IMMEDIATE

Your F.E.C. 180 Japanese Antarctic Whaling. [1]

Please discuss matter informally with the State Department and
convey our views along the following lines:

(a) We are much concerned that such a wide extension of Japanese
fishing operations has been authorised especially in waters of
direct and permanent security interest to Australia without
consultation with interested Governments notwithstanding the
policy laid down by the United States in FEC.035.

(b) The matter appears to us to be one on which the Allied Council
for Japan should have been consulted and asked to advise.

(c) If the United States Government were to approve this action of
S.C.A.P. such approval might well be regarded as inconsistent with
the agreement set out in Article IV of the final act of the
November 1945 International Whaling Conference. [2]

(d) We consider that any whaling facilities and equipment in the
hands of the Japanese should be made available for operation by
Allied countries particularly the British Commonwealth.

(e) Whatever might be said now, a Japanese expedition would tend
to establish a precedent and subsequent restriction of Japanese
activities would be difficult. This is particularly important in
the light of the Japanese past whaling record.

2. For your information only. Dominions Office have been informed
that we intend to take action outlined above and we are consulting
with them and New Zealand on the question of Australia sharing in
the operation of the Japanese facilities in the Antarctic perhaps
jointly with the United Kingdom, New Zealand and possibly
Norwegian whaling interests. Macmahon Ball has been instructed to
endeavour to prevent any irrevocable action being taken in Japan
which would prejudice our interests until the British Commonwealth
countries concerned have completed their consultations. [3]