Statement by Dr. Evatt.

During my visit to Japan chiefly a factfinding mission I had full
and frank discussions with those on the spot about the occupation
and the problems which will confront the Allies in writing the
peace. I am satisfied that the way is clear to the making of a
peace settlement which will be a stable foundation for the
security of the Pacific.

Consultation with MacArthur. I had frequent discussions with
General MacArthur and also with leading officials of the
occupation, diplomatic representatives of other powers and a few
of the Japanese Parliamentary and trade union leaders. From all
these discussions and personal observation I am able to appreciate
still better the undoubted achievements of an extremely difficult
and complex military occupation and administration. My
consultations with General MacArthur showed a broad agreement on
the steps to be taken in preparing the treaty, on the principles
which should be contained in it, on the type of supervisory
machinery which should be established under it and on many of the
other important matters with which the settlement must deal.

Australia's policy confirmed. It has been most encouraging to find
that all my discussions and observation have amply confirmed the
soundness of the policy which the Australian Government has
consistently advocated towards Japan. The two great objectives are
the security of Australia and other Allied Powers from a
resurgence of Japanese aggression and a positive programme for
assisting Japan to develop gradually into a democratic and
peaceful member of the society of nations. Almost equally
important is the method of peacemaking. The peace treaty should be
negotiated as soon as possible along democratic lines by all those
Powers which played a substantial part in the Pacific War. Because
of her outstanding war effort Australia is clearly entitled to be
a party principal to the settlement and that is now universally
recognised.

The next steps. The military occupation has now almost
accomplished its primary task which was the complete physical
disarmament and demilitarization of Japan. It has also taken
important initial steps towards the democratic reconstruction of
Japan. For example, through the adoption by the Japanese people of
a new constitution and the encouragement of trade unions. The
peace treaty could and should contain provisions designed to
secure the accomplishment of the long term objectives which are to
prevent any regrowth of a war potential and to stimulate and
consolidate the growth of democracy in Japan. These problems will
form the subject of discussions between members of the British
Commonwealth at the Canberra Conference on 26 August. That
beginning will be followed in due course by a conference of all
the Powers that took a substantial role in achieving victory in
the Pacific war.

Australian occupation forces. I was greatly impressed by the
bearing and behaviour of the Australian servicemen and the rest of
B C 0 F in Japan. They have greatly assisted in the success of the
occupation and have demonstrated to Japan and the world at large
Australia's major interest in the Pacific. The cooperation between
B C 0 F and the United States forces has strengthened an
association and comradeship which did so much for Australia during
the crisis in the Pacific war when our homeland was threatened.