504 Evatt to Paranjpye

Your request that the United States authorities be informed of the desire of the Indian Government to withdraw the Indian component of the forces of occupation in Japan has been given very earnest consideration. [1] Before action is taken, however, I should like to be assured that your Government has given consideration to implications which are not without concern to Australia.

It appears to us here that the withdrawal might well weaken the position of India (and the countries with which India is directly associated in the occupation) in relation to the peace settlement with Japan, and further that this might have effects on India's position in international relations generally, and particularly in the Pacific region.

As you know, the Australian Government is pressing for an international conference for the earliest possible conclusion of the present phase in Japan, and the settlement of outstanding issues of the Pacific war in which both our countries were heavily engaged. We would be happy to find India exerting its influence in the same direction.

If these efforts were successful-and there appears to be wide support for an early settlement-the question of forces of occupation might be regarded in a different light.

I would also add most confidentially that the New Zealand Government wishes to reduce but not to withdraw entirely its component of the occupation force.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would convey the sense of this letter to your Government and advise me of their views. [2]