisations should concentrate on work which is likely to lead to practical recommendations for action by Governments, and that they should only summon conferences with clear cut objectives in view. 2....’
74. CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY AND EVATT: 9 April 1947; ‘Agendum 695C CANBERRA, 9 April 1947 SECRET POST-UNRRA RELIEF Cessation of UNRRA Apart from special arrangements to complete programmes already in hand, UNRRA was due to cease operations on 31st March, 1947 in Europe and 30th June, 1947, in the Far East. Completion of the Australian programme will involve shipments...’
75. CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY AND EVATT: 10 May 1947; ‘Agendum 695D CANBERRA, [10 May 1947] SECRET AUSTRALIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE ORGANISATION AND POST-UNRRA RELIEF Reference is made to Cabinet Agendum No. 695C on ‘Post-UNRRA Relief’ and to Cabinet Agendum No. 1322, on ‘Australian Participation in the International Refugee Organisation’. Cabinet considered these Agenda on 16th April, 1947,...’
76. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 2 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 587 CANBERRA, 2 October 1947, 3.45 p.m. Our 581 Post-U.N.R.R.A. Relief. Treasury has approved statement on I.C.E.F. In addition following short general statement now approved by the Prime Minister:- On 12th May this year, the Australian Government approved a contribution of A4 million to post-U.N.R.R.A. relief. Of this total...’
77. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 1490 WASHINGTON, 8 November 1947, 2.51 p.m. SECRET U.N.R.R.A. China Programme. On 5th November, Central Committee [1] considered without reaching decision Administration’s proposal to close China office at end of 1947 and to transfer responsibility for completing programme to a Rehabilitation [Com]mission [2], a Chinese Government agency established by...’
78. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 12 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 1313 CANBERRA, 12 November 1947 SECRET Your 1490-UNRRA CHINA PROGRAMME. We would agree to suggested compromise whereby China would set up a Rehabilitation Commission and Board of Trustees without nominated international representatives but dependent for funds of Chinese and foreign currency on the C.C.F.E. You should also press for...’
79. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 17 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 1338 CANBERRA, 17 November 1947, 4.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1509. [1] U.N.R.R.A. in China. We are still in favour of retention of international control as expressed in our 1313. However, we do not wish to take a strong minority stand against the Chinese Government on this issue. If,...’
80. TANGE TO COOMBS: 15 January 1947; ‘Letter [NEW YORK], 15 January 1947 Thank you for your telegram of 24th December advising me about my participation in the work of the Drafting Committee of I.T.O. It can be managed without inconvenience. Although drafting involves the tedium of self-restraint, I am looking forward to it. The discussions on...’
81. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 17 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 30 CANBERRA, 17 January 1947, 5.15 p.m. Your UN37. [1] We find ourselves in the difficulty that the procedure arrangements for conducting the multilateral tariff negotiations at Geneva are based on an exchange of rate request lists [2] occurring on or about 31st December and that this basic requirement...’
82. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 24 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 22 CANBERRA, 24 January 1947 SECRET Trade and Employment. In our preparations for the Geneva talks and the Commonwealth discussions in London [1] the question has arisen whether requests will be made by one Commonwealth country upon the B.P.T. [2] of the others. From our communications with other Commonwealth...’
83. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 11 February 1947; ‘Memorandum [CANBERRA], 11 February 1947 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC POLICY During the international trade discussions in London I formed the impression that there are certain basic economic issues in the international field which vitally affect Australia’s policy and to which I believe it is important that the Government should give careful thought...’
84. CHIFLEY TO COOMBS: 18 February 1947; ‘Memorandum [CANBERRA], 18 February 1947 INTERNATIONAL TRADE ORGANISATION In connection with the forthcoming meeting of the Preparatory Committee for an International Conference on Trade and Employment and the prior British Commonwealth discussions in London you are authorised to follow as far as they are relevant the instructions which were issued...’
85. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 19 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 34 LONDON, 19 February 1947, 9.17 a.m. SECRET IMPORTANT Your telegram No.22. Trade and Employment. We fully appreciate the considerations which prompted your suggestion that B.P.T. rates need not be discussed at our forthcoming meeting in London (or presumably at Geneva.) We feel however, ourselves that this course is...’
86. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 13 March 1947; ‘Letter (extract) [LONDON], 13 March 1947 The visit to the United States was somewhat hurried, but I think quite useful. I found very varying expectations of the outcome of the I.T.O. talks. Generally, the United Nations Secretariat appears somewhat pessimistic. This pessimism is due partly to the fact that the...’
87. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 22 March 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO9 LONDON, 22 March 1947, 5.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET We are invited by United Nations Secretariat in accordance with Memo on procedure to select a base date. Explanation of reasons for a base date is given in paragraph 2 of Section E of Memo on procedure. [1] Briefly...’
88. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 22 March 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO10 LONDON, 22 March 1947, 5.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your T1. [1] We discussed the question of publication of United Kingdom list with United Kingdom officials 20.3.47. We made the following points- (1) That list was very comprehensive and covered substantial part of Australian tariff. Its publication would...’
89. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 24 March 1947; ‘Letter (extract) LONDON, 24 March 1947 The Commonwealth discussions commenced in London on the 11th March at Spencer House, St. James’s Place. Representatives from the following countries are attending: United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand South Africa Eire India Newfoundland Southern Rhodesia Burma Ceylon Colonies. The work of the Conference...’
90. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY AND DEDMAN: 25 March 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO13 LONDON, 25 March 1947, 9 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET There has been a discussion concerning automatic rule set out in Article 24(1)(B) of the draft charter. [1] Although this is essentially related to the charter drafting which is to be dealt with later, it is necessary to examine...’
91. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO COOMBS: 3 April 1947; ‘Cablegram T16 CANBERRA, 3 April 1947, 5.05 p.m. Your I.T.O.9 and 12. 1. Following is our understanding of position- (a) The nomination of a base date for preferences arises solely from Article[s] 14 and 24 of the Draft Charter:- (i) Article 14-a base date is necessary to define the level...’
92. WILSON TO COOMBS: 3 April 1947; ‘Cablegram T17 CANBERRA, 3 April 1947 1. Discussion of base date nomination has stimulated review of the general question of Article 14 and of relationship between the proposed General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the ultimate Charter. Before discussions with Cabinet Sub-Committee take place we feel it would be...’
93. COOMBS TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 3 April 1947; ‘Cablegram IT023 (extract) LONDON, 3 April 1947, 3.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference I.T.O.10 concerning publication of United Kingdom requests. [matter omitted] [1] (c) I think there are some grounds for United Kingdom fear that with present tariff rates they will enjoy a smaller share of Australian market than before....’
94. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 3 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 66 LONDON, 3 April 1947, 6.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 34. Trade and Employment. We have greatly welcomed the opportunity afforded by the present Commonwealth discussions to exchange views with your representatives on the tariff negotiations which are about to begin in Geneva. We are however much concerned...’
95. CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY: 14 April 1947; ‘Agendum 1019D (extracts) [CANBERRA], 14 April 1947 CONFIDENTIAL TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE : FIRST PROGRESS REPORT I. INTRODUCTION 1. The following report reviews the work which has been done both in Australia and overseas since the departure of the Australian Delegation to the Trade and Employment Conference in London and...’
96. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 16 April 1947; ‘Letter GENEVA, 16 April 1947 The second session of the Preparatory Committee for an International Conference on Trade and Employment commenced in Geneva on the 10th April, 1947. The Committee re-elected as Chairman, Monsieur Max Suetens of the Belgian Delegation, who was also Chairman of the first session. After the...’
97. COOMBS TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 21 April 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO42 GENEVA, 21 April 1947, 8.44 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Discussion today [1] indicated that absence of provision for negotiation between Commonwealth countries may be the subject of question and comment and furthermore that this may be attributed to Australian attitude. This possibility should be taken into account by...’
98. COOMBS TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 28 April 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO53 GENEVA, 28 April 1947, 10.50 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET United States response on wool duty requests. McCarthy, Morton and I saw Clayton yesterday [1] and informed him that United States response on Wool [2] was completely unacceptable and that if it represented firm United States position it almost...’
99. COOMBS TO CLAYTON: 3 May 1947; ‘Letter GENEVA, 3 May 1947 SECRET I refer to my letter of 26th April, 1947, and to the discussion which I and two of my colleagues had with you in relation to the United States’ response to our request on wool. During that discussion, you suggested to us that the...’
100. COOMBS TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 9 May 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO71 GENEVA, 9 May 1947, 10 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Together with Beasley I saw Cripps on Monday afternoon and informed him of substance your proposed reply on question negotiations with United Kingdom. [1] He expressed himself as well satisfied with our proposals and suggested that we should proceed with...’
101. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 12 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 115 CANBERRA, 12 May 1947, 11.55 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 66. 1. We have carefully considered your telegram and after reviewing the whole situation we are prepared to enter into negotiations with you as part of the multilateral negotiations now in progress at Geneva. It is to be...’
102. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 14 May 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO79 GENEVA, 14 May 1947, 12.20 p.m. SECRET 1. Wilson’s telegram T.17 Issues raised in this telegram have been under discussion in Delegation since our arrival in London and it was my intention to telegraph results our discussions soon as possible. We are agreed that principle involved in Article...’
103. TANGE TO BURTON: 17 May 1947; ‘Cablegram GEN25 GENEVA, 17 May 1947, 11.30 a.m. SECRET PERSONAL Your GEN.23. Agree we are obliged to consider commercial policy adjustments with something less than full satisfaction on the employment issue but this is primarily because no employment agreement can guarantee its implementation. What we should seek in the I.T.O....’
104. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 23 May 1947; ‘Cablegram T67 CANBERRA, 23 May 1947, 5.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your I.T.O. 79, 80. [1] 1. Subject to the elimination or adequate modification of Article 24, paragraph (b) [2], you are authorised to proceed in accordance with your conclusions 2 and 3 of I.T.O. 79. Approval is given on the...’
105. MEETING OF DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 28 May 1947; ‘Notes (extract) [GENEVA], 28 May 1947 Dr. Coombs reported that his visit to Australia had been most satisfactory and that he had discussed at meetings of the Interdepartmental Committee and the Cabinet sub-committee matters arising under the Charter and the problems arising from the absence of a U.S.A. offer on...’
106. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 29 May 1947; ‘Letter GENEVA, 29 May 1947 Resulting from our consideration of the possibility of a Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom, we have been considering a means by which we could demonstrate in Australia the benefits resulting from each of the Trade Agreements to which we may be a party. Variations...’
107. COOMBS TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 31 May 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO102 GENEVA, 31 May 1947, 2.25 p.m. SECRET After my return to Geneva on Wednesday morning, I saw Wilcox who is leading the U.S.A. Delegation in the absence of Clayton, and informed him that there was no prospect of the Government being able to obtain approval in Australia for...’
108. WHEELER TO MCFARLANE: 3 June 1947; ‘Letter (extract) CANBERRA, 3 June 1947 BY AIR BAG PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Trade and Employment Discussions Coombs arrived for his lightning visit shortly after your departure. [1] He was only in Canberra for four days and the going was fairly hectic. We were more or less continuously in committees of...’
109. NOTE BY LOOMES [1]: 6 June 1947; ‘[CANBERRA], 6 June 1947 TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE There are apparently proposals for the conclusion at this Conference of three agreements:- (1) The Charter of the I.T.O., based on the proposals of Preparatory Committees, as amended by the Drafting Committee which met in New York in March, 1947. [2] (2)...’
110. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 9 June 1947; ‘Letter [GENEVA], 9 June 1947 I returned to Geneva on 28th May and was able immediately to participate in the discussions on Chapter 4 of the Charter. During the previous week there had been a preliminary discussion of Chapter 3 and the various amendments submitted by Delegations had been referred...’
111. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 12 June 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO128 GENEVA, 12 June 1947, 1.55 p.m. SECRET Current tariff negotiations are being confused because of doubts about the continuance of restrictive Import Control systems. We believe that an Australian decision during the progress of these negotiations to issue licences freely for currently [1] available goods from all countries...’
112. MCFARLANE TO WHEELER: 19 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 2124 LONDON, 19 June 1947, 6.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your 2478 and I.T.O.128 Import Restrictions. 1. Proposals are important and have bearing on sterling talks. Action contemplated is relaxation of restrictions not lifting as stated your telegram. 2. I appreciate Delegation’s arguments and object but question of timing and reaction...’
113. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 21 June 1947; ‘Cablegram T121 CANBERRA, 21 June 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your I.T.O. 130, 134, 140 and 147. Following are views of Cabinet Sub-Committee regarding World Conference: 1. Whilst generally we favour such conferences being held at seat of United Nations, we are prepared to leave the matter of place of Conference to...’
114. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 21 June 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO153 GENEVA, 21 June 1947, 12.48 p.m. SECRET Article 25 comes up for discussion on 27th June. [1] We had intended seeking an amendment to paragraph 2 (D) to cover sugar embargo but it is now proposed that the whole of Chapter V will not apply to commodities the...’
115. CHIFLEY TO NASH: 26 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 162 CANBERRA, 26 June 1947, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. With reference to your cable to Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, London No. 122 repeated to me as No. 124 [1] our Delegation at Geneva has already been instructed that my Government is in full sympathy with your...’
116. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 27 June 1947; ‘Cablegram T139 CANBERRA, 27 June 1947, 4.10 p.m. SECRET Your I.T.O. 128-Proposal to relax import restrictions except for hard currencies. 1. Your suggestion was briefly considered by Cabinet Sub-Committee but unilateral action by Australia was not favoured. 2. Detailed views of inter-departmental Committee are set out hereunder. 3. From financial...’
117. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 28 June 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO171 GENEVA, 28 June 1947, 1.20 p.m. SECRET Your T.71. At the British Commonwealth Meeting it was agreed that there would not be embarrassment to the Commonwealth Countries from early scheduling through the Secretariat of the United Kingdom - Australia Tariff Negotiations. This would include negotiations on all items...’
118. DEDMAN [1] TO CHIFLEY: 4 July 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO198 GENEVA, 4 July 1947, 1.40 a.m. SECRET Clayton had Australian and South African Delegates to lunch today. Purpose apparently was to advise us unofficially that he was not going to take any further step on wool until Congress had dealt with price support measure introduced immediately after imposition...’
119. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 5 July 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO210 GENEVA, 5 July 1947, 10.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Principal matters arising from discussions during the week have been cabled separately. These cables include a review of tariff negotiations so that this may be considered by Cabinet at its meeting on Monday. Sugar. In I.T.O.188 we reviewed effects of...’
120. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 9 July 1947; ‘Cablegram T167 CANBERRA, 9 July 1947, 5.50 p.m. SECRET Your I.T.O. 153 concerning stud sheep was discussed by Cabinet Sub-committee at considerable length. 2. The discussion provoked the wider issue of the Government retaining freedom to determine what products should or should not be exported in the light of its...’
121. DECISION OF THE CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 14 July 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 14 July 1947 SECRET CABINET SUB COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT MINUTES Decision No. 117 Without Agendum Commitments involved in Signature of General Agreement, Cable ITO210. It was decided that the Delegation should be informed that the Government was not prepared to accept the signature of the General Agreement...’
122. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 17 July 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO218 GENEVA, 17 July 1947, 2.37 p.m. SECRET Yesterday I had informal talk with Clayton about import restrictions. I outlined briefly our balance of payments position both in total and in relation to dollar currencies and put to him the following questions- (1) What would United States reaction be...’
123. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 18 July 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO225 GENEVA, 18 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I am unhappy about telegram from Cabinet Sub-committee dealing with embargoes [1], and support strongly the suggestion in Delegation telegram I.T.O.221 (as amended by ITO 224) that the decision be reviewed. [2] It Seems to me that Australia with serious gaps...’
124. CHIFLEY TO DEDMAN: 22 July 1947; ‘Cablegram G75 CANBERRA, 22 July 1947 PERSONAL 1. Glad to have your letter of 6th July [1] and your assessment of the position. I agree with your view that we should beware of provisions aimed at facilitating use of quantitative restrictions for protective purposes. You have of course been keeping...’
125. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram ITO241 GENEVA, 25 July 1947, 10.37 a.m. SECRET Australian United Kingdom negotiations. Have now prepared requests on United Kingdom which take form of direct requests for tariff concessions and suggestions regarding other forms of assistance or concessions which United Kingdom might give us. In view of United Kingdom anxiety...’
126. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 3 August 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0253 GENEVA, 3 August 1947, 11.05 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL 1. Wool. I saw Clayton this morning but they are still not in a position to talk. Clayton was very apologetic for delay but explained that for policy [1] they should be in position to state that no decision...’
127. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 3 August 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0254 GENEVA, 3 August 1947, 11.20 a.m. SECRET GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE [1] A. THE PROBLEM Early enquiries by the Tariff Steering Committee revealed that majority of countries negotiating agreements at Geneva would be unable to give definitive approval to a general agreement embodying tariff reductions before...’
128. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 7 August 1947; ‘Cablegram T217 CANBERRA, 7 August 1947, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET Your I.T.O. 241 and 250- Cabinet Sub-Committee considered your telegram in detail at considerable length and expressed the following views: [matter omitted] [1] 2. The preamble to your proposed letter to the United Kingdom was thought satisfactory. 3. It was...’
129. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY CABLEGRAM IT0261 GENEVA, 7 AUGUST 1947, 8.05 P.M. RECEIVED 8 AUGUST 1947: 7 August 1947; ‘MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Last night Clayton made an offer of a reduction of 25% in the existing wool duty. [1] I expressed my profound surprise and disappointment and informed him that personally I could not see in such an offer the basis for a satisfactory agreement between Australia and United...’
130. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 8 August 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0262 GENEVA, 8 August 1947, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Further penult paragraph my ITO 253 Wilcox has advised Coombs informally that Clayton willing recommend to the President- (A) A protocol to general agreement which will permit departures from nondiscrimination during a transitional period. (B) The waiving of article 9 of...’
131. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 9 August 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0269 GENEVA, 9 August 1947, 9.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Further to my telegram 261. In order that the Cabinet Sub- Committee should have fullest possible background, I am sending supplementary notes which may be of assistance. 2. I now learn privately that decision to offer a reduction...’
132. CHIFLEY TO DEDMAN: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram T223 CANBERRA, 12 August 1947, 5.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Consideration of your I.T.O. 261 and 269 has been somewhat hampered by delay in getting repeats of indecipherable passages, not all of which yet received. In the meantime following immediate reactions will assist you: 1. In view of the...’
133. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0272 GENEVA, 12 August 1947, 10.42 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Reference I.T.O.253 and I T.O.254. 1. I submit following for consideration of Cabinet. 2. After preliminary discussion in Tariff Agreement Committee it has become clear that a number of delegations find themselves in the same position as Australia...’
134. CHIFLEY TO DEDMAN: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram T228 CANBERRA, 14 August 1947, 2.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your I.T.O. 254 and 272. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade After carefully reviewing your suggestions and with realisation of the difficulties to be met, Cabinet Sub-Committee believes it would be possible to adapt our procedure to main objectives...’
135. CABINET SUBMISSION BY CHIFLEY: 15 August 1947; ‘Agendum 1019E (extracts) [CANBERRA], 15 August 1947 TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE PROGRESS REPORT IV. GENERAL STATEMENT ON CHARTER [matter omitted] (b) Australian Interests and Policy The existence of some international body to determine the lines on which international trade shall be conducted seems to offer considerable advantages to Australia. Such...’
136. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 17 August 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0279 (extract) GENEVA, 17 August 1947, 11.46 a.m. SECRET Received 18 August 1947 Your T197 Stud Sheep Embargo. [1] We moved in Commission yesterday to have word ‘critical’ removed from Article 25(2)(b). [2] We spoke of last drought and pointed out that when what might be a critical stage...’
137. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 19 August 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0283 GENEVA, 19 August 1947, 11.30 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. In addition to my discussions in Paris with Clayton about which I have already telegraphed you, Delegation have had a preliminary discussion with some of Americans. It [is] difficult to give a general assessment of United States attitude...’
