Australian Government telegram 305. [1]

We are most gratified that you have agreed with our suggestion for
a joint Commonwealth Force for the occupation of Japan.

2. We agree with the proposals in your telegram. We should like
however, to be sure that our interpretation of the machinery
proposed in your paragraphs 6(v) (vi) and (vii) is correct. In
framing our reply, we have been very glad to have the benefit of
Dr. Evatt's advice.

3. We envisage an organisation similar to that of the Combined
Chiefs of Staff which worked so well as between ourselves and the
Americans. This would mean that our members of the joint
organisation would be representatives only and would normally
consult the British Chiefs of Staff in London before giving their
agreement on questions under consideration. Thus the joint
organisation would be, in effect, the Combined United Kingdom -
Australian Chiefs of Staff, the instructions to the Commander-in-
Chief being issued through the Australian Chiefs of Staff.

Reference to Governments would, therefore, be made by the
respective Chiefs of Staff to their governments rather than
through the Australian Defence Department, as might be inferred
from your paragraph 6(vii). Inter-governmental discussions when
necessary, would then take place through normal channels as you
propose.

4. We suggest that the title 'Joint Chiefs of Staff' may lead to
considerable confusion with the American Chiefs of Staff who are
also known by that name. We suggest as an alternative 'Chiefs of
Staff in Australia'.

5. The British Chiefs of Staff will be communicating with the
Australian Chiefs of Staff on detailed questions of organisation
and command of the Force. When these details are agreed, no doubt
you will approach the American Government with our joint proposal.

6. For New Zealand: Please despatch your agreement or comments on
the above direct to Australia, repeating to us.

7. We are communicating separately with India.