Skip to main content

Historical documents

408 Department of External Affairs to Embassy in Washington

Cablegram 672 CANBERRA, 9 June 1947

MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET

Your F.E.C. 139. Basic Policy.

Although the Basic Policy Paper is generally satisfactory we do
not consider that its provisions should be used as a means of
restricting discussions which may take place at any general Peace
Conference, nor should it operate to anticipate the provisions of
the Peace Conference. In order to ensure this the title of the
Basic Policy Paper should be amended to read as follows:-

'1. This document is a statement of general policy relating merely
to Japan after surrender. It does not deal with all matters
relating to the occupation of Japan requiring policy
determinations. Such matters as are not included or are not fully
covered will be dealt with separately.

2. The policies laid-down in this paper are subject to and without
prejudice to discussions which will take place during the
negotiations of the Peace Treaty with Japan and the provisions of
the Peace Treaty with Japan.'

2. You should discuss this amendment informally with other F.E.C.

Representatives and press for their support. Please advise their
reaction before formally presenting amendment in FEC.


[AA : A1838,481/23]
Last Updated: 11 September 2013
Back to top