740.00119 PW/8–2245: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Australia (Minter)
87. With reference to Evatt’s note quoted in your 127 of August 22, 10 am and memorandum summarized by you and complete text furnished by the Australian Legation here, you are requested to reply orally in the following sense to the four questions on which the Australian Government asks our concurrence and support:
- 1.
- When the Australian Government was requested to notify to General MacArthur the name of its representative to be present at the signing at the main act of surrender, arrangements were made for him to sign the note of surrender.
- 2.
- Arrangements with regard to the occupation forces for Japan have not as yet been completed and will not be finally decided upon until military operations connected with receiving the surrender are completed.
- 3.
- Matters regarding Control for Japan have not yet been decided.
- 4.
- Matters coming before the Council of Foreign Ministers in London other than those determined at the Berlin Conference must be agreed to by all five Governments represented on the Council.
Should Evatt desire a written reply, you should include an appropriate paragraph expressing our full appreciation of Australia’s great contribution toward winning the war and our firm intention to give careful and friendly consideration to the issues raised.