SURRENDER TALKS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 200, 24 August 1945, Page 5

SURRENDER TALKS

DESIRE Amazing Canberra Report Denied In Britain N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 11 a.m. LONDON, Aug. 23. The Dominions Secretary, Lord Addison, made the following statement: — "My attention has been called to reports received through Australian Press channels that the British Government had not supported Australia's desire to be represented in the Japanese surrender and armistice negotiations. Arrangements for these matters are in the hands of the United States Government, but any suggestion that the British Government did not fully support Australia's request with the United States is totally unfounded. The British Government, on the contrary, took the initiative in pressing for Australia's representation."

LONDON, Aug. 23

An earlier message from Canberra stated that behind yesterday's announcement that Australia would be a signatory to the instrument of surrender by Japan lies an amazing story which may have repercussions within the British Commonwealth. Reply From Washington It was reported that when the Commonwealth first intimated to London that it desired that Australia should be represented; the British Government intimated that the request could not be granted. Australia sought a reason for this and the Government was given to understand that the United States had offered objections. Representations were immediately made to Washington, and a surprising reply .came back that not only had the United States Government no objection, but, on the contrary, offered strong support of Australia's claim to representation. When this disclosure was brought under the notice of the British Government all objections were withdrawn. There was considerable perturbation in political circles in Canberra at the attitude displayed by the British Government in this matter. Labour members were somewhat dismayed that the Labour Government in' England should be so offhanded about Australia's claims. They were astonished that an effort should have been made to fob Australia off with the excuse that the United States objected. This was obviously false and Australian Government circles wondered who was responsible for it.