Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 19: The Australia Japan Agreement on Commerce, 1950

1. REPORT BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE: 1 May 1950; ‘May-50 CANBERRA Trading Arrangements with Japan There were two major reasons for Australia’s early action in engaging in trade with Japan after the war. First there was the moral obligation to assist SCAP in the rehabilitation of the Japanese economy in order to relieve the burden of financial assistance from...’
2. MINUTE FROM WHEELER TO FADDEN: 6 December 1950; ‘6th December 1950 1950/51 Sterling Area Trade Arrangement with Occupied Japan Negotiations which have been in progress for some time in Tokyo with the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers for a Sterling Area Trade Arrangement with Occupied Japan for 1950/51 recently came to an end and the Arrangement was...’
3. SUBMISSION 32 TO CABINET BY O'SULLIVAN: 16 June 1951; ‘16th June, 1951 Trade with Japan In the post-war period the issue of import licences for Japanese goods has been confined to raw materials and semi-manufactured and manufactured goods of an essential nature. No licences have been issued for finished consumer goods, such as crockery, which would reach the Australian...’
4. MINUTE FROM WHEELER TO FADDEN: 2 July 1951; ‘2nd July, 1951 Cabinet Submission No. 32-Trade with Japan I. refer to Cabinet submission No. 32 containing recommendations by the Minister for Trade and Customs for a relaxation of the present restrictions on the licensing of imports from Japan to permit the importation of limited quantities of Japanese consumer goods....’
5. CABINET DECISION 45: 10 July 1951; ‘10th July, 1951 Submission No. 32-Trade with Japan It was agreed- (i) that as an initial step, licences be issued for the importation of limited quantities of consumer goods of Japanese origin; and (ii) that the quantities be increased at the discretion of the Minister for Trade and Customs in...’
6. LETTER FROM EX-SERVICEMEN'S ASSOCIATION TO PRIME MINISTERS: 30 July 1951; ‘30th July, 1951 DEPARTMENT Melbourne, The Federal Executive of the abovenamed Association [1] have instructed the undersigned [2] to forward the attached copy of a policy, which we think should be adopted in regard to future trading with Japan. [matter omitted] Attachment REPENTANCE ‘ON THE CHEAP’ The draft of the...’
7. EXTRACT FROM CASEY'S DIARY: 11 August 1951; ‘11th August, 1951 Tokyo [1] Jiro Shirasu (friend of John Keswick [2]) came to see me. Intelligent Westernised Japanese, who has spent a good part of his time in UK and Europe. He agrees as to future economic problem of Japan. He will send me the 20 pre-war years emigration...’
8. EXTRACT FROM SUBMISSION 39 TO CABINET [1] BY CASEY: 21 September 1951; ‘21st September, 1951 Canberra In my first talk with Yoshida I said that I had difficulty in seeing the economic future of Japan. Their large and growing population had few, if any, substantial possibilities of emigration. When they got their economy working properly and their costs down, it was possible...’
9. EXTRACTS FROM STATEMENT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY CASEY: 27 September 1951; ‘27th September, 1951 Canberra Although Australia was colonised and developed by people of European stock, and although our cultural past story and our present connections are such that our eyes turn most naturally towards Europe, our geographical situation is such that we must inevitably be brought into close touch with...’
10. CABINET DECISION 184: 2 October 1951; ‘2nd October, 1951 CANBERRA Admission of Japan as Observer to 6th Session of Contracting Parties to GATT The following submission from the relevant inter- departmental Committee was read: ‘Japan has made application to the GATT Contracting Parties for permission to send an observer to the present GATT Session. Such an...’
11. MEMORANDUM FROM TURNER TO BROWN: 11 October 1951; ‘11th October, 1951 Parliamentary Question-Trade with Japan With reference to his memorandum of 3.10.51 concerning the question asked of the Honorable the Prime Minister by Mr. Haylen, M.P., regarding trade with Japan [1] the following details are forwarded for the Secretary’s information. The Peace Treaty imposes no conditions restricting the...’
12. LETTER FROM NORMA WILLIAMS TO MENZIES: 3 November 1951; ‘3rd November, 1951 Are you aware that two months after the signing of the peace treaty with Japan, and before its ratification by the representatives of the Australian people, goods are on sale in Sydney which could have been obtained from Britain, but were instead obtained from Japan? Are you...’
13. LETTER FROM MENZIES TO NORMA WILLIAMS: 5 December 1951; ‘5th December, 1951 I acknowledge your letter of 3 November 1951, relative to the importation of Japanese goods, especially textiles. At the present time the bulk of Australia’s imports from Japan are essential goods required by the building industry, or to meet the demands of processors for basic materials or...’
14. MEMORANDUM FROM H.C. MENZIES TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE &: 8 May 1952; ‘AGRICULTURE, 8th May, 1952 Tokyo, 8 May 1952 Enclosed herewith for your information is copy of a Note Verbale addressed from the Japanese Foreign Office (The Gaimusho) to the Australian Embassy in connection with future commercial relations with Japan. This Note was referred to in the Embassy’s telegram No. 384...’
15. MEMORANDUM BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE: 3 July 1952; ‘3rd July, 1952 CANBERRA Japanese-Australia Commercial Relations MOST-FAVOURED-NATION TREATMENT (A) Japan’s Request under Peace Treaty In cable 384, dated 30th April, 1952, the Australian Mission, Tokyo, advised that a Note Verbale had been received from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking advice as to the basis on which trading,...’
16. SUBMISSION OT/1 TO CABINET COMMITTEE [1] BY BROWN: 3 September 1952; ‘3rd September, 1952 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade The Seventh Session of the Contracting Parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade will commence in Geneva on 2nd October, 1952. An Advance Agenda for this Session has been circulated by the Executive Secretary and will be considered by...’
17. NOTE VERBALE FROM JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY: 21 November 1952; ‘21st November, 1952 The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Australian Embassy in Japan and has the honour to forward, as enclosed herewith, a copy of the arrangement for sale and purchase of Australian barley which was signed on 14th November by Mr H.M. Tomlinson, General...’
18. CABLEGRAM FROM WALKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 January 1953; ‘30th January, 1953 69.SECRET. TOKYO The United States Embassy is showing great interest in the question of Japanese admission to GATT countries. Economic Counsellor Waring [1] called on me this week and stressed their concern over impossibility of Japan feeding the population of 85 million when United States procurement orders...’
19. MINUTE FROM CRAWFORD TO MCEWEN: 5 February 1953; ‘5th February, 1953 Accession of Japan to GATT 1. General argument is that Japan must live i.e. must be allowed access to markets and raw materials. On political grounds it is most desirable that she should develop her trade with the Western countries and with South and South East Asia...’
20. MEMORANDUM FROM CARNE TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE: 24 February 1953; ‘24th February, 1953 Trade between Australia and Japan I desire to advise that on Saturday last, I was invited to attend at the Foreign Office ‘to discuss matters relating to trade between Australia and Japan’. On accepting this invitation, I was met by Mr T. Kitahara, a senior officer of...’
21. MEMORANDUM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO DEPARTMENT OF: 25 February 1953; ‘25th February, 1953 COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE Canberra, 25 February 1953 Trade-Japan-Australia Following is an extract from a note on an interview between our Minister and the Japanese Ambassador in Canberra on 17th February: ‘The Japanese Ambassador referred to the Prime Minister’s announcement of 16th February regarding a further relaxation of...’
22. MEMORANDUM FROM RANDALL TO WOODROW: 9 April 1953; ‘9th April, 1953 Trade with Japan Thank you for your memorandum of 30th March giving the background to the advices we have received recently from the United Kingdom on this subject. [1] For your information, the newly installed Japanese Embassy in Canberra is pressing for a relaxation of import restrictions...’
23. MINUTE FROM ROSE TO MCCLINTOCK: 30 April 1953; ‘30th April, 1953 Australian Trade with Japan 1. When in Sydney last week I had lunch with Ray Bishop, of David Jones Ltd. As you know, he has recently been in Japan where, among other things, he was able to assess the availability of manufactured goods. 2. Quite apart from...’
24. NOTE VERBALE FROM JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY: 12 May 1953; ‘12th May, 1953 TOKYO No. 124/E4 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Australian Embassy in Japan and, with reference to the Ministry’s Note Verbale No. 417/E4 dated 17th November 1952 [1], and the Memorandum of the Japanese Embassy in Australia presented to the Australian Department of...’
25. MEMORANDUM FROM MEERE TO WATI: 25 May 1953; ‘25th May, 1953 CANBERRA Trade between Australia and Japan I refer to your memorandum 731/3/9 of 2nd April, 1953, and to the copy of a note, dated 27th March, from the Japanese Embassy, in which it is requested that Australian import licensing controls on Japanese goods be relaxed. [1] 2....’
26. MINUTE FROM H.C. MENZIES TO CRAWFORD: 28 May 1953; ‘28th May, 1953 CANBERRA Japanese Woollen Industry According to statistics up to the 31st March, 1953, Japan is the second best customer for Australian goods as a whole during the current trading year. This, of course, is largely due to her extensive purchases of wool, in which item she is...’
27. MEMORANDUM FROM RANDALL TO MEERE: 29 May 1953; ‘29th May, 1953 CANBERRA Trade between Australia and Japan I refer to your memorandum 53/H/4481 dated 25th May, 1953 [1], to Department of External Affairs, forwarding a draft reply to a note dated 27th March from the Japanese Embassy. 2. We would suggest that the following paragraphs might be used...’
28. MINUTE FROM CRAWFORD TO MCEWEN: 29 June 1953; ‘29th June, 1953 CANBERRA Trade with Japan We have received from the Australian Trade Commissioner in Tokyo, a Japanese Note Verbale dated 12th May, 1953 [1], in which the Japanese point to: (a) the effect on Japanese exports of the licensing restrictions applied in Australia; (b) the United Kingdom recommendation...’
29. LETTER FROM MCEWEN TO MCLEAY: 6 June 1953; ‘6th June, 1953 I refer to the Japanese Note Verbale of 12th May, 1953 [1], delivered to the Australian Ambassador in Tokyo, and copy of a translation of which has been forwarded to your Department. You will no doubt have had brought to your attention, the action taken by the...’
30. CABLEGRAM FROM WALKER TO WATT: 9 June 1953; ‘9th June, 1953 324. CONFIDENTIAL. Personal for the Secretary from the Ambassador. Reference my telegram 294 and memorandum 598 of 15th May. [1] Japanese Note Verbale on trade. I have been giving this question careful consideration and feel strongly that an early positive response to Japanese representation is needed, both...’
31. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MCLEAY: 12 June 1953; ‘12th June, 1953 PERSONAL The negotiations with the Japanese on the pearl fisheries to the north of Australia seem to have been stalled for the last three weeks-and the officers of Commerce and Agriculture Department and of my own Department have come to believe that the Japanese unwillingness to reach...’
32. LETTER FROM FARMERS & SETTLERS'ASSOCIATION TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE: 17 June 1953; ‘17th June, 1953 The Executive Committee of this Association at a meeting held on the 12th inst., discussed a matter which had arisen from newspaper publicity on that date regarding the reported attitude of Japan with regard to wool purchases from Australia and the limitation of such because of the...’
33. MINUTE FROM SMITH TO CRAWFORD: 18 June 1953; ‘18th June, 1953 Mr H. Read (Australian Wool Realization Commission) advised me this morning that Mr Sparkes, Chief Valuer, Sydney, had informed him on Monday that Japan’s shortage of sterling is rather evident in Eastern markets. (1) Japan is buying quite limited quantities at the Brisbane sales. Normally, she patronises...’
34. NOTE FOR MINISTERS [1] AGREED BY DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE &: 23 June 1953; ‘AGRICULTURE, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, TRADE & CUSTOMS AND TREASURY, 23rd June, 1953 [SECRET] Canberra, Trade with Japan In a Note Verbale dated l2th May 1953,the Japanese Government drew attention to its rapidly diminishing sterling holdings and said that further deterioration might force it to taper off Japan’s purchases of sterling area...’
35. SUBMISSION 468 TO CABINET BY MCLEAY: 1 July 1953; ‘1st July, 1953 SECRET Trade with Japan In a Note dated 12th May 1953, the Japanese Government drew attention to its rapidly diminishing sterling holdings and said that further deterioration might force Japan to taper off her purchases of sterling area goods (including, of course, Australian wool). The Minister for...’
36. CABINET DECISION 738: 2 July 1953; ‘2nd July, 1953 Submission No. 470-Import Policy The Acting Prime Minister referred to the exchange of cables between himself and the Prime Minister on the matter of relaxation of import restrictions. [1] Cabinet expressed the strong opinion that the balance of advantage lay greatly in favour of further relaxations of...’
37. DRAFT NOTE FROM EMBASSY IN TOKYO TO JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY: 16 July 1953; ‘16th July, 1953 The Australian Embassy has the honour to refer to the Note Verbale No. 124/E4 dated 12th May, 1953 [1], from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the restrictions maintained by the Australian Government on the importation of Japanese goods into Australia. The Embassy wishes also to refer...’
38. UNSIGNED NOTES BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE: 4 August 1953; ‘4th August, 1953 Japan’s Accession to GATT Japan as a country receiving m.f.n. as a right under GATT would present difficulties in relation to protection of Australian industry and UK export interests in this country. Japan now is and was for some years before the trade dispute Australia’s second most...’
39. SUBMISSION 521 TO CABINET BY MENZIES: 11 August 1953; ‘11th August, 1953 Eighth Session of the Contracting Parties to G.A.T.T. The Eighth Session of the Contracting Parties to G.A.T.T. is scheduled to commence in Geneva on 17th September, 1953. 2. The Advance Agenda (copy attached) contains a fairly lengthy list of items most of which do not require the...’
40. MINUTE FROM MEERE TO O'SULLIVAN: 12 August 1953; ‘12th August, 1953 Japan’s Application to Accede to GATT The Cabinet minute of the Interdepartmental Committee discusses at length the issues arising from Japan’s application to accede to the GATT. 2. In the GATT context two courses are open to Australia: (1) To invoke Article 35. In that event the...’
41. CABINET DECISION 808: 13 August 1953; ‘13th August, 1953 Submission No. 521-Eighth Session of the Contracting Parties to G.A.T.T. [1] Cabinet considered various issues which would arise at this session and formulated directives to the delegates as follows:- [matter omitted] Admission of Japan to the G.A.T.T.:- Cabinet decided on the following course of action with regard...’
42. SUBMISSION 542 TO CABINET BY O'SULLIVAN: 1 September 1953; ‘1st September, 1953 SECRET Trade with Japan The submission on ‘Further Relaxations of Import Restrictions’ relates only to non-dollar, non-Japanese goods. It necessarily leads on to the question of how much should be done to ease restrictions on imports from Japan. 2. On 2nd July last Cabinet decided that the...’
43. CABINET DECISION 833: 2 September 1953; ‘2nd September, 1953 Submission No. 542-Trade with Japan Cabinet agreed: (1) to increase the level of licensing of Japanese imports from 12m. c.i.f. per annum to 18m. c.i.f. per annum as from 1st October, next; and (2) that the range of permitted imports within this higher ceiling be widened to...’
44. EXTRACT FROM BROADCAST BY MENZIES: 16 September 1953; ‘16th September, 1953 …There is much organisation of special interests for political pressure. This is inevitable. But some men, because of such organisation, tend to think exclusively of the problem of their own industry. If the Government does what they want, they are happy; if not, they will be hostile...’
45. CABINET COMMITTEE [1] DECISION OC(D)9: 16 October 1953; ‘16th October, 1953 Japan and G.A.T.T. The Committee’s discussion related to the letter of 9th October, 1953, from the United Kingdom High Commissioner to the Prime Minister proposing that United Kingdom and Australia support a proposal for Japanese participation in the G.A.T.T. subject to specific safeguards. The Committee also had...’
46. NOTE VERBALE FROM JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY TO EMBASSY IN TOKYO: 5 November 1953; ‘5th November, 1953 No. 270/E4 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Australian Embassy in Japan, and with reference to the Ministry’s Note Verbale No. 124/E4 dated 12th May, 1953 [1], has the honour to refer to the recent trend of trade between Japan and Australia and...’
47. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY PLIMSOLL: 14 January 1954; ‘14th January, 1954 Interview with Japanese Ambassador The Japanese Ambassador, during a call on me this morning, presented an Aide Memoire on Japanese trade. [1] He said that Japan had been unable to buy its intended quantities of wheat from Australia because of lack of sterling. The Note drew attention...’
48. AIDE MEMOIRE PRESENTED BY NISHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1954; ‘14th January, 1954 Japanese Trade with Australia The Australian Wheat Board indicated last October that 200,000 tons of wheat was available for Japan for the current season, but in December last Japan declined to purchase, for lack of Sterling, when arrangements for the first shipment of the wheat were about...’
49. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MCLEAY: 15 January 1954; ‘15th January, 1954 I think that you should have at once the attached copy of an Aide Memoire left at my Department by the Japanese Ambassador on 14th January, 1954, on the subject of Japanese-Australian trade, with particular reference to wheat. You may recall that on 5th November, 1953, the...’
50. SUBMISSION 614 TO CABINET BY MCLEAY: 30 January 1954; ‘30th January, 1954 Australia’s Commercial Relations with Japan 1. The purpose of this submission is to recommend that informal trade talks be held with the Japanese Embassy as a matter of urgency. 2. On 27th January, 1954, I conveyed this proposal in letters which I addressed to the Prime Minister,...’
51. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 10 February 1954; ‘10th February, 1954 SECRET Trade with Japan The following developments have taken place regarding trade with Japan since the preparation of our submission dated 27th January, 1954. [1] In reply to Senator McLeay’s suggestion in his letter of 26th January that informal trade talks be arranged with the Japanese Embassy...’
52. EXTRACT FROM CASEY'S DIARY: 19 February 1954; ‘19th February, 1954 I saw Nishi (Japanese Ambassador) and his Counsellor, with Plimsoll, and gave him our note and the terms of the ‘provisional regime’ for pearling off our northern coast of the Northern Territory. After we’d done the official part of it, I asked if we could talk quite...’
53. DRAFT NOTE BY DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS: 4 March 1954; ‘4th March, 1954 The Australian Embassy has the honour to refer to the Note Verbale No. 270/134 dated 5th November, 1953, from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs [1] and to the Aide-Memoire dated 14th January, 1954, from the Japanese Ambassador in Australia to the Department of External Affairs [2]...’
54. LETTER FROM O'SULLIVAN TO MCLEAY: 5 March 1954; ‘5th March, 1954 I refer again to your letter of 26th January concerning Australia’s commercial relations with Japan. [1] In the absence of a firm arrangement for discussion of this matter in Cabinet, I would like to offer the following comments. I agree that Ministers would probably wish to consider...’
55. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY PLIMSOLL: 12 March 1954; ‘12th March, 1954 After a discussion of Japanese fishing (which is the subject of a separate report) the Secretary raised with Mr Nishi the question of trade with Japan. 2. Mr Tange referred to the conversation which Mr Casey had had with Mr Nishi on 19 February, in which Mr...’
56. EXTRACT FROM BROADCAST BY MENZIES: 17 March 1954; ‘17th March, 1954 Education does not simply mean the compulsory getting of a stock of knowledge. Knowledge is good; but wisdom is better. It is the way a man’s mind works that matters. To be educated is to have learned how to think; to have acquired self-discipline; to have understood...’
57. LETTER FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WHEAT & WOOL GROWERS' ASSOCIATION TO MENZIES: 24 March 1954; ‘24th March, 1954 ADELAIDE At the Annual Conference of the above Association held in Adelaide recently, the following resolution was carried. ‘That this Conference views with concern the racial arguments used by self-interested Manufacturing interests whose principal purpose is to shut out mainly the Japanese, and other foreign countries’ goods,...’
58. TELEGRAM FROM AUSTRALIAN TEXTILE WORKERS'UNION TO MENZIES: 31 March 1954; ‘31st March, 1954 SYDNEY Australian Textile Workers’ Union Federal Management Committee now in session perturbed at reported resumption of imports from Japan. Will your Government take steps safeguard local textile industry against imports manufactured textile goods produced in quantity quality local manufacturers thus preventing unemployment textile workers. [signed] Loft General...’
59. MEMORANDUM FROM CARNE TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & AGRICULTURE: 1 April 1954; ‘1st April, 1954 TOKYO Japanese Wool Position Further to my memorandum of 25th March (your papers M41/15/25) [1] I desire to invite your attention to my cable of today’s date regarding the Import Budget 1954/55, in which I advised, inter alia, that the anticipated import of wool into Japan from...’
60. RECORD OF CONVERSATION IN DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 April 1954; ‘5th April, 1954 Australian Import Licensing Treatment of Japanese Goods The interview was arranged following approval by the Prime Minister, the Ministers for Trade and Customs, Commerce and Agriculture, National Development, External Affairs and the Treasurer that the gist of the draft note prepared by the Department of Trade and...’
