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 the United Nations. Such action by Australia in the interests of reaching unanimity fostered confidence in the United Nations.
2. The five invited powers then spoke. Netherlands, Canada and Philippines spoke shortly in favour of the United States action, Netherlands and India paid marked tribute to Australia in obtaining invitation to the Council.
3. New Zealand endorsed principle that administration of islands be entrusted to the United States but rejected disposition as essential part of plan for control of Japan and peace settlement.
No disposition should be final till endorsement by peace settlement, on which Japan renounces claims to satellites in Islands which she may consider she still possesses either as one of principal Allied and Associated Powers of first war or as mandatory in terms defined by League Council. Berendsen stood firm on our original line which prompted thought as to whether New Zealand had been informed of our revised attitude. He stated, however, that he would not make an issue of the matter … [1]
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1 According to Hodgson, the debate on the draft agreement for the Japanese Mandated Islands on 2 April was long and confused. After voting had taken place on each of the 16 Articles of the draft Agreement, with amendments to Articles 3, 6 and 7 being approved, the Agreement as amended was adopted unanimously.
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[AA : A1838,333/4, ii]