298 Department of External Affairs to Embassy in Washington

Your 1176. [1]

We would on the whole prefer you not to take too active a part in discussion on this proposal. If however, it becomes necessary for you to make a statement, general outline of your draft if satisfactory provided emphasis is on restrained explanation and not condemnation.

2. You could preface remarks in your para. (e) by stating that Australian Government is also of the opinion that provision should be made in the Peace Treaty with Japan for control over key imports and comprehensive powers of inspection by Allied officials to provide against future Japanese aggression. You could then go on to say that this is a matter for decision by Peace Conference, etc. [2]