Reference Dominions Office telegram No. 1050. [1] Reparations.

I strongly recommend that no action be taken to waive any rights
whatever to reparations as the matter may become one of crucial
importance economically to Australia. At the same time I do not
think that we should hold German Prisoners of War as reparations
labour. The whole question of Australia's share in this matter
needs the utmost care and caution and I would like to have your
and Mr. Chifley's reactions to the question. Moreover, Australia
should certainly present a claim to a just share of surrendered
ships or other material of war that has come to Allied hands. Our
own strength has been sorely lessened and we should not refuse to
take advantage of the position in Australia's future interests.