United Kingdom Board of Trade officials have informed us that
American officials including representatives from the State
Department and from G.H.Q. SCAP Tokyo, wish to visit London to
discuss with United Kingdom and other Governments of the British
Commonwealth [1] the question of M.F.N. treatment for Japan and
background of American economic policy for Japan. United Kingdom
have advised November 1st would be suitable date and expect talks
to last a few days.

2. You will recall that Australia led the opposition to the
American suggestion for M. F. N. for Japan and Germany at recent
Geneva meeting of GATT [2] and as a result America withdrew the
proposal in respect of Japan.

3. In preliminary discussion with British Commonwealth officials
Wheeler of Treasury and myself with the advice of Tonkin of
Commerce, expressed the view that M.F.N. treatment for Japan would
in fact, from the economic point of view, not result in any
increase in the flow of trade which was governed by other factors
such as Sterling Area balancing agreement [3], exchange rates etc.

From the political point of view it would not be practicable for
Australia to extend M.F.N. treatment to Japan while this privilege
did not extend to all Allies and neutrals. M.F.N. can only be
considered, if at all, in relation to long term proposals for the
revival of Japanese trade and industry and in our view are matters
ultimately for peace settlement and in the meantime for the Far
Eastern Commission.

4. For the United Kingdom M.F.N. treatment for Japan would have
some slight political repercussions in textile circles. Their
officials agreed that it would have little real effect on trade
but if America pressed it they would consider whether it should
not be granted in the interests of good relations. In such
circumstances Australia may again find itself leading the
opposition to United States policy.

5. Canadian official indicated no political difficulty about
M.F.N. New Zealand have little direct economic or political
interest but would probably follow our lead if pressed. India,
Ceylon and Pakistan have an interest in Japanese trade, and
probably would not feel political difficulties in M.F.N.

6. Scope and form of American discussions and suggestions are not
yet clear but if they relate merely to immediate granting of
M.F.N. treatment to Japan our attitude in the absence of further
instructions would be based on Cabinet decision [4] on the same
subject prior to Geneva meeting. To avoid appearing too
uncompromising in contrast to United Kingdom and other
Commonwealth countries we could undertake to submit back to the
Government for consideration any proposals submitted. If Americans
relate M.F.N. to wider picture we should ask fuller details re
levels of industry, exchange rates and economic planning with a
view to safeguards we feel necessary. One danger which must be
watched is the tendency of Americans to by-pass existing organs of
consultation such as Far Eastern Commission and Allied Council
[for] Japan and their wish to line up Commonwealth support for
their unilateral action in Japan.

7. Talks would be on strictly official level without commitment.

From our point of view they may be valuable in clarifying American
policy. Tonkin is in London and I have postponed my departure for
Tokyo till 4th November. [5]