61. SUBMISSION 5 TO CABINET BY O'SULLIVAN: June 1954; ‘June, 1954 CANBERRA Trade with Japan On 2nd September, 1953, (Decision No. 833) [1], Cabinet directed the Departments of Trade and Customs, Commerce and Agriculture, National Development and the Treasury to undertake a full investigation into Australia’s trading position vis-a-vis Japan. 2. The report made pursuant to this direction is...’
62. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO TANGE: 16 July 1954; ‘16 July, 1954 CANBERRA Australia’s Trade Relations with Japan The question of Australia’s future trading relations with Japan has arisen in two ways, viz:- (i) through representations made by the Japanese for trade discussions, either formal or informal; and for relaxations in Australian licensing treatment of Japanese goods. The Japanese...’
63. DISPATCH FROM WALKER TO CASEY: 19 July 1954; ‘19th July, 1954 Japan’s Economic Outlook-Mid 1954 1. In July 1954,the Japanese Government published an ‘Economic Report for the 1954 Fiscal Year’, generally referred to as the annual ‘economic white paper’. The most complete English digest of this publication (which is some 160,000 words long in the original) has already...’
64. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 27 July 1954; ‘27th July, 1954 CANBERRA Australia’s Trade Relations with Japan It is understood that the problem of making some adjustment towards correcting Japan’s present heavily adverse balance of trade with Australia will come before Ministers very shortly in two ways, namely: (i) through a Cabinet agendum proposed by the Minister for...’
65. SUBMISSION 30 TO CABINET BY CASEY: 28 July 1954; ‘28th July, 1954 CANBERRA Australian Policy Towards Japan 1. Australian policy towards Japan must necessarily be directed to protecting Australia against the dangers of possible future aggression. 2. Japanese aggression in South-East Asia in the last war was dependent on control of Manchuria. Now lacking the raw materials and resources...’
66. MINUTE 2(PM) OF PRIME MINISTER'S COMMITTEE OF CABINET: 17 August 1954; ‘17th August, 1954 Submission No. 30-Australian Policy Towards Japan Broadly the discussion was directed to fundamental policy and the detailed list of matters outstanding on page 4 of the submission were only referred to as incidental to the discussion of policy principles. However, for the sake of completeness, this minute...’
67. DECISION 53(PM) OF PRIME MINISTER'S COMMITTEE OF CABINET: 17 August 1954; ‘17th August, 1954 CANBERRA Submission No. 30-Australian Policy Towards Japan The Committee inclined to the opinion that, in handling issues involving our relations with Japan, Australia should give special attention to the need to prevent the formation of a close alliance between Japan and Communist China; and that Australia should...’
68. EXTRACT FROM CASEY'S DIARY: 17 August 1954; ‘17th August, 1954 I did an Executive Council Meeting early this morning. We then had a Policy Cabinet meeting, the greater part of which was taken up by my putting through a Cabinet memorandum on our attitude towards Japan, in which I proposed that we should take a more civilised...’
69. EXTRACT FROM RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY CRITCHLEY: 13 September 1954; ‘13th September, 1954 Trade: 7. Mr Yamamoto referred to the recent Trade Agreement between Japan and Canada and said that he hoped similar satisfactory arrangements could be made with Australia. He mentioned the large unfavourable balance of trade with Australia, and said that this was causing concern in Japan. The...’
70. SUBMISSION 108 TO CABINET BY MENZIES: 14 September 1954; ‘14th September, 1954 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Attached for consideration of Ministers are the following papers prepared by the Interdepartmental Committee. (1) Commonwealth Talks and G.A.T.T Review. [1] I. G.A.T.T II. OTTAWA (2) Trade Talks with Japan. Attachment Trade Talks with Japan The following are notes on aspects...’
71. CABINET COMMITTEE DECISION 103(HOC): 14 September 1954; ‘14th September, 1954 Submission No. 108-General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade [matter omitted] JAPAN The Committee noted the interdepartmental report on Japan and discussed the timing of an initial approach to the Japanese to open trade negotiations. It was agreed that import licensing restrictions against Japanese goods should not be...’
72. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY SHAW: 27 September 1954; ‘27th September, 1954 Japan-Australia Trade The Japanese Ambassador, Mr Nishi, on his initiative raised the question of a possible new announcement about Australian import licensing on 1st October, 1954. I told him that there had been some discussion on this but that I was aware of no decisions which were...’
73. SUBMISSION 135 TO CABINET BY SPOONER: 30 September 1954; ‘30th September, 1954 Import Licensing of Japanese Goods [matter omitted] This recommendation [1] visualises the licensing of at least token quantities of Japanese goods at present not being admitted at all, such as finished rayon piece goods, canvas and duck and cotton drills. There would be no question of admitting...’
74. MINUTE FROM DURIE TO MENZIES: 30 September 1954; ‘30th September, 1954 Import Licensing on Japan Today’s submission by Customs [1] represents a complete about face on this topic. Whereas previously Customs urged a cautious step-by-step process of assimilation to the non-dollar regime, their view now is that it could take place completely and immediately without detriment to Australian...’
75. CABLEGRAM FROM MCEWEN AND O'SULLIVAN TO MENZIES: 7 October 1954; ‘7th October, 1954 GATT 2 SECRET PRIORITY LONDON Japanese problem. The courses open to the Australian Government: (1) Refuse any talk with Japan and apply Article XXXV when the time comes. For reasons we will not repeat Cabinet has already decided it must talk bilaterally with Japan. (2) Let Japan...’
76. MINUTES OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON GATT: 12 October 1954; ‘12th October, 1954 Present: Mr Durie Prime Minister’s Department Mr Hall “ “ “ Mr Jennings “ “ “ Mr Heyes Department of Trade and Customs Mr Robertson “ “ “ Mr Vincent “ “ “ Mr Warwick Smith Department of Commerce and Agriculture Mr Millwood “ “ “ Mr...’
77. CABINET DECISION 142: 13 October 1954; ‘13th October, 1954 CANBERRA Submission No. 135-Import Licensing of Japanese Goods [1] Cabinet agreed in principle that a policy of ‘limited assimilation’ should be adopted in relation to imports from Japan. It noted that the Acting Minister for Trade and Customs proposed to discuss the proposal with the Minister and...’
78. SUBMISSION 142 TO CABINET BY MENZIES: 14 October 1954; ‘14th October, 1954 CANBERRA Trade Talks with Japan 1. Mr McEwen and Senator O’Sullivan have cabled from London suggesting very strongly the urgency of opening talks with Japan (copy of cable attached-attachment ‘A’). [1] 2. When considering this question at recent meetings, Ministers agreed in principle that Australia’s trade relations...’
79. MINUTE FROM BROWN TO MENZIES: 14 October 1954; ‘14th October, 1954 CANBERRA Trade Talks with Japan SUBMISSION NO. 142 [1] This submission has been prepared by the departmental committee so that Ministers can make a decision on the suggestion made by Mr McEwen and Senator O’Sullivan that the Japanese be told immediately that Australia is prepared to negotiate...’
80. MINUTE FROM BROWN TO MENZIES: 15 October 1954; ‘15th October, 1954 SECRET Trade Talks with Japan This note is supplementary to the one which was sent on to you last night. [1] I doubt whether the submission will carry Ministers’ discussion very far. The attitudes of the various Departments to this matter are pretty rigid and as a...’
81. SUBMISSION 153 TO CABINET BY SPOONER: 25 October 1954; ‘25th October, 1954 SECRET Import Licensing of Japanese Goods and the Proposed Trade and Tariff Talks with Japan In connection with Cabinet submissions Nos. 135 and 142 [1], the Department of Trade and Customs submits for consideration the following line of approach in the matter of. (a) The assimilation (partial)...’
82. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 25 October 1954; ‘25th October, 1954 CANBERRA Australian-Japanese Trade Relations In your submission to Cabinet of 28th July, 1954, dealing with Australian-Japanese relations generally [1], you emphasised the urgent need to help reduce the attraction for Japan of seeking closer trade relations with communist China and the Soviet Bloc by showing that Australia...’
83. CABINET DECISION 159: 26 October 1954; ‘26th October, 1954 SECRET CANBERRA Submission No. 153-Import Licensing of Japanese Goods and the proposed Trade and Tariff Talks with Japan [1] Submission No. 142-Trade Talks with Japan [2] Cabinet decided to seek the views of the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture and the Minister for Trade and Customs on...’
84. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO CASEY: 29 October 1954; ‘29th October, 1954 SECRET Trade with Japan Cabinet decided on Tuesday not to accept the conclusions of the Interdepartmental GATT Committee that Japan might be informed immediately that Australia was prepared to commence talks with a view to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement and that Ministers should give further consideration...’
85. CABLEGRAM FROM MCEWEN AND O'SULLIVAN TO SPOONER AND MCLEAY: 3 November 1954; ‘3rd November, 1954 GATT 8 SECRET PRIORITY Re: Cabinet decision on Japan [1] we have considered various aspects raised and also the new urgency because of- (a) the decision in GATT re tariff negotiations with Japan [2]; and (b) the action by the United Kingdom to inform Japan of probable...’
86. SUBMISSION 184 TO CABINET BY MENZIES: 10 November 1954; ‘10th November, 1954 SECRET CANBERRA Trade and Tariff Negotiations with Japan In previous consideration of the problems associated with Japan and GATT it was proposed to ask Mr McEwen and Senator O’Sullivan for their views on Submission No. 153. [1] Their views have now been received and are attached for...’
87. CABINET COMMITTEE DECISION 180(HOC): 10 November 1954; ‘10th November, 1954 SECRET CANBERRA GATT Committee SUBMISSION NO. 184-TRADE AND TARIFF NEGOTIATIONS WITH JAPAN [1] Licensing Treatment for Japanese Imports Ministers considered the relative merits of the two proposals for the partial assimilation of Japanese imports into the licensing system for other non-dollar goods. It was noted that Senator...’
88. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO TANGE: 11 November 1954; ‘11th November, 1954 CANBERRA Australian-Japanese Trade Relations On the evening of 10th November the Cabinet Sub-Committee on International Commercial Policy decided that the Japanese Government should be informed that Australia is agreeable to examine with Japan mutual problems regarding trade relations. [1] It was decided, also, that the Ministers for...’
