Your request that the United States authorities be informed of the
desire of the Indian Government to withdraw the Indian component
of the forces of occupation in Japan has been given very earnest
consideration. [1] Before action is taken, however, I should like
to be assured that your Government has given consideration to
implications which are not without concern to Australia.

It appears to us here that the withdrawal might well weaken the
position of India (and the countries with which India is directly
associated in the occupation) in relation to the peace settlement
with Japan, and further that this might have effects on India's
position in international relations generally, and particularly in
the Pacific region.

As you know, the Australian Government is pressing for an
international conference for the earliest possible conclusion of
the present phase in Japan, and the settlement of outstanding
issues of the Pacific war in which both our countries were heavily
engaged. We would be happy to find India exerting its influence in
the same direction.

If these efforts were successful-and there appears to be wide
support for an early settlement-the question of forces of
occupation might be regarded in a different light.

I would also add most confidentially that the New Zealand
Government wishes to reduce but not to withdraw entirely its
component of the occupation force.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would convey the sense of
this letter to your Government and advise me of their views. [2]