145 Cabinet Minute
Minute 146 23 August 1939,
ENCROACHMENT BY JAPANESE IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS
The recommendations [1] of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Japanese encroachment in Australian Waters were approved by Cabinet- (i) That steps be taken to negotiate for an agreement with Japan to secure protection of the Australian pearling industry and some form of control over the activities of Japanese and Australian vessels and their crews engaged in the industry.
(ii) That the Commonwealth Government provide a patrol vessel at Broome as soon as possible.
(iii) That the Department of Defence give consideration to the provision of aerial reconnaissance by seaplane or aeroplane in connection with all the patrol services.
(iv) That there should be created a Standing Advisory Committee of Commonwealth Officers, representing the Departments of the Interior, Health, Trade and Customs, Commerce, the Prime Minister (Territories Branch), Defence and External Affairs, to advise on policy, co-ordinate action and supervise the operation of any agreement with Japan. [2]