I thank you for your letter of 3rd October, 1945 [2] and note with
pleasure that you concur in the proposal that a Political Observer
be attached to the Australian Service Mission, Tokyo.

Mr. B. C. Ballard, M.A., LL.B. who has been head of the
International Co-operation Division of my Department since 1944,
has been selected to fill this position. He was from 1940 to 1944
Australian Official Representative in New Caledonia and from 1934-
40 solicitor representing Australian interests in the New
Hebrides.

Mr. Ballard's functions as Political Observer will be to:-

(a) Observe and report to the Commonwealth Government through my
Department upon political developments in Japan;

(b) make to the Commonwealth Government such suggestions as he may
think appropriate relating to the Allied occupation and matters
affecting Australia;

(c) forward information which may come to his notice relating to
Australian interests, property or persons and take action in
regard to these as directed from Canberra.

It would greatly facilitate Mr. Ballard's work if he could be
provided with copies of all information not of a strictly service
nature transmitted to Australia by members of the Service Mission,
and your confirmation that this will be arranged would be
appreciated.