740.00119 Control (Japan)/11–1245
The Australian Minister (Eggleston) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honour to refer to my note of October 20th, 1945, conveying proposals of four Governments of the British Commonwealth of Nations (the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and India) in relation to the use of British Commonwealth Occupation Forces in Japan.
Subsequently, on October 27th, the Australian Minister of External Affairs handed to you a copy of the letter of October 20th.
I am instructed to refer you also to the statement of the Government of the United States made public by the President on September 22nd and dealing with the United States Initial Post-Surrender Policy of Japan,21 in which it is stated that “participation of the forces of other nations that have taken a leading part in the war against Japan will be welcomed and expected. The occupation forces will be under the command of a Supreme Commander designated by the United States”.
[Page 849]The four Governments concerned attach the greatest importance to an early decision providing for the carrying out of these proposals.
I am instructed to enquire as a matter of urgency whether the Government of the United States is yet able to signify its approval of the proposals of the four British Governments.
I have [etc.]
- SWNCC 150/4/A, September 21; for text, see Department of State Bulletin, September 23, 1945, p. 423.↩