Received 13 June 1947

F.E.C. 149.

Basic Policy.

Reference your 672.

1. We have conferred informally on the text of your proposed
amendment with other representatives, particularly the United
States, United Kingdom, U.S.S.R. and China. The general opinion is
that amendment correctly states the position but is unnecessary.

The Soviet member states quite frankly that he would not receive
instructions to approve it, at least for many weeks. He personally
sees no objection except that the statement might seem to detract
from the force of the rest of the paper.

2. We had great difficulty in securing further postponement of
vote in F.E.C. today (we did not of course propose the amendment).

Many countries feel that passage of this paper should be secured
while Soviet agreement exists. They wish to have as soon as
possible F.E.C. adoption of many provisions, such as prohibition
of Japanese civil aviation, which United States might otherwise
feel able to change unilaterally during [the occupation if no
Commission policy on these subjects exists. I am convinced that
any amendment proposed by us could not gain acceptance next week,
and that, rather than incur further delay, majority of Commission
would be prepared to pass paper over Australian protest. Indeed,]
[1] if Australia is responsible for further delay, considerable
ill will against us may be generated which might prejudice our
position in future negotiations. Up to date in discussion of the
paper we have been protected by the United Kingdom member's
willingness to use his veto as a last resort in order to support
our claim for a hearing, but it does not seem likely that he could
continue to do this.

3. I therefore suggest for your consideration that you should not
propose any amendment to this paper but allow it to be adopted
unanimously at the next meeting of the Commission on 19th June. At
that stage I could state the second Para of your amendment as
Australian understanding in adoption of this paper. United Kingdom
member would be prepared to associate himself with this statement
and possibly others would also associate themselves. Soviet
member, while probably not being able to make any formal
statement, has assured us that he would raise no objections if
this course is followed. In this way, it would appear that our
positions would be preserved as far as the Peace is concerned and
that no further delay and attendant ill will would be caused. [2]