Your Security 266. Japanese Mandates.

1. Under no circumstances must Australia lead opposition to United
States proposal. Indeed, in principle we favour U.S. objective and
this must be made clear.

2. Earliest advice of text of U.S. application to Security Council
is desired. It would be useful if you could by private arrangement
secure some adjournment of consideration of this matter by
Security Council.

3. Detailed instructions will be forwarded as soon as we receive
text of U.S. application. In the meantime our general views set
out below are forwarded for your background information.

(a) U.S. deserves commendation for bringing matter to Security
Council by way of Trusteeship proposal, instead of merely
endeavouring to annex Mandates;

(b) We recognise tremendous contribution made by U.S. to defeat of
Japan and think she is entitled to special and sympathetic
consideration of her proposals regarding Japanese Mandates;

(c) Disposition of Japanese Mandates requires closest consultation
at all stages between Allies in Pacific war, including Australia
in this category.

(d) Ultimate disposition of Mandates is a matter which should be
finally determined at Peace Conference dealing with Japanese
settlement. We are doubtful whether Security Council can properly
deal with question before such settlement, but it if does, any
action taken by Council would need to be confirmed at Peace
Conference.

This raises question of timing and method, and does not involve
expression of opinion on the merits. As indicated in paragraph 1
above, however, in principle we favour U.S. objective.