Thank you for message from Singapore. [1] The New Zealand
Government adheres strongly to the view that Mr. Shanahan's status
is purely that of observer. Special stress has had to be laid on
public statements here to this effect. It has been made clear that
as observer he will have no authority to commit the Government in
any way and that his function is merely to report on proceedings
and conclusions. No modification likely unless the Prime Minister
[2] on his return next week directs otherwise.