138. COOMBS TO DEDMAN: 18 September 1947; ‘Letter (extracts) GENEVA, 18 September 1947 Since your departure for Australia [1] we have concluded the discussions on the draft Charter and we have also made some progress in the tariff negotiations. As a supplement to the cables which we have been sending, I thought that you might find the...’
139. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 5 October 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0365(extracts) GENEVA, 5 October 1947, 9.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET For the past week we have been in continuous discussion with United States negotiators and […] [1] Mr. Brown [2] leader of United States Delegation we have reached stage where matter must be submitted to Government. Briefly, United States...’
140. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 8 October 1947; ‘Cablegram T294 CANBERRA, 8 October 1947, 5.40 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 363 and 365. Cabinet Sub Committee gave long and earnest consideration to latest United States offers and requests and to your views on them. Sub Committee noted with satisfaction improved responses on beef, butter and other items and appreciated...’
141. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 14 October 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0389 GENEVA, 14 October 1947 SECRET Free Entry for Commonwealth Goods into United Kingdom. Mr. Helmore [1] referred to discussions at Spencer House and at Commonwealth Meeting held 8th July in Geneva (see T.N.(P)(B.C.)(G.S.C.)(47) 20th meeting paragraphs 13 and 14) and said that the United Kingdom were anxious before...’
142. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA, TO CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: 15 October 1947; ‘Cablegram IT0394 GENEVA, [15 October 1947] [1] SECRET Further our I.T.O. 388. Method suggested by the United Kingdom for expressing any agreement that may be reached on issues connected with Ottawa Agreement. We quote below text of draft minutes which we handed informally to the United Kingdom officials for their...’
143. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 24 October 1947; ‘Cablegram T308 CANBERRA, 24 October 1947, 5.40 p.m. SECRET Your 388, 389 Free Entry for Commonwealth goods into United Kingdom. Cabinet Sub-Committee does not favour any text of agreement which could be applied as widely in modifying the obligations of the Ottawa Agreement as that set out in your I.T.0....’
144. CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, GENEVA: 24 October 1947; ‘Cablegram T322 CANBERRA, 24 October 1947, 2.09 p.m. SECRET Your I.T.O.394, 403. Modification of Ottawa obligations. Cabinet Sub-Committee desires the questions of free entry into United Kingdom and our own obligations under the Ottawa Agreement to be dealt with quite separately. The agreement with United Kingdom relating to the former...’
145. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 13 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1117 NEW YORK, 13 November 1947, 6.17 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. As requested your E.101, I today signed protocol of provisional application of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and requested Secretary General to inform other countries of our intention to apply agreement provisionally as from November 18th....’
146. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY: 9 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 1615 WASHINGTON, 9 December 1947, 5.38 p.m. SECRET At the request of the State Department this morning I went to see former Assistant Secretary of State Clayton [1], who conveyed to me the deep concern of the United States at the attitude of Australia in opposing the suggestion that...’
147. CHIFLEY TO MAKIN: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 1455 CANBERRA, 16 December 1947, 5.40 a.m. ARTICLE 24 I.T.O. CHARTER 1 Your 1615. You may give Clayton the strongest assurances that the position of the Australian Government on Article 24, paragraph 2 of Draft Trade Charter is not influenced in the slightest by the failure of United States...’
148. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RECEIVED 27 DECEMBER 1947: 24 December 1947; ‘Cablegram W14 HAVANA, 24 December 1947, 8.07 p.m. SECRET 1. Wilcox (U.S.A.) has again approached us regarding Article 24(2) and accepting determination of Fund. He repeated that the United States could not accept our amendment, but that they recognise that majority of Delegations here are likely to support us if...’
149. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 15 January 1947; ‘Memorandum [CANBERRA], 15 January 1947 STERLING BALANCES Before I left for London you agreed that it would be desirable for me to discuss informally with the United Kingdom Treasury officials the suggestion that Australia’s sterling balances might be written down in order to assist the United Kingdom international position. Accordingly...’
150. WILLIAMS TO CHIFLEY: 29 January 1947; ‘Aide Memoire CANBERRA, 29 January 1947 TOP SECRET The High Commissioner has been asked to refer to the Secretary of State’s telegram to the Prime Minister D. No. 71 of 28th January containing a general appreciation of the economic situation now confronting the United Kingdom on oversea account. In it,...’
151. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 11 February 1947; ‘Memorandum [CANBERRA], 11 February 1947 STERLING BALANCES In accordance with your request I discussed this question with Mr Nash on Friday last. [1] Mr McFarlane has probably reported the substance of the discussion to you, but it may be of interest to you to have my summary of the conclusions...’
152. COOMBS TO CHIFLEY: 31 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 1169 LONDON, 31 March 1947, 8.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Further my 1140. [1] I lunched with Dalton today. He proposes see Nash later. I propose, therefore, advise Nash on general nature of discussion- (i) Sterling Balances. Chancellor said that his advisers stated that it was practicable for United...’
153. MCFARLANE TO CHIFLEY: 23 June 1947; ‘Report [LONDON], 23 June 1947 AIRMAIL SECRET STERLING BALANCES The only remark the Chancellor made when I called on him [1] was to remind me of the difficulties of the United Kingdom in my talks with the Treasury. I later called on the head of the Treasury (Bridges [2]). My...’
154. ROWE-DUTTON TO MCFARLANE: 3 July 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 3 July 1947 I must begin by a sincere apology for not having written sooner; I have two excuses: one, that you left me with some pretty severe problems; the other, that too many things are happening all at once. The first, and perhaps most serious, problem I...’
155. CHIFLEY TO MCFARLANE: 7 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 2804 CANBERRA, 7 July 1947, 5.45 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your report of 23rd June and telegrams 2300 and 2316 on Sterling Balances. [1] 1. I agree that Rowe-Dutton proposals are not acceptable even as basis for discussion. Australian Government appreciates United kingdom difficulties and is prepared to...’
156. MCFARLANE TO CHIFLEY: 9 July 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 9 July 1947 AIR MAIL PERSONAL Sterling Balances I welcomed your telegram 2804 which confirmed my own reactions and gave me confidence for my further talks. Bridges gave me a dinner on Monday night at which Eady and others were present. The atmosphere was very friendly, and following...’
157. CHIFLEY TO MCFARLANE: 17 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 2984 CANBERRA, 17 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your airmail report of 9th July. Your suggestion for an appropriately worded high level appeal from United Kingdom instead of an agreement containing assurances by Australia is a happy one. It has many psychological advantages. The precise content of the...’
158. MCFARLANE TO CHIFLEY: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram[2824] [1] LONDON, 12 August 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET TO BE DECODED BY A SPECIAL OFFICER 1. Your 3322 [2] and my … [3] Had long confidential talk to Eady. He is going to Washington on Friday with U.K. Mission to discuss crisis which has sharpened recently. You may...’
159. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 13 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 483 LONDON, 13 August 1947, 11.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL You will recollect that we informed you by telegram of the 29th January of the disquieting weakening of the United Kingdom dollar position and sought your continued co-operation in making economics in direct dollar expenditure, to...’
160. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE APPRECIATION 1/47: 27 March 1947; ‘MELBOURNE, 27 March 1947 TOP SECRET APPRECIATION OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE STRATEGICAL POSITION OF AUSTRALIA [matter omitted] Terms of Reference: By minute dated 12 December 1946, the Joint Secretary, Joint Planning Committee forwarded copy of Chiefs of Staff Committee Minute No. 11/1946 and copy No. 32 of ‘An Appreciation...’
161. CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE MINUTE 3/1947: 28 October 1947; ‘MELBOURNE, 28 October 1947 TOP SECRET AN APPRECIATION OF THE STRATEGICAL POSITION OF AUSTRALIA- SEPTEMBER, 1947 The Chiefs of Staff have recently examined the general trend of world affairs, and, in the light of this examination, have prepared a paper entitled ‘An Appreciation by the Chiefs of Staff on the...’
162. NOTES OF MEETING OF MINISTERS [1] ON COUNCIL OF DEFENCE: 6 March 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 6 March 1947 GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE BACKGROUND OF AUSTRALIAN POST WAR DEFENCE POLICY 1. INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS BY PRIME MINISTER (1) Purpose of the Meeting My letter notifying Ministers of the intention to hold this meeting stated that its purpose is to have a general discussion on the background...’
163. COUNCIL OF DEFENCE [1] MINUTE: 12 March 1947; ‘Agendum 1/1947 (extracts) CANBERRA, 12 March 1947 STRENGTH AND ORGANISATION OF POST-WAR DEFENCE FORCES [matter omitted] OBSERVATIONS OF PRIME MINISTER: 3. The following is a summary of the observations of the Prime Minister:- (1) Observations on the Defence Vote (i) A Defence Vote of 90,000,000 based on the Defence Committee’s...’
164. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 28 April 1947; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 28 April 1947 SECRET PERSONAL You will recall from the correspondence between the Acting Minister for External Affairs and the Minister for Defence in November 1945, concerning Australia’s interests in the disposal of units of the Japanese Fleet, that the Minister for Defence referred to the close relation...’
165. BURTON TO SHEDDEN: 2 May 1947; ‘Letter 2 May 1947, PERSONAL Thank you for your personal letter of 29th regarding the distribution of telegrams. There has been no change that I am aware of in instructions to the officer in charge of cables regarding the distribution of telegrams, either since Mr. Mulrooney [1] left or since...’
166. CHIFLEY TO WILLIAMS: 6 January 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 6 January 1947 TOP SECRET I refer to your letter of 30th September, 1946, Ref.5/273 [1], in regard to the question of Australian liaison with British Defence Committee in South East Asia and note that the specific proposals put forward by your Government are:- (a) the Australian Commissioner...’
167. MASSEY TO EVATT: 5 February 1947; ‘Dispatch 4147 (extracts) SINGAPORE, 5 February 1947 TOP SECRET [matter omitted] 3. Major-General K.W.D. Strong, Director, joint Intelligence Bureau, London, was present at the meeting for the purpose of addressing the Committee [1] concerning the functions of the joint Intelligence Bureau in relation to Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. 4....’
168. REPORT BY THE JOINT PLANNING COMMITTEE: 20 February 1947; ‘J.P.C. 6/47 20 February 1947 TOP SECRET PROPOSALS OF NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT SERVICE LIAISON STAFFS Agendum No.1/1947 INTRODUCTION In accordance with the direction of the Defence Committee the joint Planning Committee gave consideration to a letter by the NEW ZEALAND Minister for External Affairs relating to...’
169. HOLLIS TO SHEDDEN: 10 March 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 10 March 1947 SECRET AND PERSONAL I have been thinking how we can make the new defence liaison arrangements really effective. The Dominion Liaison Officers are now beginning to arrive in London and I am really anxious that we here should give them a good send-off. The first...’
170. SHEDDEN TO HOLLIS: 14 April 1947; ‘Letter 14 April 1947, SECRET AND PERSONAL Thank you very much for your letter of 10th March 1947, about the new Defence Liaison arrangements. May I say that your co-operative attitude towards Rourke [1] and Buchanan [2] has been very much appreciated here, and we feel that it has laid...’
171. KEVIN TO BURTON: 9 May 1947; ‘Minute 9 May 1947, TOP SECRET CO-OPERATION IN EMPIRE DEFENCE SOUTH EAST ASIA The Australian Memorandum The accompanying memorandum is the outcome of the Prime Ministers’ Conference in London in 1946. It embodies the Australian reaction to certain British proposals, which proposals, Mr. Chifley said at the time, would be...’
172. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 28 May 1947; ‘Letter 28 May 1947, TOP SECRET CO-OPERATION IN BRITISH COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE I would refer to the discussions at the Conference of Prime Ministers last year on Responsibilities and Organisation for Commonwealth Defence, and to the views expressed by the Australian Government Representatives, both verbally and in documents submitted by them...’
173. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 28 May 1947; ‘Letter 28 May 1947, TOP SECRET The Minister for Defence has been in communication with you regarding the memorandum on Co-operation in British Commonwealth Defence, which contains the Australian Government’s proposals on this subject following the discussions at the Prime Ministers’ Conference in London last year, and I am now...’
174. MASSEY TO SHEDDEN: 7 June 1947; ‘Letter SINGAPORE, 7 June 1947 TOP SECRET & PERSONAL You will recall that, when I saw you in September last, we discussed matters of mutual interest concerning future planning, intelligence, etc., in my domain and Australia’s interest therein. Since that time, quite a large amount of organisation and discussions concerning...’
175. SHEDDEN TO CHIFLEY: 9 July 1947; ‘Memorandum 9 July 1947, TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL CO-OPERATION IN BRITISH COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE DISCUSSION WITH FIELD MARSHAL MONTGOMERY I am recording, for your information, an outline of the discussions which I had with Field Marshal Montgomery at your request. 2. In Canberra on 2nd July, the Field Marshal commenced by...’
176. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 14 July 1947; ‘Letter WELLINGTON, 14 July 1947 SECRET I wish to thank you for your letter and enclosures of 28th May last dealing with Co-operation in British Commonwealth Defence. While there has not been an adequate opportunity to examine in detail all the proposals which you make, I feel that I should...’
177. SHEDDEN TO MONTGOMERY: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 279 CANBERRA, 6 August 1947, 11.45 a.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL 1. You will recall that our discussion in Sydney was entirely centred on the reply to be made to New Zealand. 2.Since returning to Melbourne I have noted that your notes are headed ‘Proposed Machinery for the discussion...’
178. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 6 August 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 6 August 1947 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL For some time now we have been considering the question of applying a certain degree of standardisation in military matters between this country, the United States and Canada. You will, no doubt, have seen references to this from time to time...’
179. CHIFLEY TO FRASER: 13 August 1947; ‘Letter 13 August 1947, SECRET CO-OPERATION IN BRITISH COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE I acknowledge receipt of your letter of 14th July advising me that paragraphs 9 and 10 of my letter of 28th May relating to Machinery for Co-operation in British Commonwealth Defence are not acceptable. 2. The Australian Government fully appreciates...’
180. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 17 August 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 17 August 1947 TOP SECRET We have very carefully studied your letters of May 28th, 1947, and the memoranda attached to them about co-operation in British Commonwealth Defence and the future of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Australia, and have been able to consult the Chief of...’
181. CHIFLEY TO FRASER: 2 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 2 September 1947 SECRET CO-OPERATION IN BRITISH COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE I would refer to our discussion on 1st September [1] relating to Machinery for Co-operation in British Commonwealth Defence. 2. I am writing to confirm the views expressed on that occasion, which I think fully safeguard the position of...’
182. ADDISON TO SHEDDEN: 2 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 2 September 1947 Here is a copy of the draft note of our talk this afternoon. I should be glad if you could let me have any of your comments on it not later than tomorrow morning, and I will hold it over until I receive them. Enclosure...’
183. SHEDDEN TO ADDISON: 3 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 3 September 1947 TOP SECRET PERSONAL Following our talk yesterday, I have referred to the notes of the discussion with Field Marshal Montgomery on the status of United Kingdom officers functioning with the Australian Defence Machinery. The following is an extract:- ‘Field Marshal Montgomery asked if we were...’
184. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 16 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 16 September 1947 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL CO-OPERATION IN BRITISH COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE I have carefully considered your letter of 17th August on Co- operation in British Commonwealth Defence and the future of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Australia, and have had a discussion with the Secretary of...’
185. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 16 September 1947; ‘Letter 16 September 1947, TOP SECRET PERSONAL Thank you for your letter of 6th August, on the question of applying a certain degree of standardisation in military matters between the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. 2. I think the crux of the position was expressed at the Prime...’
186. MASSEY TO CHIFLEY: 14 October 1947; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 1/47 SINGAPORE, 14 October 1947 TOP SECRET Following certain negotiations between yourself and the United Kingdom authorities concerning Australian interests in this area, you gave me a direction that, pending establishment of a permanent organisation for the co-ordination of British Commonwealth defence, I should act as a channel...’
187. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 20 October 1947; ‘Letter WELLINGTON, 20 October 1947 TOP SECRET Thank you for your letter of 2nd September in which you refer to our discussions on the preceding day in Canberra on the subject of co-operation between our two Governments in British Commonwealth defence. I am glad to have your assurance that the...’
188. DEFENCE COMMITTEE MINUTE 386/1947: 18 November 1947; ‘TOP SECRET 18 November 1947 CO-OPERATION IN BRITISH COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE: DIRECTIVES TO DEFENCE REPRESENTATIVES IN UNITED KINGDOM AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Agendum No.127/1947 Supplement No.5 Introduction: In Minute No.325/1947 the Defence Committee directed, inter alia, that the Joint Planning Committee should consider and report whether any instructions in the...’
189. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 3 December 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 3 December 1947 TOP SECRET I am sorry to have been so long in answering your letter of 16th September about Co-operation in Commonwealth Defence. We have been thinking very carefully over the points you raised. 2. I am glad that you agree that there should be a...’
190. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 3 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 332 CANBERRA, 3 December 1947 SECRET 1. Reference your telegram No.181 of 16th August in which you confirmed the offer made by the Admiralty to the Commonwealth Naval Board, to transfer to the Royal Australian Navy two of the suspended ‘Majestic’ Class light fleet carriers at half total cost...’
191. HANKINSON TO CHIFLEY: 4 December 1947; ‘Letter 4 December 1947, SECRET With reference to your letter of the 6th January (A.Y.27/1/1) on the subject of the British Defence Committee in South East Asia the High Commissioner has been asked to let you know that the whole question of the work of this Committee has recently been...’
192. CHIFLEY TO CHAMBERS: 9 December 1947; ‘Letter 9 December 1947, I refer to a Minute from yourself to the Secretary, Department of the Army dated 31st October, 1947, concerning the amalgamation of overseas signal services in which you expressed concern at the position and directed that the Army correspondence on this matter be brought to my...’
193. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 24 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 278 CANBERRA, 24 December 1947, 5 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Defence requirements for India and Pakistan. Reference C.R.O. telegram D.838 of 22nd October. [1] We are contemplating replying to C.R.O. in the following sense: ‘Draft brief for service members of United Kingdom delegation generally satisfactory from Australian Defence aspect,...’
194. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 28 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 78 CANBERRA, 28 March 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Reference Dominions Office cablegram No.393 [1] relative rocket range. 2.Paragraph 2. Firm proposals for the use of the whole of Salisbury factory have been received from General Evetts, and are now before the Defence Committee. 3. Paragraph 3. We agree in...’
195. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 6 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 111 CANBERRA, 6 May 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. With reference to my statement to the Conference of Prime Ministers that Australia is prepared to undertake a greater obligation in the Pacific in respect of Empire Defence, the Government is at present considering proposals relating to its Post-War Defence Policy....’
196. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 24 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 102 LONDON, 24 May 1947, 11 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 111 of 6th May. I should like to say how greatly we welcome this approach and how anxious we are to give all the help we can. it is as you know our view that Commonwealth defence...’
197. BEAVIS TO SHEDDEN: 30 May 1947; ‘Teleprinter Message LM577 [MELBOURNE], 30 May 1947 Received 30 May 1947 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL General Evetts called to see me yesterday. He has had several demi-official letters from officers of Guided Weapons Staff in Ministry of Supply which indicate a probable deceleration of the existing programme of tests...’
198. BEAVIS TO SHEDDEN: 17 July 1947; ‘Minute [MELBOURNE], 17 July 1947 TOP SECRET PROGRAMME OF TESTS FOR LONG RANGE WEAPONS RANGE IN AUSTRALIA With reference to the letter of Lieutenant-General Evetts to you dated 4th July, 1947 [1], which I return herewith, and copy of the latest programme of tests to be carried out in Australia,...’
199. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 1 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 166 LONDON, 1 August 1947, 4.18 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 28th March, 78. Rocket Range. We agree with paragraph 3 of your telegram about the joint body in London. We suggest that the body be called combined (United Kingdom/Australian) Long Range Weapons Committee, London, and that … terms of...’
200. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 6 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 242 CANBERRA, 6 September 1947,12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET Dominions Office cablegram 102 of 24th May 1947. We agree that the policy aspects of the lines of research contemplated in Dominions Office cablegram No. 102 should be discussed at the meeting of the Commonwealth Advisory Committee on Defence Science in...’
201. CHIFLEY TO ADDISON: 9 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 9 September 1947 SECRET I refer to paragraphs 5 of my cablegram No.399 of 23rd November, 1946, your cablegram No.393 of 13th December, 1946, and my cablegram No.78 of 28th March, 1947, relative to the drawing up of a satisfactory Agreement between the United Kingdom and Australian Governments...’
202. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO BUTLER: 19 February 1947; ‘Aide Memoire CANBERRA, 19 February 1947 In relation to the proposed use of Manus by the United States authorities, it would appear that the two Governments might be taken to be agreed in principle on the following points:- 1. That the United States service authorities will be invited to continue...’
203. MEMORANDUM BY DENFELD: 1 June 1947; ‘June 1947 TOP SECRET BASE AT MANUS Note left by Admiral Denfeld [1] The State Department is instructing Ambassador Butler to discuss the Manus situation with the Australian authorities along the following lines. The United States Government as a part of the common war effort against Japan was glad to...’
204. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 17 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 122 LONDON, 17 June 1947, 5.10 p.m. TOP SECRET The United States authority recently reopened the question of bases in the Pacific and informed the United Kingdom Ambassador, Washington, of the basis on which they are prepared to recommend a settlement to War and Navy Departments. This is as...’
205. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 19 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 149 CANBERRA, 19 June 1947 TOP SECRET Your 122 and 123. We have steadfastly declined yielding to the United States on Manus except as part of a plan of regional defence or in return for reciprocal rights. We have adhered strictly to the agreement made at the London Conference...’
206. BURTON TO MCINTOSH: 23 June 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 23 June 1947 PERSONAL I have been meaning to write re Denfeld and Manus-and now attach two telegrams, one from the United Kingdom and our reply. [1] These, I think, together with announcement made on his departure (copy attached) are as much as there is to it. The...’
207. FRASER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 7 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 164 WELLINGTON, 7 August 1947, 5.37 p.m. TOP SECRET PACIFIC BASES Reference United Kingdom telegram of 2nd August (Canberra 169). [1] We are prepared to have an exchange of views by telegram in advance of the Canberra meeting. This could be supplemented by discussion at Canberra in the event...’
208. BURTON TO EVATT: 17 October 1947; ‘Cablegram E71 CANBERRA, 17 October 1947, 12.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Pacific Bases. Ref. C.R.O.122 of 17th June, 1947. 1. United Kingdom Government is pressing for urgent comment on detailed proposals made by them last June regarding reply to be made to United States authorities on questions affecting rights to bases...’
209. PLIMSOLL TO BURTON: 20 October 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered NEW YORK, 20 October 1947, 2.57 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Pacific Bases Your E.71 of 17th October. Minister points out that it was arranged at Canberra with Addison and Fraser that the matter should not be presently proceeded with, and, in the circumstances, it might be better to...’
210. BURTON TO EVATT: 14 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E106 CANBERRA, 14 November 1947 SECRET Reference my E.71. PACIFIC BASES. Since you will not now be visiting London [1] I feel that some indication should be forthcoming of Australian views on C.R.O. telegram 122 of 17th June, 1947. You will recall that we have so far withheld comment...’
211. BURTON TO EVATT: 19 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E112 CANBERRA, 19 November 1947, 1.50 p.m. TOP SECRET Pacific Bases Since subject of future control of Pacific bases was first under consideration situation has altered in following respects: (a) With United States firmly established in former Japanese Mandates and with every prospect of international agreement to deprive Japan...’
212. EVATT TO BURTON: 29 November 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SAN FRANCISCO, 29 November 1947, 3.36 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference your E.126. 1. E.112 Pacific bases. Plimsoll has been directed to stay on and take up Far Eastern Commission work and have [1] semi-official conversations on Japanese treaty procedure. You should wire him to sound out the...’
213. GARNETT TO BURTON: 1 December 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 1 December 1947 TOP SECRET You will remember that in paragraph 4 of the Secretary of State’s telegram No. 122 of the 17thjune to the Commonwealth Government certain suggestions were made as to the method of dealing with the United States claim in respect of Pacific bases. The...’
214. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 1641 WASHINGTON, 16 December 1947, 5.46 p.m. SECRET Your 1389 and 1408. 1. Following is substance of information obtained by Plimsoll chiefly in conversation with Richards [1] of State Department. 2. United States of America has been pressing United Kingdom for over a year on Canton etc. United Kingdom...’
215. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER, FRASER AND EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 19 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 351, 298, 1469 CANBERRA, 19 December 1947, 5.45 p.m. TOP SECRET Your 122. [1] Pacific Bases. We have consistently raised objection to any proposals such as those put forward by the United States authorities involving surrender of the control over any British Pacific islands, including the cession of the...’
216. BURTON TO SHEDDEN: 15 August 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 15 August 1947 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL I have to thank you for your letter of 12th August regarding the Joint Intelligence Organisation. I have found your observations most helpful, but they do not remove some of my difficulties, but, in fact, confirm some of my doubts. Before...’
217. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 10 September 1947; ‘Letter 10 September 1947, TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL JOINT INTELLIGENCE ORGANISATION It has not been possible to reply earlier to your letter of 15th August owing to various other matters, including attendance at the recent Conference on the Japanese Peace Treaty. An Alternative Plan 2. I would refer to the...’
218. DEDMAN TO CHIFLEY: 12 November 1947; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 12 November 1947 TOP SECRET JOINT INTELLIGENCE ORGANISATION I refer to the Agendum dated 10th June, 1947, and Supplementary Agendum dated 10th September, 1947, submitted to members of the Ministerial Committee constituted by Cabinet to consider the detailed functions, organisation, establishments, and estimates of expenditure of the Joint...’
219. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY: 27 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 835 WASHINGTON, 27 June 1947, 7.18 p.m. TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL My telegram 400. 1. Recently a meeting was called by the State Department at which Political and Service Representatives were requested to attend. The following were present at the Meeting Mr. Alfred Stirling, Minister General J. A. Chapman,...’
220. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY: 22 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 1418 WASHINGTON, 22 October 1947, 7.02 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL Further to my top secret telegram 835 of27th June, 1947, promising advances have been made in negotiations with United States Service Departments on the exchange of classified information with Australia. 2. The S.W.N.C. [1] Committee has recently approved the...’
221. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 982 CANBERRA, 14 August 1947, 5.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference D.332 and D.333 containing a suggestion that the United Kingdom Government, in consultation with the United States Government who will take similar action, is proposing to send a note to the Soviet Government regarding attempts to obtain an economic...’
222. LEGATION IN MOSCOW TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 271 MOSCOW, 22 August 1947, 3.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your memorandum No. 122.JulY 15th. Japanese Peace Settlement. Regret that no use every comment being sent regarding likely attitude of Soviet Government on particular proposal as only available indication of Soviet views is in official statements already made, or...’
223. BURTON TO EVATT: 18 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E14 CANBERRA, 18 September 1947 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL FOR DR. EVATT ALONE 1. The following are some comments on broader tactics, looking ahead a bit to Australia’s position in world affairs, which may be useful to you:- 2. Reference Marshall’s speech. [1] You will recall that, when Watt...’
224. SHAW TO CHIFLEY: 30 September 1947; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 3147 TOKYO, 30 September 1947 TOP SECRET In my first despatch No. 1 of 16th September, 1947, I remarked on the bitterly anti-Soviet sentiment which was so openly displayed by most of the staff of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan. After making some closer...’
225. CHIFLEY TO EVATT [CANBERRA], 24 OCTOBER 1947: 24 October 1947; ‘Letter, I am attaching for your information copies of two despatches which I have recently received from Mr. Shaw at Tokyo. [1] I do not know what importance should be attached to these despatches, but have asked for an indication of the sources from which the information was obtained, and...’
226. SHAW TO BURTON: 25 October 1947; ‘Cablegram Dept 391 TOKYO, 25 October 1947 URGENT IMPORTANT TOP SECRET Your telegram 645. [1] 1. My Despatch 3 was based on informal conversations which I had with Lieutenant General E.C. Whitehead, Commanding Officer of the Far Eastern Air Force, and Brigadier General Wolfe, Commander of the U.S. 5th Air...’
227. BURTON TO EVATT: 28 October 1947; ‘Draft Cablegram [E87][1], 28 October 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL FOR DR. EVATT ALONE 1. Have hesitated Speaking or cabling you recently because of doubts on my own views on general situation and nothing helpful to suggest. But [success on warmongering is a sound start & now any move]...’
228. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 6 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E54 (extract) NEW YORK, 6 November 1947, 6.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET I received your letter enclosing communications from Shaw. I am endeavouring to see Eisenhower and Marshall about their subject matter. My first reaction, and it is a strong one, is that these stories are typical of...’
229. DESCHAMPS TO BURTON: 20 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 59 MOSCOW, 20 March 1947, 5.45 p.m. TOP SECRET To be deciphered only under instructions from the Secretary. PERSONAL for Burton. Reference your Top Secret memorandum P1 46/11/7/5 of 29th November, 1946. Search by expert has revealed a microphone behind the skirting board in the Minister’s office and there...’
230. DESCHAMPS TO BURTON: 30 April 1947; ‘Letter MOSCOW, 30 April 1947 TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL The first opportunity to have the Legation premises thoroughly inspected for security purposes by British experts, in accordance with the instructions contained in your Chancery P.I.46/11/7/5 of 29th November 1946, occurred last month after the start of the Moscow Conference. The...’
231. EVATT TO LIFANOV: 16 May 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 16 May 1947 I am in receipt of an official intimation from the Australian Legation at Moscow to the effect that no less than fourteen microphones had been inserted in the structure, centrally connected, and actively operated in such a way as to establish the fact of a...’
232. LIFANOV TO EVATT: 23 May 1947; ‘Letter [1] CANBERRA, 23 May 1947 In connection with your letter of May 16th I am instructed to inform you that the Soviet Authorities know nothing about the microphones’ installation allegedly taken place in the building of the Australian Legation in Moscow. It is however known that during the war...’
233. EVATT TO LIFANOV: 2 July 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 2 July 1947 I wish to refer to your letter of 23rd May, 1947, in which you inform me that the Soviet authorities knew nothing about the system of microphones, fourteen in number, recently discovered to have been installed at the building in Moscow occupied by the Legation...’
234. LIFANOV TO EVATT: 8 July 1947; ‘Letter [1] CANBERRA, 8 July 1947 In connection with your letter of July 2nd I am instructed to inform you that by the motives expounded in the note of May 23rd of this year the Soviet Government has already rejected the demarche undertaken by you on the installation of the...’
235. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 9 LONDON, 8 January 1947, 7.35 p.m. Deputies Meeting. 1. Yesterday I attended a meeting with Bevin, McNeil, Addison and representatives of the Dominions, at which the peace treaties with Germany and Austria were discussed. The basis for discussion was Dominion Office telegram D.1167 containing the agenda for Moscow...’
236. EVATT TO BEASLEY AND HODGSON: 10 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 9 CANBERRA, 10 January 1947, 9.40 a.m. I am delighted that you will be representing us at the forthcoming discussions on Germany and Austria. The defects of Paris must be remedied and it will mean much hard work for you. Thanks for the information you have sent already. The...’
237. EVATT TO BEASLEY AND HODGSON: 11 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 10 CANBERRA, 11 January 1947 IMMEDIATE Your telegram 6. The following is the suggested line to be taken by you at the meetings of deputies on questions of procedure at these meetings. You will note that this telegram is concerned only with the question of a satisfactory procedure for...’
238. EVATT TO BEASLEY AND HODGSON: 13 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 14 CANBERRA, 13 January 1947, 9.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET settlement are in addition to the procedure at the London meetings contained in my telegram No. 10. Begins:- Solution of German problem is a vital need of post-war Europe. The solution in itself must be just and far-sighted so...’
239. BEASLEY AND HODGSON TO EVATT: 14 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 16 LONDON, 14 January 1947, 8.10 p.m. Since your telephone talk with Hodgson we have spoken to Bevin, Strang, Hood and with other Dominions. Strang says that the United Kingdom and U.S.A. will support our view for full discussions and participation at this stage of all allies, but France...’
240. BEASLEY AND HODGSON TO EVATT: 15 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 18 LONDON, 15 January 1947, 6.25 p.m. Australian paper was the only one discussed at this morning’s meeting of the Deputies on Germany. France, United Kingdom and United States strongly supported our proposals. The Soviet Delegate flatly refused to entertain them on grounds anticipated, namely as quite outside their...’
241. BEASLEY AND HODGSON TO EVATT: 20 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 29 LONDON, 20 January 1947, 9.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE A meeting of British Commonwealth representatives was held this evening and the question of procedure for treaties was dealt with. Dominions Office No- 41 paragraph 5 shows a big advance by the Soviet Delegate on the question of consultation and...’
242. EVATT TO BEASLEY AND HODGSON: 22 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 23 CANBERRA, 22 January 1947, 5.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Your 24 and 29. No further written communication is necessary at this stage. At Thursday’s meeting you should concentrate on procedure which is basic to the whole question. Telegram 14, though it deals with procedure for the whole settlement, is...’
243. BEASLEY AND HODGSON TO EVATT: 25 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 37 LONDON, 25 January 1947, 2.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE (A) Deputies for Germany Despite message from Gousev referred to in a telegram No.34 of 23rd January [1], we were able to present fully at Thursday’s meeting Australian views on procedure and interim agreement to Deputies for Germany. It was explained...’
244. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 5 February 1947; ‘Agendum 1294 CANBERRA, [5 February 1947] SIGNATURE OF PEACE TREATIES WITH ITALY, ROUMANIA, BULGARIA, HUNGARY AND FINLAND 1. The signature of the above-mentioned treaties will take place in Paris at 4.00 p.m. on 10th February, 1947. The Australian Government has been invited by the French Government, acting on behalf of...’
245. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 11 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 48 CANBERRA, 11 February 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Peace Treaty with Germany. Reference Dominions Office telegrams D.117 and D.118 [1] and telegram 55 [2] External Affairs Officer, London. You should see Addison immediately and press for full United Kingdom support for our views on procedure as set out in...’
246. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 11 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 58 LONDON, 11 February 1947, 6.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 48. Peace Treaty with Germany. Owing to prolonged Cabinet meeting it was impossible to see Addison this morning, but Mighell [1] and Bridgland had meeting with Strang and heads of Dominions Office during which the Australian Government’s dissatisfaction with...’
247. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 13 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 53 CANBERRA, 13 February 1947, 3.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET AUSTRALIAN VIEWS ON SUBSTANCE OF GERMAN SETTLEMENT My immediately following telegram contains revised text of our telegram 15 of 13th January 1947, and replaces instructions contained in that telegram. I think at the present stage it should be sufficient...’
248. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 13 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 54 CANBERRA, 13 February 1947, 5.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. The following views on questions of substance involved in the German settlement. Principles of peace-making- 1. At the Paris Conference we outlined the fundamental principles which should govern our approach to any peace settlement. First,...’
249. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 14 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 59 LONDON, 14 February 1947, 6.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET As referred to in my telegram 58, P.T.17, I got into touch with Addison from [1] and further pressed the serious view taken by you in regard to British Government’s attitude in connection with procedure. Addison maintained that this had...’
250. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 14 February 1947; ‘Letter (extracts) LONDON, 14 February 1947 STRICTLY PERSONAL The signing of the Treaties passed off quietly and there was no great enthusiasm either among the delegates or the people in the streets. I felt that whilst we were signing for Peace there was an atmosphere of doubt as to whether...’
251. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 18 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 60 LONDON, 18 February 1947,1.30 p.m. SECRET 1. Saw Murphy on Saturday and expressed our concern at the trend of the deputies’ talks on procedure and, in particular, the attitude being adopted by his Government on question of a final conference. 2.Murphy said he thought the form of the...’
252. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 21 February 1947; ‘Cablegram D175 LONDON, 21 February 1947, 10.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Deputies for Germany. Following is a summary of the situation reached up to and including 20th February as a result of discussions of proposals by each deputy (my teles No. D108, 118,133 and 134). 2. There is a general agreement...’
253. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 24 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 58 (extract) CANBERRA, 24 February 1947, 3.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram D.175. Procedure for German settlement. 1. As you are aware, Australian views on appropriate procedure have already been communicated in detail to Deputies of the Council of Foreign Ministers. These envisage fullest participation at all...’
254. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 27 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 56 CANBERRA, 27 February 1947, 11.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your PT.20 and 21. Procedure for German settlement. 1. You should make it quite clear that Australia is maintaining its position, with substantial support of Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. 2. Important thing to emphasise to United Kingdom...’
255. MAKIN TO EVATT: 27 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 277 WASHINGTON, 27 February 1947, 8.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Procedure for German settlement. I went this morning, accompanied by Minister, to see Secretary of State. I gave General Marshall your message and left with him the substance of your telegram of 24th February to the Dominions Office....’
256. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 28 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 71 LONDON, 28 February 1947, 8.26 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Procedure for German Settlement. 1. At a meeting with Addison, Machtig [1] and Strang this afternoon after repeating our rejection of revised United Kingdom proposals regarding consultation I conveyed at length on personal level, views contained in your 56. 2....’
257. WALKER TO EVATT: 1 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 43 PARIS, 1 March 1947, 9.05 p.m. SECRET In accordance with your instructions I saw Monsieur Bidault today. He was very pleased to receive your personal message, and asked me to convey to you his warm greeting. 2. We discussed the lack of progress being made in arranging a...’
258. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 3 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 42 LONDON, 3 March 1947, 4.40 p.m. TOP SECRET Your telegram 24th February No. 58. Procedure for German Settlement Since the date of your telegram, the Foreign Secretary and I have met your High Commissioner and those of the other three Dominions concerned and have discussed the whole question....’
259. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO DESCHAMPS: 11 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 34 CANBERRA, 11 March 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Moscow Conference. 1. As matters under discussion by Council of Foreign Ministers are of the first importance, we desire you to secure maximum information as to progress of conference and to press Australian views. In particular, we assume United Kingdom delegation...’
260. DESCHAMPS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1947; ‘Cablegram A2 Moscow, 11 March 1947, 7.08 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your telegram 34. Moscow Conference Series No.1. 1. Your instructions have been noted. Bevin has promised personally to consult my Canadian and New Zealand colleagues and myself daily or almost daily and to keep us fully informed of developments. When he...’
261. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO DESCHAMPS: 17 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 41 CANBERRA, 17 March 1947, 5.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Moscow Conference 1. We cannot accept Strang’s views as expressed in paragraph 1 of your telegram 46 [1] and every effort must be made to change attitude of mind which leads to such views. There is no question...’
262. DESCHAMPS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 67 MOSCOW, 22 March 1947, 7.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Together with Wilgress and Boswell [1] I have had a meeting with Bevin, at which Strang was present. After giving us a brief survey of developments in the Council Bevin asked for our views on procedure. 2.Wilgress concentrated on the...’
263. EVATT TO DESCHAMPS: 27 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 52 CANBERRA, 27 March 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Your 74. 1. I am afraid that in your reporting you may lose sight of the need for continuous activity for the purpose of personally influencing the decisions that are to be taken. 2. It seems to me to be very wrong...’
264. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 30 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 80 CANBERRA, 30 March 1947, 4.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE GERMAN SETTLEMENT 1. We are deeply concerned at reports that the United Kingdom are not prepared to support full participation in negotiations by the Dominions and other substantial belligerents to the extent which, in view of their contribution to victory,...’
265. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 10 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 70 LONDON, 10 April 1947, 2.40 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 30th March, No. 80, German Settlement, was communicated to the United Kingdom delegation at Moscow by Australian Charge d’Affaires and the following reply is sent after full consultation with Mr. Bevin. 2. Your telegram appears to us to suggest...’
266. EVATT TO DESCHAMPS FOR MARSHALL: 20 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 69 CANBERRA, 20 April 1947, 9.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Please convey the following personal message to MARSHALL from the Minister. Begins. While I appreciate your great efforts for wider participation by the middle and smaller nations in the German peace negotiations, there are certain fundamental aspects of the...’
267. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 20 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 133 CANBERRA, 20 April 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET German Settlement. A further message has today been sent to the Dominions Office contained in my telegram No. Secdo 102 which has been repeated to you No. 132. 2. The situation is getting more and more difficult as time goes on...’
268. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 21 April 1947; ‘Cablegram D401 LONDON, 21 April 1947, 9.45 p.m. SECRET AUSTRIAN TREATY Foreign Secretary in C.F.M. Meeting on 16th April (my telegram 17th April, D No.386, Paragraph 2), agreed that Austrian Treaty should be signed by four powers only. In making this concession, which is departure from our position (outlined in...’
269. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 24 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 141 CANBERRA, 24 April 1947, 6.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Please see D401 Austrian Treaty. This is the first intimation we have [that] the Foreign Secretary intended to act this way. We are informed after the event of a departure from a previous position. An accession clause is no substitute...’
270. FRASER TO EVATT: 24 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 93 WELLINGTON, 24 April 1947, 8.10 p.m. MOST SECRET PERSONAL Received 24 April 1947 With regard to your cable of 20th April to Mr. Beasley which you were so good as to let me see, I share your feeling that our position in relation to the peace settlement is...’
271. MARSHALL TO EVATT VIA DESCHAMPS: 25 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 141 MOSCOW, 25 April 1947, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your telegram 69. The following reply has been received from the United States Secretary of State:- ‘The Secretary of State acknowledges the personal message of Dr. Evatt and is giving it careful consideration. The Secretary regrets that Dr. Evatt believes that...’
272. BURTON TO EVATT [1]: 3 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E91 CANBERRA, 3 November 1947, 2.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET November meetings of Deputies and Council of Foreign Ministers. You may wish to take steps to counter the somewhat defeatist attitude apparent in Washington. Point might be made that it is premature and dangerous to assume that game is lost...’
273. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 17 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 383 CANBERRA, 17 December 1947 SECRET IMMEDIATE Glad of your urgent appreciation of likely moves by United Kingdom, United States and France in regard to Germany now that CFM has adjourned. In particular, we would like to know United Kingdom views on establishment of government for Western Germany and...’
274. BEASLEY TO EVATT CABLEGRAM 346 LONDON, 17 DECEMBER 1947, 4.45 P.M. RECEIVED 18 DECEMBER 1947: 17 December 1947; ‘SECRET Your telegram 383. Will be glad to send appreciation requested as soon as one can usefully be formulated. Frankly I think collapse of meeting on Monday took every one somewhat by surprise and, so far as I can discover, the United Kingdom Government has not yet considered the next...’
275. HEYES TO COMMONWEALTH MIGRATION OFFICERS, MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY: 6 March 1947; ‘Minute [CANBERRA], 6 March 1947 _ _ [AA: A434/1,49/3/51] ’
276. WHEELER TO CHIFLEY: 14 April 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 14 April 1947 NOTES ON CABINET AGENDUM NO.1322-AUSTRALIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE ORGANIZATION Purpose of Agendum This Agendum [1] recommends that a Sub-Committee of Cabinet consisting of the Treasurer, the Minister for External Affairs and the Minister for Immigration consider the question of Australian participation in the...’
277. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 1 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 147 LONDON, 1 May 1947, 6 p.m. SECRET Reference my letter 18th March for-warding one from Dominions Secretary expressing hope that Australia would give fullest consideration to the possibility of signing and accepting constitution of International Refugee Organisation. Have today received further letter from Dominions Office as follows: Begins:-...’
278. NOTES FOR CALWELL: June 1947; ‘[June 1947][1] FOREIGN IMMIGRATION REVISED IMMIGRATION POLICY-1947 Australia having made its contribution to the solution of the problem of the displaced and persecuted peoples of Europe it is recommended that policy in respect of all aliens should be reorientated in the light of recent developments and the need to consider...’
279. CALWELL TO CHIFLEY: 30 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 2237 LONDON, 30 June 1947, 6.30 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL 1. Arrived Friday and on Saturday morning had a conference with International Refugee Organisation representatives on the possibility of shipping displaced person migrants to Australia. These representatives say organisation has purchased three vessels for migration of Europeans largely to South...’
280. CALWELL'S DISCUSSION WITH ADDISON: 2 July 1947; ‘Notes LONDON, 2 July 1947 SECRET-AND NOT FOR PUBLICATION NOTES OF DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS (OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS) ON THE 1ST JULY, 1947 Present: Viscount Addison-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, The Hon. Alfred Barnes-Minister for Transport, The Hon. Arthur A. Calwell-Minister...’
281. REPORT BY CALWELL: 8 July 1947; ‘Extract [8 July 1947] [1] REPORT ON THE VISIT TO THE CONTINENT OF EUROPE On the 8th July, 1947 the Minister and Mrs. Calwell, accompanied by Mr. R.E. Armstrong (Private Secretary), Mr. Ian Hamilton (Department of Information, London), Mr. Harry Beilby (Department of Immigration, London) and Mr. 0. Loorham, of...’
282. CALWELL TO CHIFLEY: 18 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 2508 LONDON, 18 July 1947, 5.50 p.m. SECRET Dictated by phone from Berlin. Have concluded highly satisfactory talks with British Control Authorities and I.R.O. Officials on the question of Balts for Australia. Lt.-General Brownjohn, Deputy Chief of Staff, British Army on the Rhine and Brigadier Thicknesse in Charge of...’
283. AGREEMENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE ORGANISATION: 21 July 1946; ‘21 JULY 1947 SECRET AGREEMENT Between the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Preparatory Commission of the International Refugee Organisation The Government of the Commonwealth of Australia (hereinafter referred to as the Commonwealth) and the Preparatory Commission of the International Refugee Organisation (hereinafter referred to as PCIRO) have...’
284. TAYLOR TO HEYES: 15 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 406 NANKING, 15 September 1947 SECRET Since arrival here [1] have had discussions with British Security and Passport Control officers, UNRRA Security Officer and other highly placed persons, all with many years’ residence in Shanghai, on the question of migration from here. I confirm in every detail Fuhrman’s secret...’
285. CALWELL TO EVATT: 25 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E35 CANBERRA, 25 September 1947, 4.20 p.m. You are doubtless familiar with terms of our agreement with I.R.O. for taking up to 12,000 displaced persons per year from Europe. When agreement was concluded I was assured by I.R.O. they could provide suitable shipping, that first ship would sail from...’
286. HEYES TO BURTON: 29 October 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 29 October 1947 IMMIGRATION FROM SHANGHAI With reference to previous correspondence relative to the question of the admission to Australia of European aliens resident in Shanghai, the Minister has now given this matter his careful consideration. The reports furnished by Mr. O.C.W. Fuhrman, Australian Consul- General at Shanghai,...’
287. CALWELL TO INNES: 29 October 1947; ‘Cablegram G146 CANBERRA, 29 October 1947, 11.45 a.m. SECRET It has been reported here that difficulty is being experienced by I.R.O. in the placement overseas of displaced persons and that this may seriously delay the programme for their transfer from the Occupation Zones and satisfactory settlement. In this connection Australian...’
288. SUBMISSION BY DEDMAN AND CALWELL: 10 November 1947; ‘Agendum 1266C CANBERRA, 10 November 1947 REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE SCHEME FOR EMPLOYMENT OF GERMAN SCIENTISTS AND TECHNICIANS IN AUSTRALIA Promulgation and Initial Developments. As required by Cabinet in its decision on Agendum 1266A of 10th December, 1946, this report is submitted. The scheme is being administered by...’
289. MAKIN TO CALWELL: 8 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 1610 WASHINGTON, 8 December 1947, 5.33 p.m. SECRET Shipping for displaced persons. Your telegram 1324. [1] Since my interim telegram 1527 Minister has continued to press matter with State Department. Accompanied by General Wood (P.C.I.R.O. Washington) he attended a conference with Wisner (Acting Assistant Secretary of State for occupied...’
290. CALWELL TO NOEL-BAKER: 10 December 1947; ‘Message CANBERRA, [10] December 1947 [1] URGENT PERSONAL It was most gratifying to receive your kind personal message conveyed through Mr. Beasley, following the receipt by you of my personal letter of 25th November. [2] Your memorandum to our High Commissioner, which he has cabled me [3], makes most depressing...’
291. DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION TO STEELE: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 222 CANBERRA, 16 December 1947, 2.30 p.m. Your 206, Partizanka. [1] Local Agents have advised that 680 passengers booked on ship comprising about 380 Jews. These apparently include approximately 150 bookings accepted from American Joint Distribution Committee for some 150 Jews who were to sail from Marseilles and join...’
292. NOEL-BAKER TO CALWELL: 19 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 891 LONDON, 19 December 1947, 12.40 p.m. PERSONAL I was much obliged for your personal message of 10th December. As Mr. Beasley and my Department were carrying on the work I have waited to reply until I could send you an adequate personal answer to the points which you...’
293. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 21 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 18 CANBERRA, 21 January 1947, 11.20 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference paragraph 3 of our 17 (Japanese Mandated Islands). [1] Following is text of message given to Dr. Evatt on 13th December by the United States Ambassador at Canberra on instructions from United States Government:- ‘The United States hopes and...’
294. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 25 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 25 CANBERRA, 25 January 1947, 11.30 a.m. SECRET Reference our 18 to Dominions Office sent Prime Minister of New Zealand 14 and Australian Embassy, Washington 76. Japanese Peace Settlement Following is a summary of Dr. Evatt’s reply to United States Ambassador’s communication of 13th December. Warmly welcomed the United...’
295. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALL: 28 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 38 CANBERRA, 28 February 1947 As you will note from our telegram containing the text of portion of the Minister’s statement of 26th February dealing with the Japanese settlement, we feel that the time is rapidly approaching when the work of the F.E.C. should be vested in a Pacific...’
296. BALL TO EVATT: 1947; ‘Cablegram Secret and Personal for the Minister from Macmahon Ball, TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE 1. MacArthur talked to me for an hour this evening. On meeting him he appeared rather cold. I asked him whether he had noticed the press reports that you were in agreement with his views on the...’
297. EVATT TO BEASLEY AND MAKIN: 10 March 1947; ‘Cablegrams 87, 284 CANBERRA, 10 March 1947, 4.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Moscow Conference. 1. So far as we are aware, the agenda for Moscow does not contain any item regarding the Pacific Settlement. 2. By way of precaution, however, you should make clear to the United Kingdom (United States) Government...’
298. MAKIN TO EVATT: 11 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 349 WASHINGTON, 11 March 1947, 7.47 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET MOSCOW CONFERENCE I have been urgently endeavouring to see the Under Secretary of State with reference to your telegram 284. Owing, however, to pressure of work due to the ‘Middle East Crisis’ [1] and the President’s forthcoming address...’
299. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 29 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 83 CANBERRA, 29 March 1947, 12.55 p.m. Your 66. [1] Japanese Peace Settlement. In his statement on international affairs in the House of Representatives on 26th March the Minister for External Affairs stressed the need for effective supervision of Japan in order to lead to the emergence of a...’
300. EVATT TO FRASER: 2 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 90 CANBERRA, 2 April 1947, 4 p.m. SECRET Japanese Peace Settlement. 1. You will recall General MacArthur’s statement that he considered an early peace settlement desirable. [1] Macmahon Ball’s reports clearly indicate that MacArthur is facing increasing economic difficulties and that political trends are not as favourable as he...’
301. DESCHAMPS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 109 Moscow, 8 April 1947, 7.19 p.m. SECRET Japanese Peace Settlement. At meeting of Dominion Representatives Bevin raised the question of Japanese Peace Settlement. He said he had been considering whether to discuss this question with Marshall in Moscow but had decided against doing so. He was most anxious...’
302. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO DESCHAMPS: 10 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 60 CANBERRA, 10 April 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 109. Bevin should know that in this matter the initiative should be with Australia and we had proposed to call a Conference probably in May in Australia of the members of the British Commonwealth represented on the Allied Council to...’
303. FRASER TO EVATT: 11 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 77 WELLINGTON, 11 April 1947, 7.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 90-Japanese Peace Settlement. Prime Minister is of the opinion that as a preliminary step United Kingdom and other British Commonwealth Governments should be sounded to ascertain if they would be in a position to accept invitation to...’
304. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 11 April 1947; ‘Cablegram D367 LONDON, 11 April 1947, 8.36 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET You will no doubt have seen recent statement by General MacArthur regarding need for early peace settlement with Japan. It seems to us possible that arising out of this United States Government may propose to us a[t] short notice that...’
305. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 15 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 108 CANBERRA, 15 April 1947, 2.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE We propose sending the following reply to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in reply to D367. Begins: 1. As you are no doubt aware, Mr. Bevin was informed by the Australian Charge d’Affaires at Moscow of our intention...’
306. FRASER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 16 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 83 WELLINGTON, 16 April 1947, 6 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 108, our comments on your draft are as follow:- (i) We are not happy about the wording of the second sentence and would suggest the following alternative ‘we have already made this suggestion to the New Zealand...’
307. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 16 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 75 LONDON, 16 April 1947, 9.20 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram D.367 of 11th April. Peace settlement with Japan. We have received by telegram from the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs text of a letter of 13th April from the Australian Charge d’Affaires in Moscow stating that the...’
308. BURTON TO MCINTOSH: 19 April 1947; ‘Letter (extracts) CANBERRA, 19 April 1947 PERSONAL On Jap. Reparations, you tend to look at the matter objectively and from the point of view of getting reparations-we are still more preoccupied with the principle involved [in] the procedure. Probably we have given up hope of much in the way of...’
309. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 19 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 101 CANBERRA, 19 April 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Peace Settlement with Japan. 1. Your 75 crossed our telegram on the same subject [1] and with regard to paragraph 4 of your 75 we refer you to our telegram. 2. Many conferences have been held in London despite difficulties both during...’
310. EVATT TO MACKENZIE KING AND SMUTS: 20 April 1947; ‘Cablegrams 7, 8 CANBERRA, 20 April 1947 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET You will have received the United Kingdom Government’s suggestion of an early British Commonwealth Conference to discuss Japanese peace settlement. 2. Before receipt of this message, we had already suggested such a Conference to the United Kingdom Government following upon...’
311. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 23 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 82 LONDON, 23 April 1947, 9.20 p.m. MOST SECRET Your telegram No.101, 19th April. Peace Settlement with Japan. We fully understand your preference for a meeting in Australia and should be glad to meet your wishes if it were in any way possible. Our position is, however, that we...’
312. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 2 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 110 CANBERRA, 2 May 1947 IMMEDIATE Your Telegram 82. 1. During Moscow conference we suggested to Foreign Secretary preliminary British Commonwealth Conference on Japanese Settlement to be convened at Canberra. Subsequently our initiative was adopted but we received your counter-suggestion that London should be location. 2. As has already...’
313. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 21 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 183 LONDON, 21 May 1947, 6.15 p.m. SECRET 1. At the Commonwealth meeting this morning Addison circulated copy of article from the Washington Post of 13th May, a summary of which is contained in my immediately following telegram. This article, which is believed to reflect the views of the...’
314. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 22 May 1947; ‘Agendum 1341 (extract) [1] [CANBERRA], 22, May 1947 D. PACIFIC 1. JAPAN (i) Preparations for settlement with Japan 90. It was decided at the end of February that if Australia were to play the primary part in the Japanese peace settlement her position and record as a belligerent in the...’
315. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, BEASLEY AND MISSION IN TOKYO: 26 May 1947; ‘Cablegrams 601, 186, 242 CANBERRA, 26 May 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET F.E.C. Policy Paper. 1. Because of crucial importance of Japanese Settlement, Ambassador should attend all future meetings in order to follow through policy. 2. F.E.C. is body dealing with occupation policy. There has been a delay of 18 months in...’
316. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 27 May 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered [CANBERRA], 27 May 1947, 4.03 p.m. IMMEDIATE FOR BEASLEY ALONE Your 183. 1. It is satisfactory to note change in attitude to the proposal we originally made for early British Commonwealth talks on the Japanese Settlement. Nevertheless, essence of matter is speed. It is essential that talks should...’
317. EVATT TO FRASER: 27 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 137 (extract) [CANBERRA], 27 May 1947 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL The following are our comments in respect of several recent matters which have been the subject of communication between the United Kingdom Government and the Dominions and of discussion between our High Commissioners at London. 1. Preliminary British Commonwealth Conference on...’
318. FRASER TO EVATT: 29 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 110 WELLINGTON, 29 May 1947, 8.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram No. 137. 1. Thank you for your comments on current external questions affecting both our countries. It is clear that the longer the British Commonwealth talks are deferred the smaller chance there is of influencing American opinion....’
319. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 30 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 198 LONDON, 30 May 1947, 6 p.m. SECRET I conveyed to Addison yesterday the points made in your 183 and 186 and this morning talked to McNeil, once more emphasising the advantages to be gained by holding Commonwealth meeting in Australia and the importance to the Commonwealth as a...’
320. MCINTOSH TO BURTON: 31 May 1947; ‘Letter (extract) WELLINGTON, 31 May 1947 PERSONAL You will have seen the Prime Minister’s reply to your omnium gatherum telegram. [1] We agree that F.E.C. has been a somewhat ineffective body, thanks to the Big Power veto, but we are not anxious to see it wound up until there is...’
321. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 2 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 637 CANBERRA, 2 June 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET It is now highly probable that British Commonwealth Conference will take place in Canberra in August to discuss Japanese Settlement and related matters. Policy on F.E.C. should be to retard pace as much as possible, have fewer meetings, and delay final decisions...’
322. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 5 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 205 CANBERRA, 5 June 1947, 4.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 180. [1] The date set that is the week beginning 26th is nothing less than a breach of faith. Your own telegram clearly indicates the second week in August (see your 198, paragraph 3(b)). When accepting the proposal,...’
323. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 7 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 208 LONDON, 7 June 1947, 12.45 a.m. SECRET Your 205. You will see from my telegram 183 that when the question of Canberra conference was discussed by High Commissioners on the 21St May, Addison and McNeil suggested tentatively the last week in August as commencing date. 2. When I...’
324. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 9 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 181 CANBERRA, 9 June 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 208 was sent under a misapprehension and I hope I corrected it clearly when I spoke to you on Saturday evening Canberra time. It is vital to us to have the Conference in Australia. I take it that this has...’
325. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 12 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 218 CANBERRA, 12 June 1947, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Advice has been received from Washington that a member of the United States State Department disclosed in conversation that United States was considering calling a preliminary conference, possibly before August, to discuss procedures on Japanese Peace Conference. 2. This is...’
326. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 20 June 1947; ‘Cablegram D543 LONDON, 20 June 1947, 9.20 p.m. SECRET Japanese Peace Settlement. We have been considering on the basis of ideas which now seem to be generally agreed between us as regards the composition and level of the proposed British Commonwealth Conference at Canberra what form discussions there could best...’
327. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 24 June 1947; ‘Letter 24 June 1947, PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Peace Treaty With Japan As Lord Montgomery is coming to discuss various matters with the Australian Government, I suggest that it would be a good idea to discuss with him the strategic aspects involved in the drafting of the Peace Treaty with Japan....’
328. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 24 June 1947; ‘Letter 24 June 1947, PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL Preparatory Committee for Peace Treaty with Japan I would like to bring under your notice one or two matters in this connection. One of the difficulties we are experiencing in our work on the Treaty is the question as to the ambit of...’
329. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 26 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 737 CANBERRA, 26 June 1947, 11.15 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET JAPANESE PEACE SETTLEMENT Reference your 817. [1] Mr. Beasley was informed of your earlier report that United States was considering calling a preliminary conference to discuss procedures on Japanese Peace Conference; and was asked to make certain that assurances...’
330. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 26 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 154 CANBERRA, 26 June 1947, 4.10 p.m. JAPANESE PEACE SETTLEMENT We have given consideration to the scope of the forthcoming conference in Canberra of British Commonwealth representatives. With a view to full discussion and an approach to broad agreement on main policies we propose the following provisional Agenda:- (1)...’
331. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 1 July 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 1 July 1947 I think the time has arrived when it might be helpful for me to establish an Advisory Committee on the proposed Japanese Settlement. As I suggested in the House, the Advisory Committee would best be a mixed one, i.e. including Members of Parliament and other...’
332. RECORD OF CONFERENCE IN SECRETARY'S ROOM, DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 July 1947; ‘Extracts CANBERRA, 8 July 1947 TOP SECRET Present: Dr. Evatt Sir Frederic Eggleston Dr. Burton Professor Bailey Mr. Forsyth Major Plimsoll Mr. Critchley Mr. Dexter DR.EVATT: I shall return from Japan on 15th August [1] and there had better be two meetings of the Advisory Committee for the Japanese Settlement...’
333. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MAKIN: 9 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 794 CANBERRA, 9 July 1947, 2.55 p.m. SECRET Your 873- [1] Japanese Settlement. If reply has not yet been received from London please make our position known to State Department. You should inform United Kingdom Embassy that this is being done. 2. As British Commonwealth Governments have arranged to...’
334. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 9 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 169 CANBERRA, 9 July 1947, 2.20 p.m. SECRET Canberra Conference on Japanese Settlement Your D.586 and D.587, and New Zealand telegram to you No. 137. 1. We agree that the exchange of views on treatment of Japan should deal with major issues on broad lines, but would hope the...’
335. MAKIN TO EVATT: 11 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 909 WASHINGTON, 11 July 1947, 5.57 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Japanese Settlement. 1. This morning, Friday, I received a telephone communication from the State Department to the effect that they were inviting the 10 other countries’ members of F.E.C. to send representatives to a meeting in General Hilldring’s...’
336. MAKIN TO EVATT: 11 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 911 WASHINGTON, 11 July 1947, 7.54 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Japanese Settlement. My immediately preceding telegrams. 1. Immediately after I got communication from State Department this morning British Embassy consulted us and advised that they had had no information or any hints as to what subject would be....’
337. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 13 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 1 CANBERRA, 13 July 1947, 11.50 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Three immediately following telegrams contain suggestion by United States for Peace Conference on Deputies level 19th August in United States of America. We have sent telegrams United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand asking that no reply be made until we...’
338. EVATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 4 HMAT KANIMBLA, 14 July 1947, 10.43 a.m. TOP SECRET Your telegrams on Japanese Settlement incomplete and difficult to decipher. However, the following course of action is indicated: ‘A’ 1. The time of the meeting is quite impracticable because of the British Commonwealth Conference at Canberra on 26th August...’
339. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 934 WASHINGTON, 16 July 1947, 5.21 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Japanese Settlement. Your telegrams Nos. 827 and 826 para. 5. [1] 1. Action taken today, Wednesday, at 1.15 p.m. which was earliest time Secretary of State was available. 2. Marshall was, as always, very friendly. He said he would...’
340. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 17 July 1947; ‘Memorandum MELBOURNE, 17 July 1947 PEACE SETTLEMENT WITH JAPAN Reference is made to your memoranda dated 24th March and 23rd May, in which you sought the views of this Department, on strategic aspects of the peace settlement with Japan. The matter has been examined by the Defence Committee and I...’
341. EVATT TO BURTON: 20 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAT KANIMBLA, 20 July 1947, 10.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Reference United States proposal for Conference. Makin’s apparent failure to explain to Marshall potent objections to the so called expert level of Conference confirms the necessity for written memorandum to be communicated to Marshall. My telegram to you...’
342. EVATT TO BURTON: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAT KANIMBLA, 21 July 1947, 1.07 a.m. PERSONAL SECRET 1. Summary of provisional agenda for Canberra Conference may be sent to other British Commonwealth Countries attending, but should contain no cross-reference in them to Australian policy papers or other Australian documents. Following two subjects should be added to...’
343. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 218 LONDON, 21 July 1947, 3.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET At the meeting of High Commissioners at Commonwealth Relations Office on 18th July Addison mentioned a number of matters in relation to the Canberra Conference. All present said their Governments were pleased [1] for Conference and high quality of representation....’
344. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 955 WASHINGTON, 21 July 1947 IMMEDIATE Your 863. Following is text of Aide Memoire communicated to State Department on July 15. The Australian Government has considered the proposal communicated on July 11, 1947, by Assistant Secretary of State Hilldring for the holding of a Conference composed of representatives from...’
345. EVATT TO BURTON: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAT KANIMBLA, 23 July 1947, 5 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET 1. A.B.C. tonight broadcast a statement from Canberra that no answer had been received to the Australian request for postponement of the Conference in Washington on the Japanese settlement on the grounds that the Minister for External Affairs...’
346. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 971 WASHINGTON, 23 July 1947, 4.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 875. I saw the Assistant Secretary of State, Hilldring and spoke in the sense of your telegram as well as leaving an aide-memoire. Hilldring was most sympathetic. He stressed the desire of the Secretary of State for...’
347. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 28 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 904 CANBERRA, 28 July 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Japanese Peace Settlement We are most concerned at reports that United States Government might favourably consider meeting of big four to discuss Japanese Settlement in response to Soviet reply. [1] Even though it is United States’ present intention to go no further...’
348. MISSION IN TOKYO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram Dep 352 TOKYO, 4 August 1947 Following is text as published in Nippon Times of 3rd August of statement by Dr. Evatt prior to his departure begins- While in Japan I have been afforded the fullest facilities for seeing the situation here at first hand. I have conferred with...’
349. EVATT TO BURTON: 5 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAS HOBART, 5 August 1947 FOR BURTON ALONE SECRET 1. Suggested date of Peace Conference 5th September, would be most inconvenient. [1] Moreover, it would tend to abbreviate and even nullify the Canberra Conference for which we have striven so hard. British Group should suggest a positive date...’
350. ROBERTSON TO ROWELL: 6 August 1947; ‘Cipher Message 7012 [TOKYO], 6 August 1947 PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your GS 5674. 1. I do not agree with the terms of the Aust. Draft Peace Treaty in its provision for an Allied Force of Occupation as I consider the proposal quite impracticable and I am certain that...’
351. MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE JAPANESE SETTLEMENT: 13 August 1947; ‘Summary Record CANBERRA, 13 August 1947, 2.30 p.m. Present: The Minister for External Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Dr. H. V. Evart, Sir Frederic Eggleston (Chairman), Professor K. H. Bailey (Vice Chairman), Mr. K. E. Beazley, M.P., Brigadier A. S. Blackburn, V.C., Mr. R. J. F. Boyer, Hon. P. J. Clarey,...’
352. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 13 August 1947; ‘Agendum 1377 CANBERRA, 13 August 1947 SECRET PEACE SETTLEMENT WITH JAPAN British Commonwealth Conference Representatives of the following British Commonwealth countries will meet at Canberra on 26th August to discuss the question of a Peace Settlement with Japan:- Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan and Burma....’
353. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 24 August 1947; ‘Memorandum [1] 24 August 1947, COMMENTS ON PCPS D/14 OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE [matter omitted] 3. In regard to the question of occupation forces, the previous conclusion of the Defence Committee, conveyed to you in my memorandum of 17th July as representing a military opinion on the subject, was that...’
354. EVATT TO MARSHALL: 26 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1031 CANBERRA, 26 August 1947, 10.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Canberra Conference on Japanese Settlement commenced today and I believe I am interpreting views of all members of British Commonwealth correctly in saying that we consider every endeavour should be made to press forward to achieve preliminary discussions...’
355. BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE: August 1947; ‘Preliminary Notes on Provisional Agenda by Evatt CANBERRA, August 1947 TOP SECRET 1. PROCEDURAL QUESTIONS. (a) Countries to Participate in Pacific Peace Conference 1. For the Pacific settlement, treaty making should not be limited to a few major Powers. There should be a democratic procedure on the principle that such...’
356. BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE: 27 August 1947; ‘Verbatim Minutes (extracts) CANBERRA, 27 August 1947 TOP SECRET BASIC OBJECTIVES AND TERRITORIAL PROVISIONS DR. EVATT: [1] It is laid down by the Potsdam Declaration that the territory of the Japanese shall be confined to the four main islands, and such islands as may be added; and the context of...’
357. BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE: 28 August 1947; ‘Verbatim Minutes (extract) CANBERRA, 28 August 1947 TOP SECRET MR. FRASER: Civil aviation is as integral a part of a country’s economy as rail or road transport. The prohibition of the running of civil airlines by the Japanese would create a feeling of great inferiority which, instead of helping to...’
358. MAKIN TO EVATT: 29 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1181 WASHINGTON, 29 August 1947, 1.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Japanese Settlement. Your telegram 1031 and my 1173. 1. The State Department have asked me to transmit the following message to you from the Secretary of State. Begins: Your personal message of 26th August has just been relayed to...’
359. EVATT TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON FOR MARSHALL: 31 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1051 CANBERRA, 31 August 1947, 10.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Please convey the following message to Marshall from Minister:- Begins: A short meeting at a governmental level during the early part of the Assembly would, in my view, be suitable providing matter is then pressed forward. I am sending to...’
360. EVATT TO MISSION IN TOKYO FOR MACARTHUR: 31 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 538 CANBERRA, 31 August 1947, 10.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Please convey the following message to MacArthur from Minister:- Begins: The Canberra Conference has shown not only a remarkable degree of common ground but also almost complete agreement with what was your general approach and also my own. I shall...’
361. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT: 31 August 1947; ‘Agendum 1384 CANBERRA, 31 August 1947 SECRET BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE-CANBERRA AUGUST, 1947 REPORT TO CABINET The following report is submitted for the information of Cabinet:- 1. The British Commonwealth Conference in Canberra on the Japanese Peace Settlement began in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on 26th August, and...’
362. BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE: 1 September 1947; ‘Verbatim Minutes (extracts) CANBERRA, 1 September 1947 The Conference resumed at 10.10 a.m. Machinery for Enforcement (Contd.)- DR.EVATT: We come now to the method of enforcing the terms of the Treaty, or of taking action to induce the Japanese Government to carry out the terms of the Treaty. I think...’
363. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO ALL POSTS: 1 September 1947; ‘Circular Cablegram CANBERRA, 1 September 1947, 2 p.m. BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE (This telegram is sent in place of usual weekly news bulletin) Conference commenced 26th August in House of Representatives. Burmese delegate arrived 28th August. 2. Delegates-Australia (Dr. Evatt, Dedman, Pollard), Burma (Thakin Lun Baw, U Shwe Baw), Canada (Claxton...’
364. EVATT TO LEGATION IN RIO DE JANIERO FOR MARSHALL: 2 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 45 CANBERRA, 2 September 1947 SECRET Please pass the following message to Marshall [1] from Ambassador Butler. It is text of message given to Ambassador by Dr. Evatt. Begins: Except for the formal conclusion which will take place in public tomorrow, the British Commonwealth Talks on the Japanese Peace...’
365. EGGLESTON TO WATT: 3 September 1947; ‘Letter (extracts) 3 September 1947, We have just finished the Inter-Dominion Conference on the Japanese Peace Settlement and it has gone off very well indeed. The organisation was quite good and the Delegates seemed very satisfied. There was a notable outpouring of good feeling, but, of course, this does not...’
366. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MISSION IN TOKYO: 8 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 554 CANBERRA, 8 September 1947 SECRET Your Dept.300. British Commonwealth Conference. See my immediately preceding telegram. [1] In accordance with British Commonwealth practice no formal conclusions were reached but discussions revealed wide harmony of views. 2. From telegram sent on 1st September in place of usual weekly news bulletin...’
367. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 1 October 1947; ‘Letter MELBOURNE, 1 October 1947 PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL I am forwarding to you the transcript of the Meetings of the Advisory Committee on the Japanese Peace Settlement, together with some comments. I could not refrain from dealing with the big issues as affected by the statements in this Committee and...’
368. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 1 October 1947; ‘Letter (extract) MELBOURNE, 1 October 1947 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL I must say that I feel somewhat disturbed at the views which appeared to predominate at the British Commonwealth Conference. There seemed to be a strong feeling that nothing could be done except to demilitarise her and that the democratisation of...’
369. EVATT TO MACARTHUR: 12 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 616 CANBERRA, [12 October 1947] [1] MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL ‘I have now been in touch with both President Truman and Secretary of State Marshall about the urgency of preliminaries for the Japanese Treaty. I pointed out that the United States has a simple duty to perform, namely, to call...’
370. EVATT TO MARSHALL: 16 October 1947; ‘Letter [NEW YORK], 16 October 1947 I refer you to the communications from me about Japan made after my visit to Japan and my talks with General MacArthur. I beg to bring formally to your notice also the subject of my conversations, first with you in the middle of September,...’
371. MARSHALL TO EVATT: 22 October 1947; ‘Letter NEW YORK, 22 October 1947 CONFIDENTIAL formally to my notice the subject of your conversations with me in the middle of September and later with the President and Mr. Lovett on the question of convening a conference on the Japanese peace settlement, I appreciate this further indication of your...’
372. BURTON TO EVATT: 21 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E120 CANBERRA, 21 November 1947, 5.50 a.m. SECRET 1. Commonwealth Relations Office telegrams Nos. D.898 and 899 just received contain respectively text of Chinese Note dated 17th November to Governments of United Kingdom, United States of America and Union of Soviet Socialist Russia regarding preliminary Japanese Peace Conference, and...’
373. EVATT TO BURTON: 22 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E69 NEW YORK, 22 November 1947, 5.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your E120. 1. Regarding the Chinese note on the Peace Treaty. Please make draft Counter Note claiming veto power, putting certain (counters [1]) before Australia, as completely contrary to undertaking given by United Kingdom and United States as power...’
374. BURTON TO EVATT: 24 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E123 CANBERRA, 24 November 1947 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Your E.69. 1. Commenting on Chinese note United Kingdom Government states that its views on composition and voting procedure at preliminary Japanese Peace Conference remain as stated at Canberra Conference. New Zealand Government has now informed London that it favours composition...’
375. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION OF CHINA: 25 November 1947; ‘Note CANBERRA, 25 November 1947 The Department of External Affairs presents its compliments to the Legation of China and has the honour to state that the Australian Government understands that the Government of China has recently addressed identical Notes to the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and...’
376. EVATT TO MACARTHUR [1]: 29 November 1947; ‘[NEW YORK], 29 November 1947 CONFIDENTIAL Begins: ‘I have been confidentially informed by the United States State Department that they are considering agreeing to Chinese proposal that Japanese Peace Conference should follow the same system of voting as Far Eastern Commission, that is with veto for the United States, China,...’
377. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LEGATION IN MOSCOW, LEGATION IN NANKING AND EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 4 December 1947; ‘Cablegrams 199, 356, 1394 CANBERRA, 4 December 1947 SECRET Soviet Proposals for Japanese Peace Conference You should know that on 2nd December we addressed Note to Soviet Legation here referring to recent Chinese proposals for Preliminary Conference of eleven countries with F.E.C. voting system and stating that we had learned...’
378. PLIMSOLL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 1596 WASHINGTON, 4 December 1947, 8.04 p.m. SECRET Japanese Peace Settlement 1. From reactions in State Department, it would appear that there is little likelihood of United States at present accepting Russian proposal for Big Four conference on Japanese Settlement. However, from here we cannot judge Marshall’s personal reaction....’
379. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF CHINA, TO LEGATION IN NANKING: 5 December 1947; ‘Note NANKING, 5 December 1947 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Australian Legation and has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a memorandum from the Australian Department of External Affairs transmitted to the Ministry by the Chinese Legation in Canberra on November 29. [1] In...’
380. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 10 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 38 CANBERRA, 10 January 1947, 5.20 p.m. SECRET Your FEC 3. [1] See my immediately preceding telegram addressed to Dominions Office. As indicated previously we are opposed to any action which would tend to evade the jurisdiction of the F.E.C. We would be reluctant to accept the U.S. proposal...’
381. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 20 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 206 CANBERRA, 20 February 1947, 11.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Reparations from Japan. Your F.E.C. 41 and related telegrams. 1. We are unable to agree to the United States paper on advance transfers of Japanese reparations, for the following reasons:- (a) Relief of devastated areas is not a satisfactory basis...’
382. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 2 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 404 CANBERRA, 2 April 1947 SECRET Your 86. Advance Reparations. (1) You will make clear the importance the Australian Government attaches to reparations especially in view of the outstanding part played by Australia in the Pacific war, the devastation of New Guinea by the Japanese, and the heavy losses...’
383. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 506 WASHINGTON, 12 April 1947, 2.14 p.m. SECRET Received 13 April 1947 F.E.C. 97. Reparations and Peace Settlement. Reference your 404 of 2nd April. 1. Proposal that reparations be settled at Peace Conference has not met warm reception so far. U.S.A. concedes that this might eventually have to be...’
384. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 525 WASHINGTON, 19 April 1947, 4.16 p.m. IMMEDIATE FEC.105. REPARATIONS 1. Following are some comments by Plimsoll. [1] The Ambassador has been unable to consider them owing to his absence in New York. 2. Reference my FEC.101. [2] American figures seem vulnerable on two grounds: A. American figure for...’
385. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 24 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 493 CANBERRA, 24 April 1947, 6.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Japanese Reparations and Basic Policy Paper. 1. Our attitude to treatment of reparations outside peace conference remains the same. We cannot agree that fixing proportions is within jurisdiction of F.E.C. Occupation policy may concern itself with general principles of...’
386. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 26 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 106 CANBERRA, 26 April 1947, 1.05 p.m. Your 83 New Zealand 70. 1. Our representative at F.E.C. will strongly protest at stab in the dark procedure which can only be described as auction block of self interest. We will urge careful working out of reparations available and scheme of...’
387. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 572 WASHINGTON, 2 May 1947, 8.18 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET FEC 109. Reparations will be discussed at F.E.C. meeting on morning of 5th May. Following is statement which the Ambassador proposes to make. Please advise if this has concurrence or if alterations desired. [1] I should like to...’
388. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 7 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 542 CANBERRA, 7 May 1947, 5.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 583 and 588. [1] 1. If matter brought to a vote, you should abstain. 2. You will appreciate that this action is a part of a series of actions which should have as their effect the hastening of...’
389. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 14 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 569 CANBERRA, 14 May 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Your 614. [1] F.E.C. decision was majority one, and though we disagreed on question of jurisdiction of F.E.C. and therefore abstained, that is no reason whatsoever why, now that the decision has been taken, we should fail to submit suggestions on proportions....’
390. STATEMENT BY BULLOCK AT COMMITTEE NO. 1, FAR EASTERN COMMISSION: 25 July 1947; ‘FEC-219/125 (extract) [WASHINGTON], 25 July 1947 RESTRICTED AUSTRALIAN POSITION ON DIVISION OF SHARES [1] The Australian member said that in connection with his Delegation’s position on the reparations problem he had a statement to make which he thought would be of interest to the Committee. A verbatim record of the...’
391. PLIMSOLL TO BURTON CABLEGRAM UN1099 9 NOVEMBER 1947, 5.06 P.M. RECEIVED 10 NOVEMBER 1947: 9 November 1947; ‘IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Assembly 147. 1. Have discussed with Dr. Evatt the United States proposal on Japanese reparations presented to F.E.C. last week and cabled to Canberra by the Washington Embassy allotting shares to each country with United States putting major part of its own share back into pool. [1]...’
