Japanese Peace Settlement

We are most concerned at reports that United States Government
might favourably consider meeting of big four to discuss Japanese
Settlement in response to Soviet reply. [1] Even though it is
United States' present intention to go no further than this, such
a step would naturally lead to further attempts to meet Soviet and
to find compromise. Even a first meeting on this subject must be
actively resisted. It is a complete disregard to Australian
position in relation to Japanese Settlement and, as at Moscow,
Australia must strenuously oppose any discussions on this subject
unless we are a full party in them.

2. You should take first opportunity to point out that Potsdam
Agreement has no relation to Japanese Peace Settlement. The
Potsdam Declaration charges the Council of Foreign Ministers with
the task of drawing up peace treaties with Italy, Roumania,
Bulgaria, Hungary and Finland. The Peace Settlement with Japan is
not mentioned, and is certainly not a matter for C.F.M. but for
the active belligerents in the Pacific War.

3. You should remind the State Department of their two assurances
that Australia would be a party principal in the Japanese Peace
Settlement. It is essential that there should be no weakening in
the United States attitude at this stage, whether the Russian note
is regarded as a counter-proposal or as a rejection of United
States suggestion. We desire a firm assurance from the U.S. as
otherwise it will be necessary to assume they do in fact
contemplate separate discussions and reconsider our position
accordingly. [2]