MOST IMMEDIATE

Your 614. [1] F.E.C. decision was majority one, and though we
disagreed on question of jurisdiction of F.E.C. and therefore
abstained, that is no reason whatsoever why, now that the decision
has been taken, we should fail to submit suggestions on
proportions. The course you have adopted is likely to lead to
Australia being excluded altogether.

2. You should therefore inform F.E.C. that you are submitting a
claim without prejudice to any different mode of allocation which
might be agreed upon by the Peace Conference or other appeal
tribunal.

3. We note the claims so far total over 176 percent. Some seem
excessive. We have no option but to submit a claim based on our
own estimate of Australia's proper share having in mind the claims
already submitted by other Governments. We therefore put forward
the tentative claim, having in mind our Pacific War effort in
comparison with the contributions made by other countries, of 28
percent, which would place Australia third on the list, following
the United States and preceding United Kingdom.

4. You have details of Australia's war effort in the Pacific in
all aspects; perhaps it should be summarised. Its effort was
second only to that of U.S.A. MacArthur and other authorities
could be quoted.