89. CABLEGRAM FROM MENZIES TO MCEWEN AND O'SULLIVAN [1]: 12 November 1954; ‘12th November, 1954 269. SECRET CANBERRA 1. Our 255. Ministers have considered the further views in support of your proposal [2] but have decided to adopt the assimilation proposals set out in Submission 153. [3] In coming to this decision the following factors were important: Firstly, we want to keep...’
90. NOTE FROM CASEY TO NISHI: 17 November 1954; ‘17th November, 1954 CANBERRA The Minister of State for External Affairs presents his compliments to his Excellency the Ambassador of Japan and has the honour to state that the Australian Government has been giving careful consideration to the question of Australia’s trading relations with Japan, and is willing to enter...’
91. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY UPTON: 17 November 1954; ‘17th November, 1954 CANBERRA Trade with Japan Mr Shaw conveyed the Secretary’s regrets that he was unavoidably detained at discussions with Mr Malcolm MacDonald. [1] 2. He then handed over a note advising that the Government was willing to enter into talks with Japan to examine mutual trade problems. Mr...’
92. PRESS STATEMENT BY MENZIES: 17 November 1954; ‘17th November, 1954 CANBERRA Australian-Japanese Trade The Prime Minister announced today that the Japanese Government had been informed that Australia was willing to examine in discussions with representatives of the Government of Japan the mutual problems arising from the trading relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister said: ‘For...’
93. NOTE VERBALE FROM JAPANESE EMBASSY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL: 30 December 1954; ‘30th December, 1954 CANBERRA AFFAIRS No. 141 The Embassy of Japan presents its compliments to the Department of External Affairs and, with reference to the Note 731/3/9 of the Right Honourable Minister of State for External Affairs addressed to the Ambassador of Japan dated November 17,1954 [1], has the honour...’
94. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY UPTON: 30 December 1954; ‘30th December, 1954 CANBERRA Trade with Japan Mr Nishi presented a note [1] replying to the Minister’s note of 17th November [2] suggesting trade talks between Australia and Japan. In presenting the note, Mr Nishi said that the note should not be regarded as a rejection of the Australian approach....’
95. MINUTE FROM WARWICK SMITH TO CRAWFORD: 17 January 1955; ‘17th January, 1955 CANBERRA Mr Nishi got in touch with me today and said he would like to have a talk. In the course of a brief discussion he said that his Government was at present very much preoccupied with GATT and he did not think that they were anxious...’
96. NOTES BY CRAWFORD FOR MENZIES: 6 February 1955; ‘6th February, 1955 G.A.T.T.-Admission of Japan I understand that the U.K. Ministers were anxious to know your Government’s attitude on the question of the admission of Japan to G.A.T.T. [1] Sir Frank Lee [2] told me that the U.K. Government had now decided to apply Article 35. You will recall...’
97. SUBMISSION FROM SHAW TO MCBRIDE: 2 March 1955; ‘2nd March, 1955 CANBERRA Trade Talks with Japan On 17th November, 1954, a note was delivered to the Japanese Embassy stating that the Australian Government had been giving careful consideration to the question of Australia’s trading relations with Japan and was willing to enter into talks with the Japanese Government...’
98. NOTE FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JAPANESE EMBASSY: 5 April 1955; ‘5th April, 1955 CANBERRA The Department of External Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of Japan and has the honour to refer to the latter’s note of 30th December, 1954 [1], in which the Embassy requested further details of the matters which the Australian Government has in mind for...’
99. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY SHAW [1]: 5 April 1955; ‘5th April, 1955 CANBERRA Trade Talks Between Australia and Japan The Japanese Ambassador called at our request. He was handed a Note, dated 5th April, 1955 [2], suggesting that ‘there would be mutual advantages in arranging informal and purely exploratory talks between the Embassy and Australian officials representing the Departments...’
100. LETTER FROM O'SULLIVAN TO MENZIES: 13 April 1955; ‘13th April, 1955 CANBERRA As you are aware, tariff negotiations are at present being conducted in Geneva between Japan and certain of the contracting parties to G.A.T.T. with a view to Japan’s accession to the General Agreement. It will therefore be necessary for the Government to decide, in the near...’
101. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY UPTON: 12 May 1955; ‘12th May, 1955 CANBERRA Accession of Japan to G.A.T.T. Mr Peterson [1] said that the State Department had instructed U.S. overseas missions concerned to enquire about the intentions of the Governments to which they were accredited regarding the accession of Japan to G.A.T.T. He explained that the U.S., under the...’
102. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY SHAW: 22 May 1955; ‘22nd May, 1955 CANBERRA Japanese-Australian Trade Relations I told Mr Nishi that I was not sure what he had meant in a recent talk with the Secretary when he said that the Japanese Government strongly desired an opportunity of having trade talks before the Australian Government decided its policy towards...’
103. EXTRACT FROM CASEY'S DIARY: 24 May 1955; ‘24th May, 1955 CANBERRA I saw Haruhiko Nishi this morning. He leaves Canberra tonight and Sydney tomorrow for Tokyo at the end of his time here-before he goes to London as Japanese Ambassador. We have exchanged civil letters. He has done very well here in many ways and the Australian/Japanese...’
104. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY SHAW: 6 July 1955; ‘6th July, 1955 CANBERRA Japanese Membership of G.A.T.T. Mr Kakitsubo called to enquire whether the Australian Government had yet defined its attitude to Japanese membership of G.A.T.T. I told him that the Government had carefully avoided any reference to Japan in the recent Parliamentary discussions on the review of G.A.T.T....’
105. MINUTE FROM HALL TO DURIE: 14 July 1955; ‘14th July, 1955 CANBERRA, 14 July 1955 Trade with Japan When talking to Mr Millwood about the draft submission on Japan and GATT [1], he sought my reactions to a suggestion that, at the time of invoking Article XXXV, we unilaterally and without commitment should give Japan M.F.N. treatment. I...’
106. SUBMISSION 484 TO CABINET BY MENZIES: 19 July 1955; ‘19th July, 1955 CANBERRA Japan and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Attached for the consideration of Ministers is a report by the Inter-departmental Committee on Japan and G.A.T.T. Attachment JAPAN AND G.A.T.T. REPORT BY INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE Introduction: The process of Japan’s accession to the General Agreement has spread...’
107. CABLEGRAM FROM WALKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 July 1955; ‘29th July, 1955 TOKYO 223. Your 204. Japan and G.A.T.T. Chadwick the British Economic Counsellor spoke on the telephone to Yukawa about his reported statement.[1] According to Yukawa he had answered questions in the Diet Foreign Affairs Committee which was considering the bill for accession to G.A.T.T. and which wished...’
108. MEMORANDUM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO DEPARTMENTS: 5 August 1955; ‘5th August, 1955 CANBERRA Trade with Japan Attached is a record of conversation with the Japanese Ambassador on 4th August together with the aide memoire referred to therein. Although we were careful not to make a commitment to commence trade talks on 23rd August, we consider that every effort should...’
109. MEMORANDUM FROM SHAW TO DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION: 9 August 1955; ‘9th August, 1955 CANBERRA Trade Talks with Japan: Admission of Japanese Traders to Australia In November, 1954, the Japanese Embassy was informed that Australia was willing to enter into talks with a view to examining mutual trade problems. A statement explaining the Government’s decision was issued at that time by...’
110. MINUTE FROM ECKERSLEY TO PLIMSOLL: 11 August 1955; ‘11th August, 1955 SECRET CANBERRA Australian Policy Towards Japan 1. The following note on the progress made in the implementation of policy towards Japan has been compiled in accordance with your request of 8 August 1955. 2. The policy of allowing Japan to have reasonable facilities for taking part in...’
111. MINUTE FROM CRITCHLEY TO PLIMSOLL: 12 August 1955; ‘12th August, 1955 CANBERRA Australian Policy Towards Japan As you will see from Mr Eckersley’s paper [1], we have done a good deal to put the Cabinet decision into effect. Progress with the war criminal problem is particularly satisfactory. 2. The most important single issue is trade. We could and...’
112. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO TANGE: 30 August 1955; ‘30th August, 1955 CANBERRA Informal Trade Talks with Japan As you know there were proposed some time ago informal trade talks with the Japanese as a prelude to more formal trade negotiations. Japanese accession to G.A.T.T. held up discussions for some time but now that this is over the Japanese...’
113. MINUTES OF MEETING AT DEPARTMENT OF TRADE & CUSTOMS: 29 September 1955; ‘29th September, 1955 CANBERRA Trade Discussions with Japan [matter omitted] 2. The Comptroller-General of Customs (Mr Meere) and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Agriculture (Mr Crawford) attended the meeting. Messrs Heyes and Robertson of Trade and Customs and Messrs Westerman and Millwood of Commerce and Agriculture were...’
114. MEMORANDUM FROM SHAW [1] TO DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE &: 12 October 1955; ‘12th October, 1955 CANBERRA Trade Talks with Japan The delay in commencing informal trade talks with the Japanese is becoming an embarrassment. As you know, the Prime Minister announced as long ago as 17th November, 1954, that Australia proposed to hold talks on mutual problems arising from trade relations between...’
115. LETTER FROM CRAWFORD TO MEERE: 14 October 1955; ‘14th October, 1955 CANBERRA Informal Trade Talks with Japan Attached please find a paper which indicates in general terms the objectives which we would seek in the talks with Japan, both in regard to principles which would apply in respect of our export trade and to specific questions on individual...’
116. NOTE VERBALE FROM JAPANESE EMBASSY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL: 18 October 1955; ‘18th October, 1955 Canberra, AFFAIRS No.80 The Embassy of Japan presents its compliments to the Department of External Affairs and, under instructions from the Japanese Government, has the honour to state that the Japanese Government has forwarded on the 7th October, 1955, to the GATT Secretariat for transmittal to other...’
117. MINUTE FROM CRAWFORD TO WESTERMAN: 21 October 1955; ‘21st October, 1955 CANBERRA At the meeting [1] with the Japanese Ambassador and Mr Uyama, attended by Mr Meere and Mr Tange, the following agreement was reached: (1) The talks at which you and Mr Heyes will represent the Commonwealth will be of an informal character, both sides regarding them...’
118. INFORMAL TRADE TALKS: AUSTRALIA-JAPAN: RECORD OF DISCUSSION: 31 October 1955; ‘31st October, 1955 MR HEYES welcomed visitors [1] and expressed the hope that the discussions would lead to a concrete solution to mutual trade problems. Discussion would be on an informal basis as had been agreed by the permanent heads of the two Departments and the Japanese Ambassador. It was...’