392. BURTON TO PLIMSOLL: 12 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 693 CANBERRA, 12 November 1947 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Your UN.1099. Reparations from Japan. Prime Minister agrees to proposal in general- (a) Whilst there are obvious advantages to be gained from early public announcement of Australian gesture best occasion for introducing it would seem to be next meeting of F.E.C....’
393. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 1512 WASHINGTON, 14 November 1947, 1.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET FEC290. Reparations. 1. F.E.C. met 13th November. Plimsoll represented Australia. Made statement supporting United States proposal for division of shares and offering to return 5% to pool for redistribution on same terms as the 18% being returned by U.S.A. Stated...’
394. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE: 7 May 1947; ‘Aide-memoire [WASHINGTON], 7 May 1947 The Australian Government desires to bring to the attention of the United States Government once again its views on the question of Japanese whaling, and to reiterate that the Australian Government is opposed to any further Japanese whaling expeditions in the Antarctic until the whole...’
395. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 680 WASHINGTON, 27 May 1947, 6.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET F.E.C. 137 Japanese Whaling. 1. Major General Hilldring, Assistant Secretary of State, today discussed Japanese whaling with representatives of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Norway. He said the United States Government was desirous of having another Antarctic expedition this...’
396. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 9 June 1947; ‘Aide-memoire WASHINGTON, [9 June 1947] [1] The Department of State has carefully considered the objections raised in the Australian Embassy’s aide-memoire of May 7, 1947, to a second Antarctic whaling expedition under the control of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan, but has nevertheless found it advisable...’
397. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 747 WASHINGTON, 10 June 1947, 9.10 p.m. SECRET F.E.C. 146. Japanese whaling. Reference United States aide-memoire, our F.E.C. 145. A further protest to the State Department, even in the strongest terms, is unlikely to cause reversal of decision to authorize this expedition. We understand that some senior officials in...’
398. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 23 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 723 CANBERRA, 23 June 1947, 6.30 P.m. [1] MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Further to our Washington 717. [2] Japanese Whaling. 1. Confirming telephone conversation it is desired that the Ambassador make immediate protest to the State Department against the decision announced from Tokyo, despite the fact that as you have...’
399. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 815 WASHINGTON, 23 June 1947, 641 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET F.E.C. 162.Japanese Whaling. 1. Mr. Makin accompanied by Plimsoll called on Hilldring, Assistant Secretary of State, today and forcefully made representations along the lines set out in your 723. 2. Hilldring replied that the Australian proposal was receiving earnest...’
400. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE: 23 June 1947; ‘Aide-memoire [WASHINGTON], 23 June 1947 The Australian Government learns with concern that the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers has authorized a further Japanese whaling expedition in the Antarctic in the 1947-48 season. The Australian Government greatly regrets that this step should have been taken in face of the strong...’
401. STATEMENT BY MAKIN TO THE FAR EASTERN COMMISSION: 26 June 1947; ‘Enclosure to FEC-231/5 [WASHINGTON], 26 June 1947 RESTRICTED JAPANESE WHALING: STATEMENT BY THE AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE Mr. Chairman, my Government’s opposition to the resumption of Japanese Antarctic whaling is well-known. It has been stated by Australian representatives at meetings of this Commission and of its Committees, and has been pointed out...’
402. MAKIN TO EVATT: 3 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 869 WASHINGTON, 3 July 1947 TOP SECRET Whaling Expedition. Your telegram No. 758. I went to see Secretary of State this afternoon accompanied by Minister. It had not been possible to see him earlier owing to Paris Conference. I put our case to Marshall orally, conveying the very deep...’
403. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 944 WASHINGTON, 17 July 1947, 6.18 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET FEC.189. JAPANESE WHALING. F.E.C. met today. In introducing Whaling Paper [1], Chairman stated that since Diplomatic exchanges were still going on, the item would continue on Agenda. Mr. Makin stated that what possibilities there might have been in this direction...’
404. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 165 LONDON, 31 July 1947, 8.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL The United Kingdom Embassy in Washington have now received a reply from the State Department to their protest against the decision of the United States Government to authorise a Japanese whaling expedition for the 1947/48 season. The reply...’
405. EVATT TO BURTON: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAS HOBART, 4 August 1947, 8.30 a.m. SECRET Pending my return and further instructions, F.E.C. decision on Japanese whaling should not be pressed by Australia. At the same time Australia should not herself take steps to request postponement. [1] _ On 4 September the subject of Japanese whaling...’
406. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 6[95] [1] WASHINGTON, 30 May 1947, 5.54 p.m. SECRET FEC. 13[9] [2] . Basic Policy. Reference your 601 paragraph 2. 1. F.E.C. Met 29th May. Mr. Makin represented Australia. 2. The Commission discussed the Basic Policy. Strong probability now that U.S.S.R. will soon be able to accept the paper...’
407. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS CABLEGRAM 725 WASHINGTON, 5 JUNE 1947: 5 June 1947; ‘FEC. 143. Basic Policy. 1. FEC met 5 June. Considered basic policy. Americans, Chinese, and Russians were very anxious for immediate adoption, but UK did not have instructions, Indian member proposed an amendment, and Mr. Makin asked for delay of another week. 2. With object of securing delay and allowing...’
408. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 9 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 672 CANBERRA, 9 June 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your F.E.C. 139. Basic Policy. Although the Basic Policy Paper is generally satisfactory we do not consider that its provisions should be used as a means of restricting discussions which may take place at any general Peace Conference, nor should it...’
409. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 764 WASHINGTON, 12 June 1947, 7 p.m. SECRET Received 13 June 1947 F.E.C. 149. Basic Policy. Reference your 672. 1. We have conferred informally on the text of your proposed amendment with other representatives, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, U.S.S.R. and China. The general opinion is that amendment...’
410. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 12 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 815 CANBERRA, 12 July 1947, 4.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your F.E.C. 183. [1] Basic Policy. Please issue immediately your own press statement to the effect that Australia, when voting for the adoption of the Paper on Basic Policy, did so on the understanding that the policies laid down...’
411. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, FRASER AND ADDISON: 27 March 1947; ‘Cablegrams 362, 81, 77 CANBERRA, 27 March 1947, 11.15 a.m. SECRET Your F.E.C.321 (New Zealand No.57). Japanese Trade. We understand from your reports that United States intend to formulate by early April a plan for resumption of private trading with Japan. Our reports from Tokyo indicate that various United States...’
412. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 17 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 459 CANBERRA, 17 April 1947 SECRET Dominions office D.50 of 21st January, D.288 of 25th March, D.351 of 9th April: New Zealand’s 164 to Washington, 56 to London of 19th March: our 362 to Washington, 81 to New Zealand, 77 to Dominions Office of 27th March. 1. The question...’
413. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 606 WASHINGTON, 9 May 1947, 6.58 p.m. SECRET F.E.C. 119. Resumption of private trade. Reference your 459 and 549. 1. Your paragraphs 6 and 7 [1] were communicated on receipt to other British Commonwealth Members and informally to the United States. Submission of paper was deferred to enable other...’
414. MISSION IN TOKYO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 May 1947; ‘Cablegram Dept 123 TOKYO, 9 May 1947, 4.30 p.m. SECRET Resumption of Private Trading with Japan 1. I refer to your 120 [1] paragraphs 1,2,5,6,7 and to Mr. Chifley’s reported statement that Australia is opposed to private trading until after the peace treaty and that this was unlikely before the...’
415. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 669 WASHINGTON, 24 May 1947, 5.46 p.m. SECRET Quotas for businessmen to re-enter Japan. 1. At I.A.T.B., 23rd May, U.S.A. proposed the following national percentage distribution of quotas for businessmen to re-enter Japan. U.S.A. 30 China 10 India 8 France (and Indo-China) 3 Philippines 1 Netherlands (and N.E.I.) 6...’
416. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT, COURTICE AND POLLARD: 26 May 1947; ‘Agendum 1343 26 May 1947, SECRET RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE TRADE WITH JAPAN 1. The declared policy of the Australian Government on the resumption of private trade with Japan is: (a) Opposition to a decision on resumption being taken outside the Peace Conference. (b) Agreement that preparations for the resumption of...’
417. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 2 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 628 CANBERRA, 2 June 1947, 2 p.m. SECRET Your 669. Quotas of Businessmen to enter Japan. You should press strongly for substantial increase of the Australian quota on the following grounds: (a) 1935-36, the base year used for arriving at other countries quotas, should be used for Australia also....’
418. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 732 WASHINGTON, 6 June 1947, 6.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Resumption of Private Trade 1. I.A.T.B. met 6th June. Garside [1] represented Australia. 2. United States announced that press statement on opening of Japan to private trade (see our 723) would be released to press on Monday and that copies...’
419. CABINET SUBMISSION BY POLLARD: 26 June 1947; ‘Agendum 1295A 26 June 1947, WOOL FOR JAPAN For some time past the Commonwealth Government has been in negotiation with S.C.A.P., through the Australian Political Liaison Officer, Tokyo [1], for the supply of wool to Japan. 2. The discussions originally centred around the supply of 120,000 bales at the rate...’
420. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 27 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 157 CANBERRA, 27 June 1947, 11 a.m. SECRET Your telegram D.447. Private trade with Japan and fixing of yen rate. 1. We are in full agreement with your views that single commercial rate of exchange for the yen is most desirable and should be established, if possible, before private...’
421. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON, FRASER, EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON AND MISSION IN TOKYO: 16 July 1947; ‘Cablegrams 180, 180, 840, 394 CANBERRA, 16 July 1947, 4.50 p.m. SECRET Your D.552. See also 859 (F.E.C.171) from Washington; 129 from New Zealand (131 to London). Japanese external contacts and representation at international conferences Following are our views- 1. Japanese external contacts is a matter for decision at the...’
422. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 881 CANBERRA, 24 July 1947, 11.40 a.m. SECRET Your 948. [1] Resumption of Private Trade with Japan. 1. Although we have maintained that resumption of private trade is question which should have been decided at the Peace Settlement, we were compelled to participate to ensure that Australian trading interests...’
423. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT, POLLARD AND COURTICE: 15 August 1947; ‘Agendum 1343A 15 August 1947 [1], RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE TRADE WITH JAPAN On 26th May, 1947, Cabinet approved of recommendations contained in Agendum Number 1343 regarding the resumption of private trade with Japan but directed that the question was to be re-submitted to Cabinet before actual trading commenced. 2. In...’
424. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 1 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 1155 CANBERRA, 1 October 1947 SECRET Your telegram 1276 and our 1151. Resumption of Private Trade with Japan. We are not disposed to sponsor further visits of businessmen to Japan unless satisfied that they can purchase essential goods or assist our export trade. We are drastically curtailing dollar expenditure...’
425. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER: 12 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 304 CANBERRA, 12 November 1947 SECRET Our 288 of 31st October. At 44th meeting of Allied Council Chairman asked Shaw for detailed suggestions as to how yen exchange rate might be established. 2. We have advised Shaw along following lines and have asked him to discuss fully with U.K.L.M....’
426. SHAW TO EVATT: 12 December 1947; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 6/1947 TOKYO, 12 December 1947 Australian Wool Exports to Japan 1. I have the honour to report that there have recently been made to me by both GHQ, SCAP officials and Japanese Government officials, adverse comments over Australia’s alleged unwillingness to facilitate exports of wool to Japan. As...’
427. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER, EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON AND MISSION IN TOKYO: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegrams 343, 1449, 718 CANBERRA, 16 December 1947 SECRET Your telegrams 226 and 227 [1]-Trade with Japan. 1. Conclusion of Interim Sterling Payments Agreement will provide banking machinery for settlement of private trading transactions between Japan and those parts of the Sterling Area which are parties to the Agreement but...’
428. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER AND FRASER: 30 December 1947; ‘Cablegrams 357, 281 CANBERRA, 30 December 1947, 4.20 a.m. Your 266. Establishment of exchange rate in Japan. Your views on undesirability of referring question of exchange rate to F.E.C. have been noted [1] but it is felt that disadvantages could be avoided and, at same time, status of F.E.C. upheld,...’
429. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 1 WASHINGTON, 2 January 1947, 11.40 p.m. FEC.1. 1. FEC met 2nd January to consider the question of implementing legislation for Japanese constitution. 2. Berendsen, in a very moderate speech said that this was another example of a long series of frustrations F.E.C. had been involved in. He said...’
430. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 11 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 42 CANBERRA, 11 January 1947, 12.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your FEC 9. Japanese Education. SCO47/2 is being studied by Commonwealth Education authorities. We hope to be able to formulate definite views before the end of January. In the meantime the following preliminary observations may assist you: 1. While considerable emphasis...’
431. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 224 WASHINGTON, 17 February 1947, 8.57 p.m. SECRET F.E.C. 47. George Atcheson addressed F.E.C. off the record today. He said that contrary to the view of some members, the Allied Council was not intended to be an inquisition. If a member of Council wished to criticize S.C.A.P. or felt...’
432. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 236 WASHINGTON, 20 February 1947 SECRET 236. FEC 51 … Japanese Education. 1. At request of USA we have agreed to omission of reference to Romaji [1] from education paper, on understanding that SCAP will nevertheless follow policy desired by you. MacArthur reports he is in complete agreement and...’
433. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 341 WASHINGTON, 10 March 1947, 6.17 p.m. FEC.71-Japanese Education. Reference our FEC.51 paragraph 2.We have had great difficulty in reaching an acceptable compromise. State Department desired to emphasise decentralisation. S.C.A.P. wanted Commission to prescribe as little detail as possible. New Zealand desired locally-elected bodies to control education, but Australia...’
434. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 391 WASHINGTON, 21 March 1947, 12.22 a.m. SECRET FEC 78. F.E.C. on 20th March decided ‘that F.E.C. release to the Press outside Japan its policy decision on provision for the review of the new Japanese Constitution (FEC-031/41)’. Australian representative said he was unhappy about motion but supported it because...’
435. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 49 WASHINGTON, 10 January 1947 FEC 14. ATOMIC. Following paper has been drafted by sub-committee of Australia, China and USA: ‘1. Japanese research or other activity in the field of atomic energy should be governed by the following: (a) Such United Nations decisions on international control of atomic energy...’
436. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 1 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 107 CANBERRA, 1 May 1947, 4.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your 60 and 67. Civil Aviation in Japan. In our view the question of aviation in relation to Japan is a matter for final decision at the peace settlement. Preparatory discussions may help to define the issues but should on no...’
437. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 7 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 536 CANBERRA, 7 May 1947, 11.10 a.m. SECRET Reference Dominions Office D.909 of 7th October, 1946 and subsequent telegrams; Dominions Office No.73 to Canberra of 14th April, 1947. Disposal of Japanese Fleet Please make representations to the United States State Department and protest in the following terms:- 1. Our...’
438. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 653 WASHINGTON, 21 May 1947, 10.14 a.m. SECRET F.E.C. 130. The Canadian Embassy have shown us confidentially a cable received from E.H. Norman, Canadian Representative in Tokyo. States that the Japanese Government may be invited to report its views, without prejudice, to the Peace Conference. Japanese Foreign Office officials...’
439. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 28 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 609 CANBERRA, 28 May 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Japanese Proposal for Post-Occupation Army and Military Air Force and Japanese Activities in the Palau Islands. 1. (a) Your F.E.C. 130(a) and (b). This information was reported by Macmahon Ball on 16th April following a conversation with Asakai Koichiro [1], a senior...’
440. MAKIN TO EVATT: 28 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 686 WASHINGTON, 28 May 1947 Disposal of Japanese Fleet. My telegram No. 616. Minister today saw General Hilldring, Assistant Secretary of State, and Vincent [1], Director, Office of Far Eastern Affairs, State Department. They said that Secretary of State had given careful consideration to our views. They felt that...’
441. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: 29 May 1947; ‘Aide-memoire 29 May 1947 A number of recent developments connected with the occupation and control of Japan have caused growing concern to the Australian Government, in that they seem to suggest that matters which should not be decided in advance of the Japanese peace settlement are being resolved unilaterally by...’
442. MAKIN TO EVATT: 23 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 814 WASHINGTON, 23 June 1947, 6.42 p.m. SECRET Refer my 689. The State Department have today sent me the following aide-memoire in reply to mine of May 29th. ‘The questions raised by the Australian Ambassador in his aide- memoire left with the Under Secretary of State on May 29th...’
443. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1083 WASHINGTON, 12 August 1947, 2.32 p.m. SECRET FEC.222. LEVEL OF JAPANESE INDUSTRY Your telegram 962, 8th August. [1] 1. Your instructions have been noted. However, New Zealand Member of F.E.C. now has instructions to accept virtually all of C2-242. In view of this we should be glad of...’
444. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 983 CANBERRA, 14 August 1947, 7.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE Level of Japan’s Industry. Reference your 1083, 12th August. 1. F.E.C.084/19 might have been a useful basis for further commission action if it had been adopted when it was first drafted nearly a year ago. Today the situation is quite different...’
445. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1113 WASHINGTON, 16 August 1947, 12.42 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET F.E.C.227. Level of Japan’s Industry. 1. Your telegram 985 was received only a few minutes before Australian Representative entered meeting of Committee, No 2. It was therefore not possible to consult with British Commonwealth colleagues other than to inform them...’
446. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO PLIMSOLL: 17 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 698 CANBERRA, 17 November 1947 SECRET LEVEL OF JAPANESE ECONOMIC LIFE 1. You should endeavour obtain urgently copy of Commonwealth Relations Office telegrams D.859 and 860 on subject of Japanese merchant shipbuilding and shipping. 2. These indicate that United Kingdom Government is modifying its attitude on Japanese merchant shipping...’
447. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 9 January 1947; ‘Cablegram D19 LONDON, 9 January 1947, 10.25 a.m. SECRET My telegram 27th November, D No. 1092. United States Draft Terms of Trusteeship Following our representations the United States Government have not so far presented their draft to the Security Council. They have indicated, however, that, if they are to defer...’
448. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 20 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 17 CANBERRA, 20 January 1947, 9.15 p.m. Your D.19 and D.39. Draft Trusteeship agreement for Japanese Mandated Islands. 1. The ultimate solution is control of these islands by the United States. At the same time we do not regard this as an isolated question but as an integral part...’
449. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 21 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 24 LONDON, 21 January 1947, 8.47 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 17 of 20th January. Draft Trusteeship Agreement for Japanese Mandated Islands. 1. As regards your paragraphs 1 and 2 you will see from paragraph 2B (i) and(2) of my telegram D. No.19- (a) That we share your view...’
450. MARSHALL TO MAKIN: 12 February 1947; ‘Note WASHINGTON, 12 February 1947 I have the honor to refer to your note of January 21, 1947 [1], commenting upon Mr. Acheson’s note of November 6, 1946 with reference to the terms upon which the United States Government is prepared to place the former Japanese Mandated Islands under trusteeship....’
451. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 February 1947; ‘Cablegram UN150 NEW YORK, 14 February 1947, 8.39 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Security 266. Your UNY.88. 1. United States Delegation will probably lodge draft on Japanese Mandates early next week. Assuming some progress is made with A.E.C. Report [1] and Albanian case Council may commence consideration about twentieth but...’
452. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 14 February 1947; ‘Cablegram D143 LONDON, 14 February 1947, 9.10 p.m. SECRET My telegram D.39 of 18th January. United States draft terms of trusteeship for Japanese mandated islands. 1. The United Kingdom Ambassador in Washington approached the State Department on the lines indicated in my telegram D.19 of 9th January. 2. On 7th...’
453. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HASLUCK: 18 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 95 CANBERRA, 18 February 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your Security 266. Japanese Mandates. 1. Under no circumstances must Australia lead opposition to United States proposal. Indeed, in principle we favour U.S. objective and this must be made clear. 2. Earliest advice of text of U.S. application to Security...’
454. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 25 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 36 LONDON, 25 February 1947, 11.36 p.m. SECRET IMMEDIATE My telegram D No.184 of to-day. [1] Japanese Mandated Islands. 1. We consider that the reported Russian change of attitude, which we have only now heard, will, if confirmed, create a situation in which it is most unlikely that there...’
