Your 503. [1]

1. We agree in principle to the proposal for a joint Commission.

The terms of reference are, however, too narrow. In our considered
view the establishment or use of bases must be related to an
overall plan in which their role should be clearly defined. We
desire the Commission to have authority to propose or formulate a
security arrangement in the Pacific in accordance with the Charter
of the United Nations which would cover the principle of
reciprocity and joint use of bases as mentioned in my cablegram
No.22. [2]

2. We do not favour Washington as the meeting place of the
Conference and urge that it be held in the Pacific area with which
it is concerned. Considerable strain is being placed on our
capacity to provide for appropriate representation abroad at
conferences which are of vital importance to Australia. We would
urge that it would be very appropriate to hold this one in
Australia, where there are already located Service representatives
of the United Kingdom, and New Zealand on the Joint Chiefs of
Staff in Australia, who would be available with our own Service
Staffs for technical advice. The Australian Government would be
glad to give welcome to representatives of other nations including
relevant United States Political and Military Mission.

3. We suggest the following terms of reference: To examine and
report upon-
(I) Future Defence arrangements in the Pacific Zone affecting the
joint interest of the four Nations;

(II) The future status and use of Pacific Bases including those
established or used during the war by any of the four nations;

(III) Any other matters which, in the opinion of any of the four
nations, are related to (I) or (II).