We received report through Dominions Office [1] that State
Department, Washington, objected to your representing Australia
separately and independently at general surrender. However, this
report has been contradicted by the State Department who have
informed me that they are taking immediate steps through the War
Department, Washington to ask General MacArthur to meet
Australia's wishes to the maximum extent possible. In the
circumstances, it should be possible for you to sign the surrender
document, making it clear that you are doing so on behalf of
Australia alone.

Please convey to General MacArthur expression of our hope that at
this crucial moment in history, he will once again safeguard the
legitimate interests of our country which already owes so much to
him.

I am sending this message at the request of and with the full
approval of the Minister for Defence and the War Cabinet.

Communique already sent to you [2] shows how deeply we feel on
this and related matters.