FAR EASTERN COMMISSION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 58, 18 December 1945, Page 3

FAR EASTERN COMMISSION

MEETINGS TO BE HELD IN JAPAN (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Dee. 17. It was announced to-day by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) that the Far Eastern Commission, which has been in session in Washington since the end of October, will hold a series of meetings in Japan in early January. The New Zealand representative on the Commission, Mr C. A. Berendsen (New Zealand Minister in Washington) will be assisted at jthe sessions of the Commission by Lieut.-General G. It. Powles, Mr J. M. Bertram, and Mr F. H. Corner, of the Department of External Affairs. The services of Lieut. K. It. Cunningham, R.N.Z.N.V.R., at present in Japan with the British Fleet engaged in Japanese translating work, will also be available.

New Zealand was'invited to participate in the Commission by the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and China. Other members of the Commission are States which have also, actively participated in the war against Japan, and which are principally interested in the area of the Western Pacific, namely, Australia, France, Canada, the Philippines, the Netherlands and India.

The immediate task of the Commission is to formulate a policy for the control of Japan and for the fulfilment by Japan of its obligations under the instrument of surrender. Directives are issued to the supreme commander on the basis of policy decisions of the Commission. By holding sessions in Japan, and visiting various parts of the country, the Commission will be able both to review and develop its policy and to observe the effectiveness of the various directives which have already been issued.