I.L.O.

Preparatory Asian Regional Conference
New Delhi 27th October to 10th November

It appears to be highly desirable that
(a) Australia should be represented at the above Conference; and
(b) the Australian Government representation should include a
person either well versed or well briefed in the politico-economic
issues of India, South East Asia and China,
for the following, among other, reasons:-

(1) Australia's presence is particularly requested, as it is in
some sense regarded as a model and source of information for the
Asiatic countries in relation to labour conditions, labour laws,
etc;

(2) the desirability of regional co-operation. This has been
emphasised as a fundamental part of the Government's policy;

(3) Solution of Asiatic labour problems by migration is likely to
be canvassed, just as it was at the Montreal Conference in 1946,
especially by Bajpai [1] (India);

(4) The important effects on Australia's economy of greatly
increased efforts towards industrialisation in Asia as part of a
plan to raise living standards-including a greater demand for
Australian capital goods;

(5) Asia will remain ripe for the extension of Soviet influence
unless an improvement in labour conditions, labour laws etc. is
brought about;

(6) An improvement in labour standards in Asia will depend in part
on first raising the standard of health and educational services,
and this is a sphere of activity in which Australia can be of
increasing assistance. [2]