It is desired that a communication in the following terms be sent
to the United States Government immediately:

'The Australian Government has reviewed the position of its
contingent of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan.

As demilitarisation tasks in the B.C.O.F. area have been
completed, and in view of the settled conditions in Japan, the
Government proposes to reduce the Australian contingent to one
Army battalion and one Air Force squadron with the necessary
administrative units for their maintenance, of an approximate
overall strength of 2,750. The reduction would take place in
progressive stages and be completed by or shortly after 31st
December, 1948. In accordance with paragraph 3 (b) of the
MacArthur-Northcott agreement [1] the foregoing proposals of the
Australian Government are submitted for the agreement of the
United States Government.' [2]