Reference Ball's report on ACJ meeting held on 13th August. [1]
Following are our comments for your consideration.

1. The constitution of the Allied Council for Japan was the
outcome of high level discussions at Moscow in December, 1945. The
Allied Council itself did not decide its constitution or terms of
reference and presumably has no power to alter them. The same
applies to SCAP who is the appointee of the same powers.

2. Our departmental view of suggestion for enlargement of council
representation is affected by following considerations which are
to some extent conflicting:

(a) It has been a major point in Australian policy to support and
in fact lead the democratic movement for participation of all
allied powers having direct concern in the implementation of
postarmistice policy, especially belligerents in particular
theatres.

(b) At the same time Australia has been developing its position as
representative of British Commonwealth in the Pacific. Our
position on ACJ is important in this respect, but would be
incompatible with separate representation of United Kingdom, New
Zealand and India which SCAP proposal would require. 3. Presence
of the British Ambassador at ACJ meetings would obviously raise
very difficult questions as to Macmahon Ball's position as
representative of the United Kingdom. Note that Atcheson
specifically mentioned advantage of British Ambassador's presence.

4. We suggest that as regards forthcoming meeting Wednesday next
21st August Macmahon Ball should be instructed to prevent any
conclusion and if possible any discussion on this proposal which
he could do on grounds that matter is being considered by
Governments he represents.

5. As regards substance we suggest consultation with United
Kingdom, New Zealand and India with view to instructions to Ball
on the lines that the SCAP proposal is a matter outside the
province of the Allied Council for Japan. Such discussion may
throw light upon attitude Australia should adopt if question of
constitution of Allied Council again comes before Council of
Foreign Ministers.

6. We have circulated the factual portion of Ball's report on the
meeting of 13th August namely paragraphs 1-5 of his No.5 to You.

7. Glad of early advice, especially as to our paragraph 4 above.

[2]