Dispatch 06 (extract) SINGAPORE, 18 April 1946

CONFIDENTIAL

[matter omitted] [1]

11. The avoidance of famine or near famine in South East Asia with
its possible effects on health and law and order must be a matter
of concern to Australia, a near neighbour of the area. We can do
good work by emphasising in the proper quarters the seriousness of
the question and that it should not be treated, for political or
other reasons, less adequately than other areas. But we can do
little directly to relieve the situation. Our supplies of rice
already are disposed of and our supplies of wheat and flour
allotted. The Conference realised this but still hoped that some
small assistance could be afforded by the immediate supply of any
dehydrated or other substitute foods available in Australia. I
understand that Mr. Nash, when in Singapore on 16th April,
promised Lord Killearn to see what
New Zealand can do in this respect. The speedy provision of
inducement goods is most important if rice is to be obtained now
from stock on hand and the next crop is to be of the maximum
quantity. Low grade cotton textiles are urgently needed and, if
any are available in Australia, they would be a valuable
contribution. I urge that both these matters be given most urgent
consideration and that Mr. Massey should be advised of the
possibilities as quickly as possible because time and the speedy
shipment is the essence of the matter. I have reported accordingly
in my telegram No. 088. [2]

12. At the Conference in March some reference was made to the
possibility of financial aid from Australia in the shape of
credits. Although the question was referred to again at this
Conference, it seems unlikely that any participant will ask for
such assistance. The question of a credit for Siam is altogether
apart from this Conference.

[matter omitted]

KEITH OFFICER