Further to my telegram yesterday [1] have now received the
following draft note from the Dominions Office with request for
our approval before submission to the United States Representative
for concurrence 'At this morning's meeting with Mr. Byrnes, the
Dominions Secretary and the Heads of the Dominion Delegations, the
Foreign Secretary suggested the appointment of a Joint Committee
comprising political and military experts representing the four
countries primarily concerned (United States, United Kingdom,
Australia and New Zealand) with the following terms of reference-
To examine and report upon the following issues arising in the
Pacific area-
(i) The future status and use of the bases established by the
United States during the war in territory administered wholly or
partly by Governments of the British Commonwealth. The
consideration of future status and use should cover in appropriate
cases the establishment of joint civil aviation facilities in lieu
of Military bases.

(2) The examination of American suggestions affecting possible
transfer of sovereignty in the case of certain Pacific Islands.'