South Seas Commission.

Telegram just received from Australian High Commissioner,
Wellington advises that he discussed with Laking [2] on 12th June
agenda for conference. [3] While New Zealand would be happy to
accept Australian draft they would prefer to keep the agenda as
general as possible and leave it to the Conference to work out
details as to composition, functions, relationships with other
bodies and so forth. They suggest the following alternative:

(1) Composition of the Commission including nature of Governmental
representation.

(2) Territorial scheme.

(3) Functions and powers of the Commission.

(4) Administrative and budgeting arrangements:-

(a) location of the commission and secretariat
(b) organisation of the secretariat
(c) finance
New Zealand feel that if the South Seas Conference were not
properly controlled and suitably led, it would cause their
Government some concern. They requested therefore that we should
not proceed further with the agenda until either Laking or Craw
[4] arrives in Canberra next week when we would be informed fully
on the New Zealand approach.

It is desired that you discuss this with the Minister.

In the meantime it is important that we know urgently which
Governments in addition to the United Kingdom and New Zealand are
to be invited and in particular whether the U.S.A. will come.

There is also an urgent need to ascertain the level of
representation and approximate size of delegations. Lack of
information on these points is delaying planning of accommodation
and preparation of appropriate conference documentation.

Position of the Dutch is still very uncertain and might be
reviewed when range of other participating Governments is
definitely established.

Reply from French Government should be received this week.

URGENT information on the United States position would be very
helpful.