455. EVATT TO HASLUCK: 26 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 113 CANBERRA, 26 February 1947 PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Japanese Mandates. Reference your U.N. 183. Soviet change of front indicates attempt to appease on a matter which is only one of procedure made to gain advantages elsewhere. 2. Your telegram shows need for close co-operation with United Kingdom...’
456. HASLUCK TO EVATT: 26 February 1947; ‘Cablegram UN192 NEW YORK, 26 February 1947, 11 a.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Received 27 February 1947 1. Cadogan has received instructions general effect of which will be that United Kingdom will not oppose United States trusteeship application unless there is other opposition including at least one other permanent...’
457. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, AND FRASER: 6 March 1947; ‘Cablegrams 135, 50 CANBERRA, 6 March 1947, 5.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference Security 294. U.S. Trusteeship Agreement for Japanese Mandated Islands. 1. You should not join or support opposition to consideration of United States draft by Security Council. You should make the following statement at the earliest moment consulting...’
458. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 11 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 148 CANBERRA, 11 March 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Your UN 238. Japanese Mandates. 1. If New Zealand or India has applied to be invited you should support application and if not you should propose invitation after consulting them. 2. The following are comments on draft agreement: a. Article 3. [1]...’
459. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 March 1947; ‘Cablegram UN254 NEW YORK, 12 March 1947, 7.27 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 300. 1. When the Council resumed debate on Japanese mandates today it had before it a cablegram from New Zealand requesting- (a) New Zealand participation in discussions, and (b) Participation by Netherlands, Canada, India and Philippines if...’
460. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 March 1947; ‘Cablegram UN255 NEW YORK, 12 March 1947, 6.26 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 301. 1. After to-day’s meeting of the Security Council Austin indicated to Hasluck that the Australian amendment would be opposed on two constitutional grounds- (a) that the Council cannot transfer jurisdiction to a peace conference, and (b)...’
461. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1947; ‘Cablegram UN265 NEW YORK, 14 March 1947, 12.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 305. Reference our Security 301. 1. We have discussed informally with United Kingdom Delegation questions raised by Constitutional objections to our new Article 17 and transmit, herewith, for your information, summary of tentative United Kingdom views, stressing...’
462. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 16 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 159 CANBERRA, 16 March 1947 Your UN225 [1] and UN265. 1. We consider the United Kingdom arguments especially paragraph 3(d) absolutely sound. United States should be made to realize privately what their move would mean. It seems to us, two, not one extra members would be required for Council...’
463. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 March 1947; ‘Cablegram UN277 NEW YORK, 18 March 1947, 3.06 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security 308. 1. Before Monday’s meeting we discussed with United Kingdom redraft of Australian amendment as contained in paragraph 2 of your UNY159. United Kingdom accepted redraft and it was arranged that at outset of meeting we should introduce new...’
464. MAKIN TO EVATT: 19 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 388 WASHINGTON, 19 March 1947, 11.11 p.m. SECRET JAPANESE MANDATED ISLANDS Chief of Division of Japanese Affairs [1] asked the Minister to call at the State Department this evening and raised the question of Australia’s views at the Security Council. Allison referred to proceedings on Monday and Tuesday, and...’
465. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 20 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 174 CANBERRA, 20 March 1947, 9.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE Trusteeship Japanese Mandated Islands. 1. Your UN.277. Following is statement you are to make at first opportunity when discussion resumes. Begins: ‘Since the question of the future of Japanese mandates first arose in the Council, the Governments of the United Kingdom...’
466. EVATT TO MAKIN: 21 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 339 CANBERRA, 21 March 1947, 4 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Your 388. 1. You are to see Acheson at once on the subject of your telegram. Please inform him that I have given new instructions to our representative on Security Council in the light of recent developments. Show him...’
467. MAKIN TO EVATT: 21 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 403 WASHINGTON, 21 March 1947, 6.06 p.m. SECRET 1. On getting your No.339 this morning I sought appointment with Acting Secretary of State who was at Congressional Committee Hearings all the morning but made special arrangements to see me at lunchtime. I showed him copy of your message to...’
468. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 March 1947; ‘Cablegram UN297 NEW YORK, 21 March 1947, 9.26 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 316. Your UN174. We informed Cadogan of our new instructions with view to ascertaining whether he concurs. He is seeking instructions from London. 2. Debate on Japanese mandates unlikely to be resumed before next Wednesday at the earliest....’
469. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 March 1947; ‘Cablegram UN342 (extract) NEW YORK, 29 March 1947, 5.25 p.m. SECRET Security 330. Japanese Mandates. 1. At Friday’s meeting Australia made statement as instructed in your UNY.174. United States acknowledged Australia’s action in long outstanding tribute stating that this was an example of the strength and co-operation that existed in...’
470. BALL TO EVATT: 8 February 1947; ‘Cablegram For the Minister from Macmahon Ball [2] [1] TOKYO, 8 February 1947, 12.30 p.m. TOP SECRET 1. I had a long talk with MacArthur last night about his letter to Yoshida [2] insisting on early elections. 2. I said I was surprised at so much importance being attached to...’
471. BALL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1947; ‘Cablegram Department 33 TOKYO, 28 February 1947, 4.15 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET The following are my comments on MacArthur’s message to Congress. [1] (1) in referring to the success of the occupation MacArthur’s claims are much more cautious and modest than they were last year. He continued the description of...’
472. BALL TO EVATT: 20 March 1947; ‘Cablegram For Minister from Macmahon Ball 5 [1] TOKYO, 20 March 1947, 5 p.m. SECRET [2] in Japan have become quicker and stronger during the last week. 1. S.C.A.P. and conservative forces in Japan are drawing closer together and conservative forces are showing renewed confidence. By ‘conservative forces’ I mean...’
473. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALL: 24 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 54 CANBERRA, 24 March 1947 SECRET Your Dep.13. [1] Representation. We have now given consideration to the question of Australian representation in Tokyo in the light of your observations and those of Mr. Eckersley. We feel that the time has come to constitute a single Australian Mission in Japan...’
474. BALL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 March 1947; ‘Cablegram Department 47 TOKYO, 25 March 1947, 2.15 p.m. SECRET For your information. 1. Yesterday an exclusive United Press interview with Gascoigne was given prominence in the Nippon Times and the Stars and Stripes. The report stated that Gascoigne was ‘speaking in a personal capacity’. Gascoigne said that his country...’
475. BURTON TO BALL: 28 March 1947; ‘Letter (extract) CANBERRA, 28 March 1947 Your own difficulties in relation to the British representative are fully appreciated and the Minister acted promptly on your suggestion of a statement, as you will have seen. [1] We have had in mind an instruction to you to be outspoken at the Council,...’
476. BALL TO EVATT: 28 March 1947; ‘Cablegram For the Minister from Macmahon Ball 6 TOKYO, 28 March 1947, 3.30 p.m. TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE 1. Two developments have occurred which I think are significant in the light of my conversation with MacArthur on February 7th when I said I felt the important thing was not so much...’
477. BALL TO FORSYTH: 1 April 1947; ‘Memorandum TOKYO, 1 April 1947 CONFIDENTIAL The following is my comment on P.C.P.S. D/3. I am particularly interested in the line of thought on Page 7. [1] During this year in Japan, the lack of United Kingdom interest in Japanese affairs has been very evident. The small number of United...’
478. BALL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 April 1947; ‘Cablegram ACJ8 TOKYO, 17 April 1947 1. At (yesterday’s) meeting of the Allied Council the subject of wage and price fixation was again raised. I reminded the Council that at the previous meeting I had insisted that this was primarily a political and not an economic question. I said I...’
479. BALL TO BURTON: 18 April 1947; ‘Letter (extracts) TOKYO, 18 April 1947 PERSONAL I appreciate what you say about the difficulties in leaving this job at the moment. Because these few months seem important in Japan and because the Peace Conference seems nearer now than it did two or three months ago, I am very reluctant...’
480. EVATT TO BALL: 16 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 302 CANBERRA, 16 June 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET 1. I have just discovered that reply to you sent by Department on Saturday referred to Butler who has been throwing out casual hints of possible visit to Japan by himself. You should, however, regard references to him in the...’
481. BALL TO EVATT: 16 June 1947; ‘Cablegram Top Secret and Personal for the Minister 6 TOKYO, 16 June 1947, 9.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Your 302. 1. As soon as I received your telegram this evening I went to MacArthur’s Headquarters. He was in conference and I indicated to Colonel Bunker his aide-de-camp and influential adviser the...’
482. BALL TO EVATT: 18 June 1947; ‘Cablegram Top Secret and Personal for the Minister 7 TOKYO, 18 June 1947, 9 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE 1. This evening I have learned from S.C.A.P. Headquarters of your direct communication with it on your visit to Japan. 2. The substance of your communication makes it clear to me that my...’
483. BURTON TO BALL: 19 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 312 CANBERRA, 19 June 1947, 4.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Your 7 addressed to Minister. 1. There has been on your part a complete misunderstanding of the position for which I must take full responsibility. During the Minister’s absence in Sydney and after full consideration of your telegram...’
484. EVATT TO BURTON: 19 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAT KANIMBLA, 19 July 1947, 3.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET Your telegram 16. I am prepared to leave all arrangements for the journey to Tokyo to MacArthur and will make my plans accord with any schedule he may decide upon. I think that a message should be routed...’
485. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 28 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 28 July 1947, 9.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE PERSONAL SECRET I have already had several talks with General MacArthur and on the whole with very satisfactory results. Reception by him was more than cordial and I think he will visit us in Australia next year in accordance with...’
486. BALL TO CHIFLEY: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 31 July 1947, 5 p.m. TOP SECRET 1. May I recall the circumstances of my appointment to this post in February, 1946 and your talk with me here in May, 1946. [1] 2. I have tried to carry out faithfully all instructions. The work in this post...’
487. EVATT TO BURTON: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 31 July 1947 PERSONAL MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET For some considerable time we have known that Ball’s continuance here was uncertain in duration. There were several actual or threatened resignations which were subsequently withdrawn. You will remember that both Attlee and Hector McNeil, the United Kingdom being...’
488. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 1 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 1 August 1947, 3.30 a.m. PERSONAL SECRET After conferences with General MacArthur, B.C.O.F. authorities and Allied Representatives, the results of my mission may be summed up as follows:- 1. Complete over-all understanding with General MacArthur as to steps to be taken in negotiating the Japanese Treaty, as...’
489. BALL TO CHIFLEY: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 2 August 1947, 11.10 p.m. TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE that I would be needed at the Canberra Conference in August. I told people here that I would be attending and since travel arrangements are now being made here for those going to Canberra I cannot conceal the...’
490. MACARTHUR TO CHIFLEY: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram G16514 TOKYO, 2 August 1947, 11.45 a.m. Dr. Evatt has completed his visit to Japan and sailed for home this morning and it has been a source of pleasure and satisfaction to everyone to have had him here. He has represented your country with skill and distinction and has...’
491. EVATT TO BURTON: 3 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAS HOBART, 3 August 1947 IMPORTANT SECRET As we were leaving Yokohama, Ball intimated that the would fly to Australia in a few days on private business and would subsequently attend the Canberra Conference. This was in complete contradiction to his undertaking to me earlier in the same...’
492. CHIFLEY TO BALL: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 459 CANBERRA, 4 August 1947 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE I have carefully read your two messages. I have received a message from Dr. Evatt as you implied. Having considered the matter, I would like you to remain, carrying on your normal duties until the Minister returns to Canberra on...’
493. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered CANBERRA, 12 August 1947, 11.10 p.m. Statement by Dr. Evatt. During my visit to Japan chiefly a factfinding mission I had full and frank discussions with those on the spot about the occupation and the problems which will confront the Allies in writing the peace. I am satisfied...’
494. CHIFLEY TO BALL: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 492 CANBERRA, 14 August 1947, 10 a.m. SECRET Further my telegram 459 of 4th August, I have now discussed the general position with Dr. Evatt. I do not wish to enter into any controversy on the statements you made in your previous personal and confidential telegrams to me as...’
495. BALL TO CHIFLEY: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 14 August 1947 TOP SECRET MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram 492. 1. With great respect I regret to state that your telegram appears to fail to appreciate the circumstances in which I sent you my earlier telegram and also fails to appreciate my feelings and convictions about Dr....’
496. CHIFLEY TO BALL: 15 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 496 CANBERRA, 15 August 1947, 11.45 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL I have received your telegram and note you are resigning tomorrow. Your resignation is accepted. I regret that you have not been able to carry on with the work you have been endeavouring to do under difficult...’
497. BALL TO CHIFLEY: 30 August 1947; ‘Report (extracts) TOKYO, 30 August 1947 TOP SECRET REPORT TO THE PRIME MINISTER ON A MISSION TO JAPAN I was appointed British Commonwealth Member on the Allied Council for Japan on February 26th, 1946. I took up this post on March 1st and arrived in Tokyo on April 3rd. At...’
498. SHAW TO EVATT: 12 December 1947; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 5/1947 (extract) TOKYO, 12 December 1947 SECRET SUPREME COMMANDER FOR THE ALLIED POWERS IN JAPAN I have the honour to submit the following notes of my interpretation of General MacArthur’s views and policies on a number of topics. As you can imagine, it is difficult to recall exactly...’
499. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 22 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 29 WELLINGTON, 22 February 1947, 10.31 a.m. TOP SECRET We have had under examination the position of our component in the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan which at present consists of one R.N.Z.A.F. Squadron of approximately 300 personnel and an Army Brigade Group with supporting troops totalling 4,254....’
500. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 12 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 3 Saving LONDON, 12 February 1947 SECRET We have for sometime been considering what steps could be taken to improve the British Commonwealth position in the occupation of Japan and have come to the conclusion that there would be great advantage for all Commonwealth countries if arrangements could be...’
501. BURTON TO SHEDDEN: 28 February 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 28 February 1947 With reference to Telegram 29 from the Prime Minister of New Zealand and Saving Telegram No. 3 from the Dominions Office, the draft telegram attached is forwarded by direction of the Minister for External Affairs for favour of your comments. [1] Attachment B.C.O.F. Your 29....’
502. FRASER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 15 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 54 [1] WELLINGTON, 15 March 1947, 12.15 p.m. SECRET With reference your Saving Telegram No. 4 of 12th February, Canberra Saving No. 3. While in general we would welcome any disposition of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan which the Commander-in- Chief might find it possible to make...’
503. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CUTLER: 19 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 73 CANBERRA, 19 March 1947 IMMEDIATE Please see telegram No. 29 from New Zealand and No. 3 from Dominions Office. Both telegrams are under consideration here. Advice from the Department of Defence is delayed pending consultation with B.C.O.F. so that we are not yet in a position to convey...’
504. EVATT TO PARANJPYE: 8 April 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 8 April 1947 Your request that the United States authorities be informed of the desire of the Indian Government to withdraw the Indian component of the forces of occupation in Japan has been given very earnest consideration. [1] Before action is taken, however, I should like to be...’
505. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 15 April 1947; ‘Memorandum MELBOURNE, 15 April 1947 Reference is made to cablegram No.72 dated 4th April, from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, asking that steps be taken immediately to secure the agreement of the Government of the United States to the reduction of the New Zealand army component in Japan from...’
506. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 17 July 1947; ‘Memorandum MELBOURNE, 17 July 1947 TOP SECRET AN APPRECIATION OF THE VALUE OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH OCCUPATION FORCE Reference is made to my memorandum of 15th April, in which it was advised that the question raised in Cablegram No.29 dated 22nd February, from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, relating...’
507. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 28 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 212 LONDON, 28 September 1947, 11.15 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET We have been considering the question of the future of the United Kingdom element of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces in Japan. New Zealand Government in their telegram addressed to you No 29 of 22nd February asked for your...’
508. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 7 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 265 CANBERRA, 7 [October] [1] 1947, 4.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. We regret that your position in relation to finance and manpower has forced you to the conclusion that you ought to withdraw forthwith the remainder of the United Kingdom forces from Japan. We are fully conscious of...’
509. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 12 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 237 LONDON, 12 November 1947, 4 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET My telegram 8th October No. 220. I am sorry that there has been some delay in replying to your telegram No. 265 about the withdrawal of the United Kingdom Forces from Japan, but we have had to re-examine the...’
510. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER: 24 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 355 CANBERRA, 24 December 1947 The Acting Minister for Defence, the Hon. Arthur S. Drakeford M.P. said today that the British Commonwealth Governments whose troops are taking part in the occupation of Japan have recently reviewed the system for the control and administration of the British Commonwealth occupation force...’
511. STUART TO EVATT: 12 January 1947; ‘Dispatch 6 (extracts) PARIS, 12 January 1947 CONFIDENTIAL The news from Indo-China has grown steadily worse since the Minister forwarded his despatch No. 81 of the 23rd December, 1946 [1], and the attitude of both the Viet-Namese and the French has naturally hardened in proportion as the fighting has grown...’
512. COPLAND TO EVATT: 17 January 1947; ‘Memorandum [CANBERRA] [1], 17 January 1947 Confirming our discussion on the evening of the 13th inst., I now wish formally to make the following preliminary suggestions for your consideration as regards Australian policy towards the Southeast Asia area:- (1) A conference of the representatives of Australia in that area should...’
513. MASSEY TO EVATT: 14 March 1947; ‘Dispatch 13/47 [SINGAPORE], 14 March 1947 I have the honour to report that, in accordance with directions contained in External Affairs telegram No.100 dated 28th February, I have forwarded copies of the statement on foreign affairs made by you in the House of Representatives on 26th February, 1947, to Their...’
514. BURTON TO KUSKIE: 2 April 1947; ‘Memorandum 180 CANBERRA, 2 April 1947 ASIAN RELATIONS CONFERENCE [1] Although we intend to pass on to you for the Secretariat as soon as available the final report of the Australian observers at this Conference, yet the following interim observations on its progress may be of interest [2] to New...’
515. SHAW TO COPLAND: 10 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 155 NANKING, 10 April 1947, 5 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Before your departure I think you should know that we have the impression from informal contacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the view is hardening among officials that Australia has adopted a deliberately slighting attitude towards China over...’
516. REPORT BY MOODIE: 11 April 1947; ‘Extracts NEW DELHI, 11 April 1947 REPORT ON ASIAN RELATIONS CONFERENCE 23RD MARCH - 2ND APRIL, 1947 The Department of External Affairs has already received from this office a steady bombardment of cables, Rapporteurs’ Reports and newspaper articles describing the course of the Conference. They should provide a great deal...’
517. COPLAND TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 243 NANKING, 9 June 1947, 8 p.m. TOP SECRET 1. Further to my 239 in response to your 166. [1] I have discussed the position with the British Ambassador. [2] He agrees that immediate danger is not serious but does not discount the ultimate danger. So much so that...’
518. STUART TO EVATT: 24 June 1947; ‘Letter PARIS, 24 June 1947 When I went to say good-bye yesterday to M. Baudet, the Head of the Pacific Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he expressed certain views which I think I should report to you. As you know, Baudet has a rank of Minister and is...’
519. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 25 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 295 LONDON, 25 October 1947, 12.30 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 337. Siam. Siamese Ambassador [1] called on me on 24th October and stated he had come ‘on his own initiative’ to let me know that Siamese Government had presented an Aide-Memoire to Australian Consul General in Siam suggesting a...’
520. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 623 SINGAPORE, 17 November 1947, 4.30 p.m. SECRET My telegram 622. Hostile reaction here upon the reported decision to deport 14 Malayans [1], is the most extreme we have yet had to face, and has already largely undone the goodwill towards Australia of the local Asian population resulting from...’
521. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EASTMAN: 20 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 74 CANBERRA, 20 November 1947 SECRET IMPORTANT Our 72 para2. [1] On 13th November Luang Dhamrong’s Minister of Communications [2] Was informed by United Kingdom Ambassador [3] that his instructions were to deal with the new regime on a de facto basis for the time being and that his...’
