Release of gold to Thailand and France. Your FEC. 113. [1]

1. We have now informed U.S. Embassy in reply to their Aides-
memoire of 31st August and 5th September that after careful study
Australian Government is unable to support either substance of
U.S. proposal or manner of its implementation. Following is
summary of points in our Aide-memoire:

2. Notwithstanding United States citation of international law and
monetary practice, Australian Government is not convinced that
Thai and French tide to the gold has been clearly established,
particularly having regard to abnormal conditions prevailing at
time Japan is stated to have earmarked gold for Thailand and
France. Between 1941 and 1943 Thailand was at war with Australia
and other countries and Indo-China was under Japanese occupation.

In absence of detailed information Australian Government assumes
that services on which Thai and French claims rest were performed
in furtherance of Japanese war effort against allies.

3. Gold should properly be regarded for present purposes as part
of Japan's assets and its ultimate disposition laid down in peace
treaty. Even if regarded as transferred the gold should still be
regarded as enemy assets in possession of occupying forces and
available to meet war damage and other claims made by Allied on
enemy countries.

4. Matter should in any event be fully considered and voted upon
by FEC before any directive sent to SCAP.

5. Full texts by air bag. [2]