Moore has handed us copy of the draft [report] [1] and has
indicated that, while draft in the form in which we have it was
agreed to by the Committee, signing still remains, and that the
French Consul has meanwhile indicated that he may wish to make
amendments.

2. There can be no objection to purely verbal amendments, but this
would seem unnecessary at this stage. You should not, however,
agree to amendments in substance, as the report as it now stands
has previously been agreed to by all members of the Committee.

3. We understand from Moore that French Consul has hinted that he
would sign present draft, if he had some undertaking regarding our
attitude on French Indo-China. We had already informed the French
Minister, who approached the Government regarding the French Indo-
China situation, that we were disappointed to learn of the changed
attitude of the French Consul at Batavia [2], and that, if the
French Consul persisted in seeking amendments of the Indonesian
report merely from the point of view of placing France in a better
position regarding French Indo-China, consideration by Australia
of the French Indo-China situation would be greatly prejudiced.

Far from allowing the French Consul to make a bargain of this
nature, therefore, you should make it clear that you expect him to
keep to his original views, as otherwise he cannot expect an
equally objective consideration of French Indo-China by us. In any
event, he should surely be made to appreciate that it is
incongruous for him to be taking this line now after he has signed
his original reports.

4. It is left entirely to your discretion as to whether you
consider you should add a minority report, but our view is that
there is no advantage in this from the point of view of
consideration by the United Nations. You should communicate to us
your own views on the Joint Report for the information of our
representatives at New York. You may, of course, be able to use
your willingness to drop the idea of a minority report in
persuading the French to drop the idea of amending the present
report.

5. You should remain at Batavia until the Committee of Three
arrive. We will keep you informed of their moves.

6. Please see Gani and explain to him the nature of the Committee
of Three. Oesman is, we understand, reporting to Gani on this
matter and clearly does not understand the position. We regard the
three members of the Committee as being in the capacity of
Conciliation Commissioners and therefore not under the
instructions of their governments. Kirby will be fully aware of
all the information we are able to supply him, and it was to
inform him that we asked Gani previously for Indonesian views.

Kirby in no sense represents the Australian Government, and in no
sense acts on behalf of the Indonesians any more than the Belgians
will represent Dutch interests. Any information or views which
Gani or others might wish to convey to us can be sent through you
and Kirby will be informed.

7. Please cable if there are any supplies of any description which
should be sent with Committee of Three.

8. While arrangements are not our concern, no doubt Committee will
appreciate any help we can give them. Committee and staff will
number approximately eighteen. Mrs. Kirby will also be travelling.