My 10834 16th October. [1] The United Kingdom, French and United
States Governments have invited the Commonwealth Government to
appoint a representative to the meeting of officials to be held in
Paris on 9th November to consider data supplied by Governments
relating to reparation claims against Germany and the value of
prewar German assets situated in their respective territories. The
meeting is also to prepare a way for an inter-governmental
agreement on allocation of reparation receipts as between the
three Governments. It is also proposed that the conference of
officials should make recommendations to the Governments
concerning the appointment of an inter-Allied reparation agency.

The text of the memorandum relating to inter-Allied reparation
agency is contained in my immediately succeeding telegram. [2] The
three Governments consider that the agency should, if possible,
start its work by 1st December, 1945.

Would be glad to know whether it is proposed to send an officer
from Australia by air to attend the meeting of officials on 9th
November, or whether you desire me to arrange for representation
from here. If the latter should be the case, would appreciate
fullest possible instructions as to the line to be taken by our
representative.

DUNCAN