119. INFORMAL TRADE TALKS: INITIAL STATEMENT BY UYAMA [1]: 31 October 1955; ‘31st October, 1955 CANBERRA It is gratifying to note that trade between Japan and Australia improved to a certain degree during the last fiscal year. There are various reasons to believe that this tendency of improvement can be further strengthened, and, indeed, there is a common desire on both sides...’
120. INFORMAL TRADE TALKS: AUSTRALIA-JAPAN: RECORD OF DISCUSSION: 4 November 1955; ‘4th November, 1955 CANBERRA DR WESTERMAN said that Australia had a long-term interest in the Japanese sugar market. We understood that as distinct from the policy in regard to grains MITI did not buy sugar or enter into ownership of it at any stage. We should like to know, however,...’
121. INFORMAL TRADE TALKS: AUSTRALIA-JAPAN: RECORD OF DISCUSSION: 7 November 1955; ‘7th November, 1955 MR HEYES announced that the Department of Trade and Customs was preparing replies to the questionnaires submitted by the Japanese delegates but that they would not be complete for about a fortnight. MR UYAMA referred to the programming of the present talks. He said that it appeared...’
122. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY CRITCHLEY [1]: 11 November 1955; ‘11th November, 1955 CANBERRA Entry of Japanese into Australia Mr Uyama called to seek clarification of my letter of 3rd November concerning the entry and stay in Australia of Japanese businessmen and their families. [2] He asked whether only Japanese wool-buyers would be permitted to stay indefinitely in Australia or...’
123. MEMORANDUM FROM LOOMES TO DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE &: 15 December 1955; ‘15th December, 1955 AGRICULTURE AND TRADE & CUSTOMS Canberra, Japan-Proposal for a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation At the opening session (31st October) of the current trade talks between Australian and Japanese officials in Canberra, the Japanese asked for an indication of the Australian Government’s attitude to the conclusion...’
124. MINUTE FROM SHAW TO LOOMES AND BRENNAN: 29 December 1955; ‘29th December, 1955 CANBERRA Japan-Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation I am not happy about merely telling the Japanese we cannot enter into negotiations on a treaty. We will probably have to end up by doing this but I would like to be more certain we have done all we...’
125. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY BRENNAN [1]: 13 March 1956; ‘13th March, 1956 CANBERRA Economic Relations between Australia and Japan Mr Uyama called at his own request to enquire what progress was being made on the matters raised during his visit on 6th February 1956: (vide para 5 of Record of Conversation). [2] He said that the Japanese Government was...’
126. BRIEF BY MORRISON FOR WATT: 31 March 1956; ‘31st March, 1956 CANBERRA Australia’s Economic Relations with Japan The main features of our present economic relations with Japan are: A. Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation 2. At the opening session on 31st October l955 of the series of informal trade talks between Australia and Japanese officials held in...’
127. LETTER FROM TANGE TO WATT: 4 April 1956; ‘4th April, 1956 PERSONAL AND SECRET CANBERRA I am enclosing the following papers on Japan and on Australian/Japanese relations, which you might find helpful: Australian Policy Towards Japan (Departmental) [1] Australian Economic Relations with Japan (Departmental) [2] Australian Policy Towards Japan with Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G,...’
128. LETTER FROM TANGE [1] TO WATT: 10 April 1956; ‘10th April, 1956 PERSONAL AND SECRET In my letter of 4th April [2], forwarding some papers on Japan, I touched on certain major developments in Japan and how they appear to us in Canberra. It has occurred to me that a few notes on the attitudes in Australia to certain...’
129. MEMORANDUM FROM MORONEY TO CRAWFORD: 15 May 1956; ‘15th May, 1956 CANBERRA You have asked for my comment on the draft Cabinet Submission entitled ‘Trade Talks with Japan’. [1] As I understand the position, the Japanese do not enjoy m.f.n. tariff treatment in Australia nor non-dollar import licensing treatment, and because Australia does not exchange G.A.T.T. privileges with...’
130. SUBMISSION 174 TO CABINET BY MCEWEN: 16 May 1956; ‘16th May, 1956 Trade Negotiations with Japan 1. Following recent exploratory trade talks between Australian and Japanese officials in Canberra, in accordance with Cabinet’s earlier approval, the way has now been cleared for trade negotiations with Japan looking toward a trade agreement. Our objective in such negotiations would be to...’
131. NOTES ON CABINET SUBMISSION NO. 174 [1]: 17 May 1956; ‘17th May, 1956 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations with Japan Summary This submission suggests that Australia enter into negotiations with Japan with a view to concluding a trade agreement covering most-favoured-nation tariff and import licensing treatment. We feel that Ministers should be certain they realise the implications of the proposals in relation...’
132. EXTRACT FROM CASEY'S DIARY: 18 May 1956; ‘18th May, 1956 CANBERRA Cabinet all day. Quite a good discussion on trade with Japan. Decided to agree to an official conference on trade with them. The semi-official discussions that have been going on with the Japanese point to the fact that they would much like to have a Trade...’
133. MINUTE FROM BRENNAN TO CASEY: 21 May 1956; ‘21st May, 1956 Trade Negotiations with Japan Permission is being sought to commence formal trade negotiations with Japan on the basis set out under the heading, ‘Recommendation’, on pages 11 and 12. [1] 2. Trade consulted us departmentally last week: we were pleasantly surprised with the liberal terms proposed for...’
134. MINUTE FROM RANDALL TO FADDEN: 21 May 1956; ‘21st May, 1956 CANBERRA Notes on Cabinet Submission No. 174 Trade Negotiations with Japan This submission recommends that Australia should enter into formal trade negotiations with Japan and that we should be prepared to offer Japan most-favoured-nation treatment in tariff matters and non-discriminatory import licensing treatment (except where discrimination is...’
135. CABINET DECISION 203: 21 May 1956; ‘21st May, 1956 CANBERRA Submission No. 174-Trade Negotiations with Japan [1] Cabinet agreed that trade negotiations be entered into with Japan on the basis that:- (1) Australia seek commitments by Japan to safeguard our export interests in her market, e.g. in tariff treatment, import licensing treatment, her internal economic policies...’
136. LETTER FROM MCEWEN TO MCMAHON: 23 May 1956; ‘23rd May, 1956 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL CANBERRA You will recall that the Cabinet Submission on trade negotiations with Japan referred to the value in our trade relations with the United Kingdom of a flexible arrangement with Japan. It is of considerable tactical importance so far as our forthcoming negotiations with...’
137. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MENZIES [1]: 24 May 1956; ‘24th May, 1956 SECRET CANBERRA The Japanese Ambassador, Mr Suzuki, called on me last week and asked if I would suggest to you that the Prime Ministers’ Conference in London might consider the question of the admission of Japan into the United Nations. I understand he spoke to you recently...’
138. NOTE FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO JAPANESE EMBASSY: 25 May 1956; ‘25th May, 1956 CANBERRA The Department of External Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of Japan and has the honour to state that the Australian Government is willing to enter into negotiations with the Government of Japan looking towards a trade agreement between Japan and Australia. For its part...’
139. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY BRENNAN: 25 May 1956; ‘25th May, 1956 CANBERRA Japanese Trade Talks The Secretary handed to the Ambassador [1] the Note conveying the Government’s decision to enter into negotiations with the Government of Japan looking towards a trade agreement between Japan and Australia. [2] The Secretary drew attention to our desire to make a public...’
140. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY BRENNAN: 28 May 1956; ‘28th May, 1956 CANBERRA The Ambassador [1] handed to Mr Tange, a Note from the Embassy indicating Japan’s willingness to enter into negotiations with Australia, looking towards a trade agreement and another Note covering drafts of agreements between Japan and Australia on (i) Entry, Stay, Travelling and Residence, (ii) Business...’
141. MINUTE FROM FORSYTH TO TANGE: 8 June 1956; ‘8th June, 1956 CANBERRA Trade Talks with the Japanese You asked for this Department’s impression of Cabinet understanding that ‘the Departmental talks with the Japanese had reflected the fact that the Japanese did not take exception to the safeguards proposed by Australia’. [1] 2. The Japanese are not yet aware...’
142. CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENTS [1]: 4 July 1956; ‘4th July, 1956 SECRET LONDON 1828 PM.8. [matter omitted) 2. Meeting [2] then turned to Japan. Mr Holland [3], describing the experience of his recent visit, thought Japanese resentment over denial of trading opportunities with China and continued dependence on United States aid and protection was likely to increase and...’
143. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY WARWICK SMITH: 31 July 1956; ‘31st July, 1956 CANBERRA Dr Westerman, Mr Rattigan and I saw Mr Suzuki and Mr Uyama today at Mr Suzuki’s request. Mr Suzuki said that he wanted an indication of what Australia’s requests were likely to be in the forthcoming trade talks, and what likely negotiating points, before the Prime...’
144. LETTER FROM KAWAI [1] TO MENZIES: 22 August 1956; ‘22nd August, 1956 TOKYO The news that your visit to Japan has been cancelled disappointed the Japanese people not to a small extent, but we understand the serious nature of circumstances that necessitated this. [2] We only hope that the day will come not at a distant date when we...’
145. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: FIRST MEETING: 29 August 1956; ‘29th August, 1956 CANBERRA PRESENT: Mr G.P. Phillips, Chairman. Mr Atsushi Uyama, Counsellor, Japanese Embassy. Mr Naotomo Takase, First Secretary, Japanese Embassy. Mr Hajime Nishimiya, Third Secretary, Japanese Embassy. Mr R.G. Robertson, Department of Trade. Mr K. Brennan, Department of External Affairs. Mr F. Giles, Department of Primary Industry. Mr...’
146. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: REQUESTS ON JAPAN BY: 29 August 1956; ‘29th August, 1956 CANBERRA 1. The Australian objective is an agreement which will ensure opportunity for each country to market its goods in the territory of the other under fair and stable conditions of trade. 2. In the Australian view, such an agreement would contain a number of reciprocal undertakings,...’
147. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: REQUESTS ON AUSTRALIA BY: 29 August 1956; ‘29th August, 1956 Canberra, Moved by a desire to promote and maintain commerce and trade between Japan and Australia at the highest possible level, and having agreed to the Australian Government’s proposal to exchange the requests of both Governments regarding those matters which they wish to include in a trade...’
148. EXTRACT OF MEMORANDUM 816 FROM WATT TO TANGE: 27 September 1956; ‘27th September, 1956 TOKYO 14. In conclusion, may I be permitted to express the opinion that it would be unwise for us to regard relationships with Japan as limited to matters of trade or defence, or both. Japanese foreign policy can swing in any direction and great changes can take...’
