I have just concluded a conference with General Blamey with
reference to the question of restoring civil administration in
Papua and the Australian Mandated Territories. We are both
naturally most anxious to accomplish this at the earliest possible
time but are convinced that under present conditions it would tend
to jeopardise the military situation. Papua is so closely linked
to the Mandated Territories that the whole area should be regarded
as a single unit. Large forces of the Japanese are mobilised
therein and their neutralisation will continue for an indefinite
time. Bases, communications, and actual field operations by not
only ground forces but by both naval and air components will
continue indefinitely. Confusion and friction would certainly
result if civil control should be prematurely attempted during a
time when the demands of military operations still remain
paramount.

The civil interests of these communities have been admirably cared
for by ANGAU [1] and we believe that its control should be
maintained until the area is cleared of the enemy.

I do not know whether this question will ever arise for
consideration but felt that before my departure from Australia I
should give you my professional military opinion on the matter.

DOUGLAS MACARTHUR