CANBERRA

Japanese Trade Talks
The Secretary handed to the Ambassador [1] the Note conveying the
Government's decision to enter into negotiations with the
Government of Japan looking towards a trade agreement between
Japan and Australia. [2]

The Secretary drew attention to our desire to make a public
announcement of the decision on Monday, 28th May. He explained
that the Minister for Trade would be leaving Australia on that
day. It was desirable that he should personally make the public
announcement on a matter of such importance falling within his
Ministerial responsibilities.

The Ambassador said that he thought that there would be no
difficulties on that score on the Japanese side, particularly
since the release was timed for 6 p.m. He would convey our wishes
to the Japanese government and explain our reasons.

The Ambassador asked whether we would be prepared to commence
discussions immediately.

Mr Tange said that, because of the absence of the Minister for
Trade and the Secretary, Department of Trade, it would not be
possible for delegations to commence formal discussions until late
August. However, we would let the Japanese have our requests
shortly and would be prepared to receive theirs at any time. Both
sides could then begin preliminary work.

The Ambassador expressed gratification at the decision. He also
took the opportunity to express his government's gratitude for
Australia's co-operative attitude on a number of matters such as
the release of War Criminals and Japan's candidature for
membership of the United Nations. He expressed the hope that the
Prime Minister's forthcoming visit to Japan would be successful.

Mr Tange thanked the Ambassador. He said that our co-operation
with the Japanese was in pursuance of a deliberate policy. He
referred to the connection between Japan's negotiations with the
USSR for a peace treaty and Japan's admission to the United
Nations. He suggested that the Embassy and the Department might
exchange ideas on practical measures that might be taken to
further Japan's admission. Mr Forsyth would be the appropriate
person to approach.