522. REPORT BY STUART [1]: 24 December 1947; ‘Extracts SINGAPORE, 24 December 1947 SECRET PART III RECOMMENDATIONS 1. SUGGESTIONS FOR AN AUSTRALIAN POLICY TOWARDS BURMA 121. Australia is a country about which the Burmese have hitherto known very little. Certain educated circles have realised that it was a British Dominion but, even among these, few have realised what...’
523. MASSEY TO BURTON: 28 December 1947; ‘Letter SINGAPORE, 28 December 1947 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL I hope that my Departmental Despatch No.27 will be the last, for some months at least, which you will have from me on the subject of the fourteen Malay seamen. The issue seems to be settled so far as local opinion is...’
524. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 23 February 1947; ‘Cablegram 55 (extract) CANBERRA, 23 February 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL [matter omitted] 4. Minister desires you to see Nehru personally at once, express Dr. Evatt’s thanks for Nehru’s messages, and refer to Dr. Evatt’s statement set out in paragraph 3, making sure that Nehru is familiar with its...’
525. MACKAY: NOTE OF CONVERSATION WITH NEHRU: 24 February 1947; ‘NEW DELHI, 24 February 1947 On February 24th, 1947, at 4.30 p.m. the High Commissioner interviewed Mr. Nehru in accordance with Dr. Evatt’s instructions. The High Commissioner first of all thanked Mr. Nehru for granting him an interview so readily and he also thanked him on behalf of Dr. Evatt...’
526. NEHRU TO EVATT: 13 March 1947; ‘Letter NEW DELHI, 13 March 1947 Sir Iven Mackay conveyed to me your message on February 24th and later sent me a copy of the statement you made to the House of Representatives on February 26th. I asked him then to convey to you my gratitude for your friendly approach...’
527. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 27 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 129 CANBERRA, 27 May 1947 TOP SECRET IMMEDIATE Your D.469 and D.470. 1. The developments in India in relation to possible declaration of Dominion Status covering separable portions of India are, as pointed out in paragraph 6 of your D.469 [1], of great significance to Australia. Development has an...’
528. STRAHAN TO GARNETT: 28 July 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 28 July 1947 TOP SECRET PERSONAL I am directed by the Prime Minister to refer to your letter of 22nd July on the subject of the future constitutional position of Ceylon. [1] In general, the Australian Government agrees that a country, before admission to the British Commonwealth, should...’
529. GARNETT TO STRAHAN: 4 August 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 4 August 1947 TOP SECRET PERSONAL I am directed by the High Commissioner to refer to your letter of the 28th July (G.41/1/7) on the subject of the future constitutional position of Ceylon. 2. The views of the Commonwealth Government upon the draft agreement upon external relations and...’
530. STRAHAN TO GARNETT: 19 August 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 19 August 1947 TOP SECRET I am directed by the Prime Minister to thank you for your letter (2/239) of the 4th August, concerning negotiations affecting the future constitutional position of Ceylon, and to assure you that the Australian Government has carefully considered in this connection the observations...’
531. HANKINSON TO BURTON: 15 October 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 15 October 1947 SECRET We have been asked to let you know informally that the United Kingdom Government feel that the delay which is occurring in the establishment at Karachi of representation of Commonwealth Governments other than the United Kingdom is contrary to the interests both of the...’
532. BURTON TO HANKINSON: 17 October 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 17 October 1947 SECRET Thank you for your letter of 15th October concerning Australian representation at Pakistan. We have been most careful to avoid the difficulties which you suggest might arise, and you will recall that we were represented at the celebrations at Pakistan when the new dominion...’
533. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 2 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 91 LONDON, 2 May 1947, 10.16 p.m. SECRET My telegram No 281 of 19th August 1946 repeated New Zealand as No 193. In spite of further attempts to reconvene joint United States - Soviet commission, it has proved impossible to do so owing to Russian objections to consultation with...’
534. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 8 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 114 CANBERRA, 8 May 1947 TOP SECRET Korea. Your telegram 91. 1. You will recall from our telegram 465 of 19th December, 1945 [1], repeated to New Zealand as No. 280, that although we consider a direct United Nations trusteeship for Korea preferable, we would be willing to accept...’
535. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 14 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 99 LONDON, 14 May 1947, 10.20 p.m. TOP SECRET Your tele[gram] of 9th May, No.114 repeated Wellington No 127. Korea. It is confirmed that when trusteeship proposals are accepted by the governments of the four powers, we intend to inform the governments of U.S., U.S.S.R., and China that we...’
536. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1199 WASHINGTON, 30 August 1947, 4.46 p.m. SECRET Korea. 1. This morning’s press carried announcement that acting Secretary of State Lovett in note delivered to Molotov 28th August proposed that Soviet, United Kingdom, China and United States participate in a four-power Conference in Washington on 8th September to discuss...’
537. HANKINSON TO BURTON: 9 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 9 September 1947 TOP SECRET You will remember that when the Minister of State [1] was in Canberra he discussed with Dr. Evatt the best manner in which we could secure the association of the Australian Government with the proceedings of the forthcoming talks on Korea. We now...’
538. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1041 NEW YORK, 28 October 1947, 6.33 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The following is the text of Dr. Evatt’s statement to Committee 1[1] today:- The future of Korea is a matter of concern to the Japanese settlement affecting both East Asia and the Pacific. Korea became part of the Empire...’
539. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1048 NEW YORK, 29 0ctober 1947, 11.22 p.m. SBCRET 1. Political Committee 29th October discussed Soviet Resolution that Committee ‘invite elected Representatives of the Korean people from Northern and Southern Korea to take part in the discussion of the question.’ 2. Gromyko said vital interests of Korean people should...’
540. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1082 NEW YORK, 5 November 1947, 5.54 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Assembly 139. Korea. The following is the text of the Resolution [adopted] by the Political Committee 5th November. The General Assembly: Recognising the urgent and rightful claims to independence of the people of Korea; Believing that the national independence...’
541. SHANN TO BURTON: 17 December 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 17 December 1947 KOREAN COMMISSION The first meeting of the Korean Commission is expected to be held in Seoul on 12th January. 2. The two primary functions of the Commission in the terms of the Assembly’s two resolutions on the question are:- (i) to consult with the representatives...’
542. NANKERVIS TO BURTON: 20 August 1947; ‘Teleprinter Message D843 MELBOURNE, 20 August 1947, 2.42 p.m. Received 20 August 1947 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL The following urgent message has been received by this Department from the High Commissioner, Suva:- Native trouble in British Solomon Islands Protectorate is likely to reach climax on September 1st when clash between opposing factions...’
543. BURTON TO NANKERVIS: 21 August 1947; ‘Teleprinter Message CANBERRA, 21 August 1947 Your D.843. We have no information regarding the local situation, nor have we been informed of the normal movements of Warramunga. Australia should not be involved in this matter in any way. Therefore no special arrangements should be made regarding the warship’s movements) Glad...’
544. PYMAN TO BURTON: 25 August 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 25 August 1947 1. Attached summary [1] provides an interesting picture of developments in British Solomon Islands. 2. It is suggested that presence of Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations [2] gives us an opportunity to follow up the matter of recent native trouble in the area. At...’
545. PYMAN TO BURTON: 17 September 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 17 September 1947 SOLOMON ISLANDS SITUATION [matter omitted] 3. The question of further action on our part arises. The following considerations are relevant: (a) If we proceed to offer our services by means of exchange of ideas and advice derived from our own experience, we may be associated...’
546. MOODIE TO BURTON: 30 September 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 30 September 1947 After discussion, Mr. Pyman and I are satisfied that there is considerable need for us to obtain regular reports regarding developments in British Solomon Islands and other British possessions adjacent to Australian territories. This is reinforced by the fact that these possessions are included within...’
547. BARNETT TO BURTON: 29 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 141 NOUMEA, 29 November 1947, 5 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL Have been informed by Bonneaud, President of Conseil General, that several urgent and strongly worded telegrams addressed by him to the Minister for Overseas Territories stressing the immediate need of dollars and sterling credits to ensure continuance of vital...’
548. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BARNETT: 10 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 96 CANBERRA, 10 December 1947, 3.10 p.m. SECRET Your 141, 145 [1], 147. Question of possible extension of credit raised in your messages has not yet been considered but we are examining in a general way means by which we might assist New Caledonia if economic difficulties continue. Question...’
549. CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT AND WARD: 14 January 1947; ‘Agendum 1286 CANBERRA, 14 January 1947 SOUTH SEAS COMMISSION CONFERENCE The Australian - New Zealand Agreement of January, 1944, in Article 30, proposed the establishment of a regional organisation with advisory powers to be called the South Seas Regional Commission (this has subsequently been altered to the South Seas Commission)...’
550. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOUTH SEAS COMMISSION CONFERENCE: 28 January 1947; ‘Extract CANBERRA, 28 January 1947 7. Upon his election as President of the Conference Dr. Evatt said:- ‘I wish to express my deep appreciation of the honour which has been conferred upon me by electing me to the office of President of this Conference. It has for three years been...’
551. AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION: 6 February 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 6 February 1947 The Governments of Australia, the French Republic, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America, (hereinafter referred to as ‘the participating Governments’), Desiring to encourage and strengthen international co-operation in promoting the...’
552. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CUTLER: 14 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 98 CANBERRA, 14 April 1947, 2.25 p.m. Interim Secretariat for carrying our preparatory arrangements in connection with establishment South Pacific Commission has now been set up and commenced work today under the direction of Kerr, Principal of the School of Pacific Administration, Sydney. Draft communications conveying this information have...’
553. BURTON TO MILLS: 1 July 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 1 July 1947 I have had several conferences with Mr. Kerr, the Principal of the Australian School of Pacific Administration on matters connected with the preparations for the first meetings of the South Pacific Commission, the interim organisation of which has been placed under Mr. Kerr’s direction. I...’
554. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 868 CANBERRA, 21 July 1947 SECRET Minister is greatly concerned that United States has not yet ratified South Pacific Agreement. [1] 2. French have suggested a revised French text as they claim first translation was not a good one. They have also suggested two amendments neither of any consequence....’
555. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON AND FRASER: 3 September 1947; ‘Cablegrams 241, 219 CANBERRA, 3 September 1947, 2.10 p.m. SECRET Your 194. SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION. French Minister here recently mentioned possibility of Noumea as desirable site. 2. We agree that no commitment whatsoever should be given at present stage. Matter is essentially one for discussion at first meeting of representatives...’
556. BURTON TO HANKINSON: 22 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 22 September 1947 A Note in similar terms to the document attached concerning the South Pacific Commission is being sent to-day to the representatives in Canberra of the United States, French and Netherlands Governments. [1] I should be glad if you would communicate its contents to your Government...’
557. PYMAN TO BARNETT: 7 October 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 7 October 1947 SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION A proposal has been made to convene an organisational conference for the South Pacific Commission in Sydney early in November. The attached documents will provide you with full information on this subject. At the moment we are endeavouring to secure ratification by...’
558. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 10 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 1193 CANBERRA, 10 October 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET South Pacific Commission. Your 1342- [1] 1. Please inform United States authorities that all other governments have indicated willingness to attend meeting in Sydney. [2] United Kingdom Government specifically mentions desirability of making progress this year with plans for getting the Commission...’
559. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 1382 WASHINGTON, 10 October 1947, 6.40 p.m. Your tel. No. 1193. South Pacific Commission. Your views were put very strongly to State Department today and although no formal commitment was possible we have the impression that United States Government would be prepared to participate in November meeting provided meeting...’
560. EVATT TO MARSHALL: 16 October 1947; ‘Letter NEW YORK, 16 October 1947 I desire to draw to your attention the delay which is occurring in the establishment of the South Pacific Commission. Since the South Pacific Conference in Canberra in February 1947, which decided to establish this Commission, the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the...’
561. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 1406 WASHINGTON, 19 October 1947, 2.21 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference your South Pacific Commission. 1. Forsyth and Kerr saw Gerig [1] and Sady [2] yesterday 18th [October]. Discussed proposed November meeting and United States representation. United States officials will endeavour to obtain early decision. They foreshadow approval for United...’
562. MARSHALL TO EVATT: 21 October 1947; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 21 October 1947 I wish to thank you for your communication of October 16, 1947 in which you express the hope that the United States Government will accept an invitation to participate in a preparatory meeting on the South Pacific Commission to be held at Sydney in November...’
563. MAKIN TO VANDENBERG: 30 December 1947; ‘Letter WASHINGTON, 30 December 1947 I have received the following message from the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for External Affairs, Dr. H.V. Evatt, which he has asked me to convey to you. [1] ‘I should be most grateful if, in your capacity of Chairman of the Senate Foreign...’
564. MASSEY TO EVATT: 31 March 1947; ‘C.M. Dispatch 16/47 SINGAPORE, 31 March 1947 SECRET ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE FAR EAST I have the honour to inform you that the deliberations of the Economic & Social Council of U.N.O. regarding the establishment of an Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East have been followed...’
565. BURTON TO LEGATION IN NANKING: 26 May 1947; ‘Memorandum 169 CANBERRA, 26 May 1947 ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PAR EAST The Official Secretary to the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Canberra has advised that the composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the June meeting [1] of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East...’
566. BURTON TO PETERSON: 6 November 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 6 November 1947 ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE FAR EAST I enclose a statement of our views on agenda items for the Second Session of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East. [1] Copies of the memoranda to the Australian Legation, Nanking, referred to in...’
567. COPLAND TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 December 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BAGUIO, 1 December 1947, 6.16 p.m. In considering E.C.A.F.E. relations with S.C.A.P. I propose suggesting in committee the E.C.A.F.E., in co-operation with the Government concerned, consider plans for developing industry in the whole area so as to avoid continuance of the ill-balanced pre- war economy with Japanese domination...’
568. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO COPLAND: 2 December 1947; ‘Cablegram B1 CANBERRA, 2 December 1947 We agree the ECAFE should consider plans for developing industry in the Far Eastern region. In fact, this is perhaps its most important long-term function and industrial development would, inter alia, avoid continuance of Japanese domination of Far Eastern markets. [1] You should, however,...’
569. BEASLEY TO ADDISON: 30 January 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 30 January 1947 SECRET You will recall my letter to you of 2nd January, in which I informed you of various Cabinet decisions relating to the Antarctic. You may be interested in subsequent developments. On 16 January the Cabinet again discussed plans for the expedition to the Australian...’
570. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 104 LONDON, 12 March 1947 IMPORTANT TOP SECRET Antarctic. Unofficial but expert assessment of the probable United States plans now that the Task Force [1] is returning has been obtained here. All evidence indicates that the Task Force had instructions to avoid the Falkland Islands Dependencies but to build...’
571. GLASHEEN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1947; ‘Memorandum 185 LONDON, 14 March 1947 SECRET ANTARCTIC [matter omitted] At yesterday’s meeting of the Polar Committee [1] an assessment of probable United States intentions was given similar to that cabled to you in our 104 of 12th March. The Foreign Office Legal Adviser was asked for his reaction to...’
572. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE PLANNING COMMITTEE: 5 May 1947; ‘Minutes CANBERRA, 5 May 1947, 11.45 a.m. AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC TERRITORY [matter omitted] 2. PROCEEDINGS [1] (a) Appointment of Leader Dr. Burton reported that Cabinet had directed that the question of the appointment of a Leader for the forthcoming Expedition to the Antarctic be brought back to Cabinet when a suitable...’
573. SHEDDEN TO BURTON: 8 May 1947; ‘Teleprinter Message 8 May 1947 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF HEARD ISLAND Reference is made to your memo A46/26/1 dated 18th April 1947 and previous correspondence concerning the proposal that Australia should annex Heard Island. 2. The report of the Defence Committee [1] in this matter has now been...’
574. DEFENCE COMMITTEE MINUTE WITHOUT AGENDUM [1]: 12 May 1947; ‘159/1947 12 May 1947 TOP SECRET ANTARCTIC : PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF HEARD ISLAND PREVIOUS CONSIDERATION: On the 2nd May, 1947 the Defence Committee considered a memorandum (A47/26/11) in which the Department of External Affairs had raised the question of annexation by Australia of Heard Island. After noting Report No. 14/47...’
575. BURTON TO SHEDDEN: 15 May 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 15 May 1947 TOP SECRET HEARD ISLAND With reference to my memorandum of 27th March, 1947, and your reply of 8th May, 1947, the question of the annexation by Australia of Heard Island has been carefully considered in the light of the views you have expressed and of...’
576. BAILEY TO BURTON: 1 September 1947; ‘Memorandum 47/63 CANBERRA, 1 September 1947 CONFIDENTIAL HEARD ISLAND A letter in the following terms has been received from the Secretary, Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition, 1947:- ‘As you may, perhaps, be aware, it is intended to station a party of technically qualified persons on Heard Island for the purpose...’
577. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY- GENERAL: 9 September 1947; ‘Memorandum 9 September 1947, TOP SECRET HEARD ISLAND I refer to your memorandum 47/63 of 1st September, 1947, requesting certain information concerning Heard Island. 2. At a meeting of the Polar Committee in London on 13th March, 1947, a paper on the Prince Edward Islands and Heard Island prepared by...’
578. OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 October 1947; ‘Cablegram LONDON 23 October 1947, 1.25 p.m. TOP SECRET Your 4447. [1] United Kingdom view informally obtained pending written reply anticipated next week is in entire agreement with proposed Australian occupation of Heard Island. United Kingdom relinquishes all claims thereon which it may have and which Law Officers state are...’
579. CABINET SUBMISSION: 11 November 1947; ‘Agendum No.1275E 11 November 1947, TOP SECRET AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC TERRITORY A. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION In Cabinet Agendum No.1275D an interim report was given on the progress to the end of July, 1947, of organisation of the forthcoming Antarctic Expedition, and certain recommendations were made with regard...’
580. GILCHRIST TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 November 1947; ‘Memorandum No.1007 LONDON, 24 November 1947 TOP SECRET ANTARCTICA: HEARD ISLAND Attached hereto are three copies of United Kingdom Government’s written reply to our enquiry regarding their views regarding the title to and occupation of Heard Island. (Your memorandum Nos. 727 and 791) You should have already received our telegram...’
581. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER: 17 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 348 CANBERRA, 17 December 1947, 12.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Australian expedition has now reached Heard Island. On receipt of message that landing ceremony approved by Cabinet has been carried out Acting Prime Minister will issue press release which will include following: At a short ceremony on Heard Island …...’
582. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 19 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 273 LONDON, 19 December 1947, 6.09 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Thank you for your telegram 17th December, NO. 348. HEARD ISLAND Definitive reactions of the United States State Department to our approach regarding Argentine and Chilean encroachments in Falkland Islands Dependencies (my telegram 7th October, D. No.812) have not yet...’
583. PRESS RELEASE: 21 December 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 21 December 1947 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ANTARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION Statement by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs (Dr. H. V. Evatt) Messages received from Heard Island indicate that steady progress is being made in establishing the base there. The primary object of the visit of the Australian...’
584. DECLARATION BY CAMPBELL: 26 December 1947; ‘HEARD ISLAND, 26 December 1947 Whereas in time past the sovereign rights of His Majesty in respect of Heard Island (lat 53 10’S., long 73 35’E.) and the McDonald Islands (lat 53 05’S., long 72 32’E.) have in divers manners been asserted and exercised: AND WHEREAS His Majesty’s Government in...’
585. ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION TO NAVAL BOARD: 29 December 1947; ‘Teleprinter Message HEARD ISLAND, 29 December 1947, 4 p.m. UNCLASSIFIED Having unloaded bulk equipment established camp site Campbell considered time officially proclaim Heard Island Australian Territory. All personnel working ashore gathered round humble flag pole improvised then buoy staff formed two parties one of expedition one sailors listened intently while...’

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Volume 12: Australia and the Postwar World, 1947

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