Cablegrams 443, 263 CANBERRA [1], 6 December 1945
IMMEDIATE SECRET
Your D.2016 [2] and D.2125. [3]
We agree with the principle of Trusteeship for a period which
should be terminated when U.N.O. Assembly, acting on advice of
Trusteeship Council, determines Korea is fit for independence. We
think, however, that United Nations Trusteeship would be far
preferable to a four-power arrangement. This would be compatible
with the suggestion for Advisory Council, but the Advisory Council
should consist either of the Nations members of the Far Eastern
Commission or at least of five powers including Australia.
Proposed settlement of Italian colonies practically agreed to in
London included United Nations trusteeship. A four power
trusteeship is undesirable and opposed to our general policy in
Pacific affairs.
[AA : A1066, H45/771/3]