Following for Evatt [1] from Curtin.

Please see telegrams D.226 [2] and No. 393 [3] from Dominions
Office to US.

Negotiations for mutual repatriation of Japanese and British
Commonwealth (except Canadian) officials and non-official Japanese
nationals have almost reached finality. We are concerned, however,
that Japanese Government is refusing our request for inclusion of
Bowden and staff from Singapore [4] and Ross from Dilli. [5] You
will recall we assured Bowden we would insist on his inclusion in
any scheme of exchange. [6] Position is, so far as Australia is
concerned, that if scheme as now proposed is accepted, we would be
repatriating to Japan all Japanese non-officials interned in
Australia totalling 1,120 and all diplomatic and consular staff
and officials totalling 23. In return, Japan would repatriate to
Australia personnel of Australian Legation, Tokyo, totalling 8,
and probably a proportion only of Australian nationals in Japan,
total number of whom is believed to be less than 45. We think that
reasonable arrangement in view of large disparity of numbers both
officials and non-officials would be for Japanese to include
Bowden and staff of 2, as well as Ross. Difficulty is that if we
insist on inclusion of Bowden and Ross we may prejudice scheme
either in its entirety or at least so far as Australian exchange
is concerned. On the other hand, acceptance of the scheme as it
now stands would result in Bowden and staff being detained for the
duration of the war. I may add that enquiry regarding welfare of
Bowden and staff was made through Argentine Government on 23rd
February last and two reminders have been sent, but Japanese have
not deigned to reply. [7]

Glad if you would consult appropriate United Kingdom authorities
and let me have your views as to our most appropriate course.