149. MINUTE FROM ROBERTSON TO PHILLIPS: 4 October 1956; ‘4th October, 1956 CANBERRA Control of Imports from Japan The ‘Canadian Approach’ While our global imports are restricted, through licensing control, to their present level it is unlikely that the accord of m.f.n. tariff and non-discriminatory licensing treatment to Japanese goods would create real problems over the general field of...’
150. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: SECOND MEETING: 5 October 1956; ‘5th October, 1956 CANBERRA [matter omitted] MR UYAMA mentioned that the paper [2] on the Japanese reactions to Australia’s request may be somewhat vague but was the best they could do at this stage. The Japanese Government had many bilateral negotiations concerning the renewal of agreements with other countries. In...’
151. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: JAPANESE REACTIONS TO: 5 October 1956; ‘5th October, 1956 REQUESTS BY AUSTRALIA Canberra, 5 October 1956 1. The Australian requests [1] are expressed in general terms with regard to several goods. Furthermore, the extent to which the Japanese Government is able to comply with these requests will depend in no small measure on the outcome of...’
152. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: INITIAL REACTION BY AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION TO THE REQUESTS BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT: 5 October 1956; ‘5th October, 1956 CANBERRA 1. The Australian Delegation has considered the implications for Australian trade of the Japanese requests received on 29th August 1956. [1] 2. The Australian Government has been requested by the Japanese Government to accord Japanese goods most-favoured-nation tariff treatment, and import licensing treatment no less favourable...’
153. MEMORANDUM FROM MARCUSSON TO ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT: 12 October 1956; ‘12th October, 1956 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations with Japan-Amendment of Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Act On 21.5.56 Cabinet (by Decision 203) [1] authorised the Department of Trade to enter into formal trade negotiations with Japan with a view to the conclusion of a trade agreement between Australia and Japan. 2. At...’
154. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: THIRD MEETING: 17 October 1956; ‘17th October, 1956 CANBERRA MR PHILLIPS confirmed that certain administrative arrangements had been made which would enable a trader who, prior to 1.7.56 had obtained all or most of his imports from Japan, to be restored to as favourable a relative position as he enjoyed before the licensing changes on...’
155. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: JAPANESE REACTIONS TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION: 17 October 1956; ‘17th October, 1956 CANBERRA 1. The Japanese Embassy has taken note of the statements made by the Australian Delegation at the Conference held on 5th October concerning the particular problem of finding adequate assurances for protection of Australian industry and for her stable pattern of trade, which might arise in...’
156. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: AUSTRALIAN REPLY TO JAPANESE SUBMISSION OF 5TH OCTOBER 1956: 17 October 1956; ‘17th October, 1956 CANBERRA 1. The Australian Delegation has considered the submission of 5th October, 1956 conveying the initial reactions of the Japanese Government to the original Australian requests. [1] It is appreciated by the Australian Delegation that, until the details of some of the Australian requests are made available...’
157. MEMORANDUM FROM STUART TO PHILLIPS: 18 October 1956; ‘18th October, 1956 TOKYO Trade Talks with Japan [matter omitted] 2. Today I had lunch with Mr Udo, who is acting Chief of the First Overseas Market (i.e. Sterling Area) Section of the International Trade Bureau of MITI. The normal Chief, Mr Shima, is at present in London with the...’
158. MEMORANDUM FROM STUART TO PHILLIPS: 24 October 1956; ‘24th October, 1956 TOKYO Trade Talks Today Mr Williams and I gave a luncheon in a private room at the American Club for the members of the Talks delegation, who are leaving on Friday, and one or two others. 2. Three of the members of the delegation areas I have...’
159. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: FIRST PLENARY MEETING: 1 November 1956; ‘1st November, 1956 PRESENT FOR JAPAN FOR AUSTRALIA Mr Nobuhiko Ushiba (Leader) Dr W.A. Westerman (Leader) Mr Atsushi Uyama (Alternate) Mr G.P. Phillips (Alternate) Mr Setsuo Takashima Mr K.G. Brennan Mr Masayoshi Kawanami Mr K. Jones Mr Hajime Nishimiya Mr M.T. Farrell Mr E.E. McPherson Mr R.G. Robertson Dr R.J....’
160. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: THE INITIAL STATEMENT OF THE LEADER OF THE JAPANESE TRADE DELEGATION: 1 November 1956; ‘1st November, 1956 CANBERRA First of all, on behalf of the Japanese Trade Delegation, I have to thank you for your hospitality. When I landed at the Fairbairn Airport last Saturday, I found the air was much chillier than I expected. On the following morning, it became warmer towards noon,...’
161. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: FIRST MEETING OF COMMODITY COMMITTEE [1]: 1 November 1956; ‘1st November, 1956 CANBERRA MR. UYAMA explained the Japanese Automatic Approval system of import licensing making the following points: 1. There is in effect no ceiling on Automatic Approval imports:-a rough estimate is made every six months for budget purposes but should it prove insufficient, additional allocations are made. 2....’
162. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: SECOND MEETING OF COMMODITY COMMITIEE [1]: 2 November 1956; ‘2nd November, 1956 CANBERRA Wheat MR. UYAMA asked for confirmation on the details of Australia’s request on wheat viz. opportunity to compete for at least eight million bushels per annum of higher protein wheat and opportunity to supply fifteen million bushels or one-sixth of Japan’s total imports of F.A.Q. wheat....’
163. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: THIRD MEETING OF COMMODITY COMMITTEE [1]: 2 November 1956; ‘2nd November, 1956 CANBERRA Dried Skim Milk MR. PHILLIPS outlined Australia’s views as explained by Dr. Westerman in plenary. [2] He advised that Australia’s detailed request was for import quota of 25% of Japan’s imports or 3 1/2m. lb., whichever was the greater. MR. UYAMA explained that it was not...’
164. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: FIRST MEETING OF THE IMPORT COMMITTEE: 2 November 1956; ‘2nd November, 1956 CANBERRA [matter omitted] DR WESTERMAN then made a statement on the basis of the attached note (annexe A). MR UYAMA queried whether the provisions of the Legislation [2] did not go beyond Article XIX of the GATT. MR ROBERTSON confirmed that they did since Australia had to...’
165. MINUTE FROM JONES TO DURIE: 2 November 1956; ‘2nd November, 1956 CANBERRA Japanese Trade Negotiations On Wednesday afternoon I attended a short meeting at Trade chaired by Phillips to put interested Departments in touch with the proposed line for the trade negotiations with Japan which commenced the following morning. Trade, Primary Industry, Treasury, External Affairs and ourselves were...’
166. CABLEGRAM FROM STUART TO DEPARTMENT OF TRADE: 5 November 1956; ‘5th November, 1956 TOKYO 360. At a social function Saturday evening talked to Yoshino, Chief of the Sterling Area Section, Economic Bureau, Foreign Office, who is instructing trade talks Delegation. 2. No Trade bag arrived this week and I was embarrassed when Yoshino gave me the first news of amendment...’
167. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: SECOND MEETING OF THE IMPORT COMMITTEE: 6 November 1956; ‘6th November, 1956 CANBERRA MR UYAMA indicated that he wished some clarification on the amendment to the Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Act. [2] He asked what procedure the Minister would follow in determining whether goods are causing or threatening serious injury. MR ROBERTSON explained that action would be dependent on...’
168. CABLEGRAM FROM STUART TO DEPARTMENT OF TRADE: 14 November 1956; ‘14TH November, 1956 TOKYO 3 79. Japan ‘Times’ this morning includes the following: ‘The Ministries concerned in coordinating the purchase programme of the United States surplus agricultural products and the Japan- Australia trade Tuesday agreed at their meeting on the necessity of the imports of 400,000 tons of Australian wheat,...’
169. CABLEGRAM FROM STUART TO DEPARTMENT OF TRADE: 21 November 1956; ‘21st November, 1956 389 SECRET IMMEDIATE TOKYO Very frank and useful discussion with Yoshino, who says: (1) All officials and Ministers, with the exception of Kono, together with the entire Japanese press agree on necessity for reduced United States surplus to permit valuable agreement with Australia. (2) However, Kono opposed...’
170. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 November 1956; ‘22nd November, 1956 392 SECRET AND GUARD PRIORITY TOKYO Trade Negotiations with Japan I have only just seen Stuart’s telegram. 389 of 21st November [1] and feel bound to make certain comments. 2. Kono’s power. In my opinion the estimate of Kono’s power given in the telegram is somewhat exaggerated....’
171. CABLEGRAM FROM WESTERMAN TO STUART: 22 November 1956; ‘22nd November, 1956 326 SECRET IMMEDIATE CANBERRA Your 389. Your detailed report on discussions with Yoshino appreciated. However, I am disturbed at the views which you are expressing on the likely attitude of the Australian Government, possible compromises and so on. I have arranged for you to be kept fully...’
172. MINUTE FROM JAMIESON TO TANGE AND QUINN: 23 November 1956; ‘23nd November, 1956 CANBERRA Mr Kono and Trade Negotiations with Japan Telegrams 389 and 392 [1] from Tokyo discuss Japanese policy on the current trade negotiations with Australia and the role being played by Mr Kono, the Japanese Minister for Agriculture and Forestry. 2. The gist of the first telegram...’
173. NOTES BY PHILLIPS FOR MCMAHON: 23 November 1956; ‘23rd November, 1956 CANBERRA The following notes will provide you with the background to and the current position on our trade talks with Poland, Roumania and Japan. In addition, I am enclosing for your information a statement comparing the new Australia - United Kingdom Trade Agreement with the terms of...’
174. MINUTE FROM ROBERTSON TO PHILLIPS: 27 November 1956; ‘27th November, 1956 CANBERRA Trade Arrangement with Japan-Escape Clause Providing for the Imposition of Special Duties in an Emergency In the event of any trade arrangement providing for the accord of most-favoured-nation tariff and non-discriminatory import licensing treatment to Japanese goods, it will be necessary to reserve the right to...’
175. MEMORANDUM FROM STUART TO PHILLIPS: 29 November 1956; ‘29th November, 1956 TOKYO Trade Talks with Japan SECRET We have today sent two cables. The first, No. 400, covers the essence of this morning’s press. The second, No. 401, covers a further discussion which I had with Mr Yoshino at lunch today. 2. The story about wheat and Mr...’
176. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF TRADE TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 3 December 1956; ‘3rd December, 1956 CANBERRA 1061. Your 1316. Japan. 1. Thanks your message. 2. However, our advice from three reputable independent sources suggests that negotiations with Japan far further advanced than State Department indicate. 3. Outcome of United States disposal negotiation with Japan has direct bearing on current Australian-Japanese trade talks....’
177. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY WARWICK SMITH: 4 December 1956; ‘4th December, 1956 CANBERRA US Surplus Disposals and Japanese Wheat Imports Mr Propps called at his own request to raise a point or two in connection with last Friday’s discussion with Mr Jones (U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State (Economic) Far East). [1] Mr Propps said that the Embassy had...’
178. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS: 5 December 1956; ‘5th December, 1956 CANBERRA MR PHILLIPS stressed the need for placing before Ministers some reaction from the Japanese on Australian requests. He suggested that a resume of the requests in full might be worthwhile at this stage and briefly summarized the requests already made. [This was done with the object...’
179. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS: 6 December 1956; ‘6th December, 1956 CANBERRA The Australian draft on Assurances [2] was handed over. MR PHILLIPS in reply to a question by Mr Ushiba confirmed that we would not require this type of assurance in the agreement but would be satisfied with a nonpublic assurance. While it would have ‘sales’ value...’
180. MINUTE FROM WARWICK SMITH TO CRAWFORD: 6 December 1956; ‘6th December, 1956 CANBERRA The point raised by Mr Propps is real enough. [1] I have discussed it with Mr Phillips. I agree with Mr Phillips we should not take any action with U.S.A. at this time. However, I think we should look at the question from week to week,...’
181. MINUTE FROM WARWICK SMITH TO PHILLIPS: 10 December 1956; ‘10th December, 1956 CANBERRA Japan As I said, I am concerned that before it is too late in the piece in our negotiations with the Japanese, that we should satisfy ourselves 100% that the reserve power under the tariff heading only is sufficient to give the Government the ‘full safeguard’...’
182. CABLEGRAM FROM STUART TO DEPARTMENT OF TRADE: 11 December 1956; ‘11th December, 1956 413. SECRET. TOKYO Yesterday’s Press reported in fairly unequivocal terms that the Government had instructed the Delegation to return before the end of the year in view of wheat stalemate. I checked with Yoshino who said: 1. The Delegation had reported difficulty in sustaining the talks without...’
183. MINUTE FROM PHILLIPS TO MCEWEN [1]: 12 December 1956; ‘12th December, 1956 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations with Japan The Japanese Trade Delegation, which arrived in Australia towards the end of October, is led by Mr Ushiba of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2. Negotiations began on 1st November with the holding of a plenary meeting [2] attended by the Japanese...’
184. RECORD OF CONVERSATION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE: 15 December 1956; ‘15th December, 1956 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations with Japan Mr Peterson [1] conveyed the substance of a formal note from the U.S. State Department in the following terms- ‘Tokyo’s reports indicate that in return for de facto m.f.n. for Japan, Australia would request Japanese make commitment by specified tonnage Australian wheat...’
185. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1956; ‘24th December, 1956 421. SECRET TOKYO 1. Ishibashi formed Cabinet yesterday after 4 days of hard bargaining between factions. Kishi is Foreign Minister and Ikeda Finance Minister-both of whom are likely to be favourably regarded by Americans. Shigemitsu, Takasaki and Kono are omitted. The fact that Ishibashi is the only...’
186. EXTRACTS FROM RECORD OF CONVERSATION BY PLIMSOLL: 4 January 1957; ‘4th January, 1957 CANBERRA Uyama called at his own request. He said that the Japanese Ambassador (Suzuki) would be leaving Australia on 18th January to attend a meeting in Tokyo of Heads of Japanese Missions in Asia. This meeting had originally been scheduled to be held in Ceylon, but the...’
187. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 January 1957; ‘7th January, 1957 6. CONFIDENTIAL CANBERRA Foreign Minister Kishi summoned me today for first formal interview. He referred to his assumption of office and desire to maintain contact and friendly relationships. He expressed thanks for Australian support for Japan’s admission to the United Nations and for Australian action last year...’
188. MEMORANDUM FROM STUART TO PHILLIPS: 31 January 1957; ‘31st January, 1957 TOKYO Trade Talks As I mentioned in my memorandum of 29th January, Mr Yoshino had asked for a discussion with me. This took place this afternoon. It extended over a couple of hours and the points which he made may be summarised as follows- (1) The policy...’
189. NOTE FROM SUZUKI TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION: 8 February 1957; ‘8th February, 1957 CANBERRA 1. Under her fundamental policy on the importation of foreign goods and in view of her trade relations with certain wheat- exporting countries, Japan cannot but give foreign wheat, in principle, equal treatment, irrespective of the source of supply, with respect to its importation. (It is...’
190. MINUTE FROM MUNRO TO CASEY: 13 February 1957; ‘13th February, 1957 CANBERRA Australian-Japan Trade Negotiations The major problem which has been delaying the progress of the negotiations is the Australian request that Japan should purchase 400,000 tons annually of Australian wheat. Japan has, until now, been obtaining her soft wheat requirements from the United States under a P.L.480...’
191. NOTE FROM AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION [1] TO JAPANESE EMBASSY: 15 February 1957; ‘15th February, 1957 CANBERRA Australian Reply to Japanese Note of 8 February 1957 The Australian delegation has carefully considered the statement presented by the Japanese Ambassador on 8th February, 1957, recording the Japanese Government’s views on the treatment which might be accorded to imports of Australian soft wheat within the...’
192. RECORD OF INTERVIEW WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF RAYON AND COTTON WEAVERS'ASSOCIATION: 5 March 1957; ‘5th March, 1957 MELBOURNE On 14th December 1956, the Rayon and Cotton Weavers’ Association submitted a detailed statement regarding their attitude towards trading relationships between Australia and Japan. The statement was principally concerned with the dangers with which, in the opinion of the Association, the Australian textile and clothing industry...’
193. RECORD OF DISCUSSION BETWEEN WESTERMAN AND BURGESS [1]: 13 March 1957; ‘13th March, 1957 CANBERRA In accordance with the agreement reached at the conclusion of the discussion with the Minister in Melbourne on 5.3.57, Mr Burgess submitted a statement which had been prepared by the Association. [2] 2. Mr Burgess said that the statement had been prepared on the basis of...’
194. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: SECOND PLENARY MEETING: 25 March 1957; ‘25th March, 1957 CANBERRA PRESENT: For Japan For Australia Mr Nobuhiko Ushiba (Leader) Dr W.A. Westerman (Leader) Mr Atshushi Uyama (Alternate) Mr G.P. Phillips (Alternate) Mr Toshimichi Kajiki Mr A.J. Campbell Mr Kanji Hibino Mr M.T. Farrell Mr Tohru Udo Mr K. Jones Mr Teruo Kosugi Mr B. Meere Mr...’
195. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: THIRD PLENARY MEETING: 29 March 1957; ‘29th March, 1957 CANBERRA MR PHILLIPS [1] suggested that the meeting might discuss the Japanese draft ‘Agreed Minutes’ on commodities with the object of clarifying the position as much as possible before the Australian delegation placed the Japanese response before Ministers. The Australian delegation’s reactions to the Japanese response on...’
196. MINUTE FROM DURIE TO MENZIES: 2 April 1957; ‘2nd April, 1957 SECRET CANBERRA Japanese Trading Negotiations Negotiations with the Japanese Trade Delegation were resumed last week. There is every indication of an agreement emerging shortly subject to a final clearance by Ministers on some outstanding points. It is contemplated that Australia will give Japan most-favoured- nation terms both...’
197. SUBMISSION 593 BY MCEWEN TO CABINET: 3 April 1957; ‘3rd April, 1957 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations with Japan 1. In May, 1956, Cabinet authorised trade negotiations with Japan designed to maintain and, if possible, expand our export interests in the Japanese market. [1] Subject to safeguards for our own industry and for the exports of third countries to Australia, Cabinet...’
198. MINUTE FROM DURIE TO BROWN: April 1957; ‘Trade Negotiations with Japan Trade produced a Submission on the Japanese Trade negotiations [1] in the hope that, at the Prime Minister’s briefing meeting this afternoon, there will be an opportunity for consideration of some of the critical issues which are emerging. It would be useful to get some lead...’
199. EXTRACTS FROM BRIEF FOR MENZIES [1]: 8 April 1957; ‘8th April, 1957 Japan The primary purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit is to develop understanding between Australia and Japan on the part of Ministers and officials and of the general public in both countries. The Attitude of the Japanese Prime Minister Mr Kishi, who is Prime Minister and Foreign...’
200. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: FOURTH PLENARY MEETING: 10 April 1957; ‘10th April, 1957 CANBERRA MR WARWICK SMITH [1] said that his delegation had thought it would be useful if a Plenary Meeting could be held in which the Australian delegation’s comments could be given on the papers which had been handed to the Japanese delegation on 4th April. These papers...’
201. NOTES ON CABINET SUBMISSION 593 [1]: 11 April 1957; ‘11th April, 1957 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations with Japan The negotiations with the Japanese Trade Delegation have advanced to the stage where the Minister is seeking support for a firm attitude on critical provisions. The Content of the Proposed Agreement It is contemplated that Australia will give Japan most-favoured- nation treatment...’
202. RECORD OF CONVERSATION BETWEEN KISHI AND MENZIES [1]: 12 April 1957; ‘12th April, 1957 SECRET TOKYO 1. MR KISHI welcomed MR MENZIES to Japan, and began the interview by saying that Australia and Japan were both countries in the Pacific region. Japan wanted close relations with the British Commonwealth, especially Australia. He then referred to the way in which the two...’
203. STATEMENT BY MENZIES AT PRESS CONFERENCE: 12 April 1957; ‘12th April, 1957 TOKYO I think it might be useful if I said a few things to you in a general way in the beginning so that you might thereafter put a few questions to me. The first thing I ought to say to you is that I have not...’
204. MINUTE FROM JONES TO DURIE: 13 May 1957; ‘13th May, 1957 SECRET CANBERRA Japanese Trade Negotiations This morning I attended an inter-departmental discussion of the state of our negotiations with Japan for a trade agreement. The attached re-draft of our proposals [1] were received from the Japanese on Friday afternoon. You will notice that the sections on wool...’
205. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: FIFTH PLENARY MEETING: 14 May 1957; ‘14th May, 1957 MR WARWICK SMITH [1] suggested that the meeting should examine the position reached in the negotiations and consider what arrangements might be made to facilitate the progress of the discussions. MR USHIBA agreed with this suggestion. Referring to the latest Japanese drafts which had been distributed, he...’
