I am much disturbed at the situation which appears to be arising
under which the policy and actions of the United Kingdom
Government are made the subject of official public comment in
Australia.

I well understand and recognise Australia's anxiety and right to
be fully consulted in all matters relating to the Pacific
Settlement and to participate fully as a principal in
International bodies set up to discuss these matters. I agree that
in the past, as indeed I said in Parliament the other day, it has
not always, owing to the strains and stresses of war, been
possible for us on every occasion to consult Australia in advance
as completely as we should have wished.

You on your part will appreciate that Australia's participation in
International Councils is not a matter which we ourselves can
decide alone. All that we can do is to support and press
Australia's claims. This will most certainly be done in every way
which we consider likely to produce useful results. But our
ability to do this cannot but be materially diminished if we are
subjected to a constant stream of public criticism.

As regards the question of Australian representation at the formal
surrender of Japan we had it in mind on receipt of Dr. Evatt's
statement of the 24th August [1] to issue a further public
statement making clear the course of events and showing that we
had fully supported Australia's request and that the criticisms
made were unjustified. We have however decided to refrain from
this in the interests of good relations between us and I would
earnestly urge you to ensure that a similar restraint from public
controversy is exercised in Australia.