Your 41-Reparations. [1]

1. It is desired that the invitation of the French Government as
host be accepted and that you and/or Tange represent Australia.

[2]

2. Tange is familiar with the viewpoint of the Australian
Authorities on the issues concerned while crucial points should be
referred to us.

3. We are forwarding by air mail copy of Cabinet Agendum and
decision [3] on reparations from Germany and a statement of claim.

(See our Telegram No. 275 of 2nd October to Accredited
Representative, London [4]). Treasury is preparing a statement of
German property situated in Australia at the outbreak of war which
will be despatched as soon as possible. Secondary Industries
Commission has made the following comments:-

'The industries listed below are planning expansion in Australia,
and the programme of expansion is likely to be delayed on account
of the difficulty in getting necessary plant and equipment from
overseas Allied countries. It would accordingly be advantageous to
obtain from Germany modern plant and equipment for any of the
following industries
Paper making
Paper makers felt
Hydrogenation of coal
Automobiles
Woodworking
Textiles including synthetics, wool, cotton flax and other fibres
Canning
Production of raw plastic materials
Manufacture of ball and roller bearings
Ordnance factory production (heavy equipment)
Aluminium ingot manufacture
Steel strip rolling mills (complete plant) and
Electric power generation (moderate to large size).'
4. While realizing that Australia's claim will necessarily be
relatively small we are anxious to secure a reasonable share of
whatever becomes available on grounds of our considerable war
effort.