For Bruce [1] from Curtin.

Your S.23. [2]

1. You are authorised to inform the United Kingdom Government of
our approval of the general principles of the United States
proposals for a United Nations Post-War Requirements organisation.

2. At the same time you are asked to watch closely the points
mentioned below and to keep us fully informed of developments-
(a) We are of the opinion that the participation of the Soviet
Union is necessary and that consideration should be given to
modification of the proposed organisation to meet their Wishes.

[3]

(b) The structure at present proposed does not appear to allow
Australian representation except on the United Nations Relief
Council, which you say will have no policy-making or executive
functions.

(c) It is not clear whether there would be direct contact between
governments and the proposed Executive Committee of officials
drawn from the United Kingdom, China, the Soviet Union and the
United States.

(d) Whereas it is envisaged that the present Post-War Requirements
Bureau will become a permanent advisory committee on European
relief, no proposal has been made for a similar regional body in
the Far East.

3. As this project will involve the purchase and distribution of
large stocks of foodstuffs, materials and other articles in the
period immediately after the war and may be widened to embrace
general questions of postwar reconstruction, we are vitally
interested in a successful outcome.