1. You will recall my discussions regarding the importance to the
British Commonwealth of flying the Union Jack in the impending
operations in the Pacific [1] and my recent cable regarding a
British Naval Force associating with the present command in the
Philippines attack. [2] I wish to emphasise this matter now.

2. There is developing in America a hope that they will be able to
say they won the Pacific war by themselves, even though they seek
the maximum aid hoping to keep the publicity regarding British
Forces limited.

3. I am deeply concerned at the position that would arise in our
Far East Empire if any considerable American opinion were to hold
that America fought a war on principle in the Far East and won it
relatively unaided while the other Allies, including ourselves,
did very little towards recovering our lost property.

4. I put this matter to you frankly as one of deep and far-
reaching consequence to our future role and prestige in the
Pacific sphere.

CURTIN