206. SUBMISSION 643 TO CABINET BY MCEWEN: 15 May 1957; ‘15th May, 1957 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations-Japan I attach a report from the Delegation on the position reached in the negotiations with the Japanese Delegation and making recommendations regarding the line to be followed in further discussions. This report is submitted on a basis for consideration and discussion by Ministers. Attachment...’
207. NOTES BY PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT ON CABINET SUBMISSION 643: 16 May 1957; ‘16th May, 1957 CANBERRA Trade Negotiations with Japan The Content of the Proposed Agreement It is contemplated that Australia will give Japan most-favoured- nation treatment both on tariffs and import licensing subject to our right to impose emergency duties and possibly quantitative instructions to protect Australian industries or those of...’
208. MINUTE FROM FORSYTH AND MUNRO TO CASEY: 16 May 1957; ‘16th May, 1957 CANBERRA The submission [1] by the Australian delegation of Departmental representatives (including External Affairs) shows that agreement on matters affecting Australia’s trade relations with Japan is very close. So far as Australia is concerned we have, of course, made it clear to the Japanese delegation that on...’
209. CABINET COMMITTEE DECISION 771(HOC): 16 May 1957; ‘16th May, 1957 Canberra, Submission No. 643-Trade Negotiations-Japan The Committee [1]:- (1) approved the positions outlined under points (i) to (xi) in the first paragraph of the submission [2] (on pages 1-3); (2) agreed, in connection with the assurance of duty free entry on wool for the initial three years...’
210. MINUTE FROM DURIE TO BROWN: 16 May 1957; ‘16th May, 1957 CANBERRA Japanese Trade Agreement The Cabinet Committee this morning approved with enthusiasm the Trade Agreement proposals and authorised Mr McEwen to convey the Government’s response to the Japanese immediately. One or two points are still to be rounded off, but no difficulty is expected in reaching agreement...’
211. LETTER FROM MCEWEN TO FADDEN [1]: 14 June 1957; ‘14th June, 1957 CANBERRA The Committee of Ministers looked at the position of the trade negotiations with Japan on 16th May last and approved recommendations which would enable the delegation to conclude the negotiations. [2] The position now is that within a few days a complete text should be agreed...’
212. AUSTRALIA-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: SIXTH PLENARY MEETING [1]: 14 June 1957; ‘14th June, 1957 CANBERRA DR WESTERMAN: Mr Ushiba, I have no doubt that you share my feeling that this meeting is the happiest one of the series. I would like to commence this final plenary meeting by expressing my appreciation of your own personal leadership and of the co- operation...’
213. CONFIDENTIAL EXCHANGE OF LETTERS BETWEEN USHIBA AND WESTERMAN: 18 June 1957; ‘18th June, 1957 CANBERRA 1. With Reference to Wheat Quality Dear Dr Westerman, In the course of our discussions about soft wheat, the Japanese Delegation has noted that the Australian Wheat Board is prepared to work out with Japanese importers a special arrangement with regard to a guarantee of quality...’
214. CABLEGRAM FROM PATTERSON TO CRAWFORD: 19 June 1957; ‘19th June, 1957 1430. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL LONDON The substance of your 1517 [1] on Japanese negotiations conveyed to the Board of Trade today. Yesterday before 1517 received I wrote you airmail saying that Percival [2] had hoped it might be possible for the announcement of the terms of the agreement...’
215. CABLEGRAM FROM MENZIES TO MCEWEN: 24 June 1957; ‘24th June, 1957 1465. RESTRICTED LONDON High Commissioner has received the following telegram. Begins: The Rayon Weaving Association at its annual general meeting in Manchester today instructed me to express too its deep concern, which cannot be over emphasised, at the prospect of British textiles being ousted from Australian markets...’
216. CABLEGRAM FROM CRAWFORD TO PATTERSON: 26 June 1957; ‘26th June, 1957 1633. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY CANBERRA 1. See no prospect of delaying announcement of Japanese Agreement which it is planned should be signed on 5th July. 2. Gray has discussed the question fully with us over the last week or so. We have let him know we will require...’
217. CABLEGRAM FROM MCEWEN TO MENZIES: 26 June 1957; ‘26th June, 1957 1638. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY CANBERRA Trade Treaty with Japan Your 1465. [1] We have always been conscious of the need to maintain our levels of import from the United Kingdom if only because that was a significant factor in her ability to buy from us. Even under our...’
218. CABLEGRAM FROM PATTERSON TO CRAWFORD: 26 June 1957; ‘26th June, 1957 1497. RESTRICTED. LONDON Australia-Japanese Trade Agreement At a social function last night I met a number of senior Board of Trade officials and I gathered that their general feeling in relation to this agreement is that some liberalisation of Japanese imports to Australia was to be expected...’
219. MEMORANDUM FROM EMBASSY IN TOKYO TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 June 1957; ‘27th June, 1957 TOKYO Japan-Australia Relations Attached for your information is a copy of a translation of an editorial which appeared in the economic newspaper ‘Nihon Keizai’ on 20th June, 1957. IMPROVING JAPAN/AUSTRALIA RELATIONS A series of bright and heart-warming news has appeared in the recent issues of local papers...’
220. LETTER FROM MENZIES TO HOME [1]: 4 July 1957; ‘4th July, 1957 LONDON You spoke recently about the possibility of some gradual basis of operation of the proposed Trade Agreement between Australia and Japan. I have passed your representations on to the Government in Australia and also to the Minister for Trade, who is at present in Tokyo. As...’
221. AGREEMENT ON COMMERCE BETWEEN THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN: 6 July 1957; ‘6th July, 1957 HAKONE The Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of Japan, Being desirous of improving and developing the commercial relations between the two countries, Have agreed as follows: ARTICLE I 1. With respect to customs duties and charges of any kind imposed on or in...’
222. AGREEMENT ON COMMERCE BETWEEN THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN: PUBLISHED LETTERS AND AGREED MINUTES: 6 July 1957; ‘6th July, 1957 The Rt. Hon. J. McEwen, Minister for Trade Your Excellency, With reference to the Agreement on Commerce between Japan and the Commonwealth of Australia signed today, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the most-favoured-nation provisions of the said Agreement shall not apply to advantages...’
223. AGREEMENT ON COMMERCE BETWEEN THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN: CONFIDENTIAL ANNEXES: 6 July 1957; ‘6th July, 1957 TOKYO The Rt. Hon. J. McEwen, Minister for Trade Your Excellency I have the honour to confirm on behalf of my Government the understanding embodied in the Notes Agreed by and Letters Exchanged between the Japanese delegation and the Australian delegation to clarify the interpretation of and...’
224. STATEMENT BY MCEWEN: 6 July 1957; ‘6th July, 1957 Australia-Japan Trade Agreement The Agreement on Commerce between Australia and Japan signed today is a notable achievement and a great stride forward in the Government’s policy of consolidating in intergovernmental trade agreements Australia’s existing export markets and in opening up assured new opportunities for export. Australia and...’
225. MEMORANDUM FROM ECKERSLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 July 1957; ‘10th July, 1957 TOKYO Japan-Australia Trade Agreement-Press Reaction 1. In my telegram No.220 of 8th July I gave you an outline of the Japanese press reactions to the Japan-Australia trade Agreement. This reaction was more important than that given to any issue in Japan-Australia relations in recent years. This fact...’
226. CABLEGRAM FROM CRAWFORD TO MCEWEN: 12 July 1957; ‘12th July, 1957 RESTRICTED IMMEDIATE CANBERRA Press interest Japanese Trade Agreement still lively but opposition lacks real sting. Under these circumstances suggest formal hand out not necessary on arrival and it might be preferable to have informal talk with press men, answer questions, etc. To this end propose advising Press...’
227. CABLEGRAM FROM WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 July 1957; ‘12th July, 1957 224. CONFIDENTIAL IMMEDIATE. TOKYO Trade Agreement. We feel in some difficulty in relation to other diplomatic Missions-especially the Old Commonwealth-in answering questions on the trade agreement. The Japanese press published the text of the main agreement but naturally could not publish in any detail the text of...’
228. CABINET DECISION 879(M): 25 July 1957; ‘25th July, 1957 CANBERRA Without memorandum: Agreement on Commerce between Australia and Japan Mr. McEwen outlined the provisions of this agreement. He explained the advantages which it ensured for the consolidation of Australia’s export trade and the safeguards which it included for the protection of Australia’s industries and trade pattern....’
229. LETTER FROM ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS OF MANUFACTURES TO MENZIES: 1 August 1957; ‘Aug-57 CANBERRA Agreement on Commerce Between the Commonwealth of Australia and Japan Widespread apprehension exists throughout our Australian membership of the far reaching implications that are inherent in the terms of the provisional Trade Agreement with Japan recently signed in Tokyo. In view of such concern, I would respectfully request...’
230. MINUTE FROM DURIE TO MENZIES: 29 August 1957; ‘29th August, 1957 CANBERRA Japanese Trade Agreement-Deputation from ACMA For your meeting with ACMA this afternoon, Jones has prepared the attached papers. They comprise: (a) A general note; (b) A brief outline of the provisions of the Agreement; (c) A commentary on the particular points made in the ACMA letter....’
231. CABLEGRAM FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN TOKYO: 6 September 1957; ‘6th September, 1957 RESTRICTED CANBERRA Debate on the Japanese Trade Agreements has continued in both Houses. Opposition has moved an amendment expressing disapproval of the Agreement. Senate has in addition an alternative amendment by Democratic Labour, requesting that the Government immediately restrict imports from Japan to those which will not...’
232. CABINET DECISION 1216: 24 February 1958; ‘24th February, 1958 CANBERRA Without memorandum-Printed Cotton Textiles The Minister for Trade outlined to Cabinet the situation which has developed under the trade agreement with Japan in the matter of printed cotton textiles. He indicated that in the absence of government intervention imports of printed cotton textiles from Japan in...’
233. CABLEGRAM FROM CRAWFORD TO DEPARTMENT OF TRADE: 19 May 1958; ‘19th May, 1958 151. CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY TOKYO The Japanese Government will issue a statement about consultations which will be within the terms of summary of conclusions agreed with the Embassy. The statement will use Japanese trade figures. It will be cleared with us. No release at either end before early...’
234. LETTER FROM CASEY TO MCEWEN: 16 April 1959; ‘16th April, 1959 CANBERRA I should like to give you an account of my visit to Japan. [1] First of all, however, I wish to thank you for the briefing material prepared by your Department. This background information, together with your letter of 19th February describing your talk with Suzuki,...’

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Volume 19: The Australia Japan Agreement on Commerce, 1950–1959

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