CANBERRA TALKS ON PROBLEMS IN THE FAR EAST

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 November 1949, Page 5

CANBERRA TALKS ON PROBLEMS IN THE FAR EAST

CANBERRA, Nov. 11.—“ Talks between officials of the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia have been completed,” said Dr. H. V. Eva’tt, chairman of the conference on the Far East, today. “As the discussions have been primarily on an official level no Government commitments of any kind have been entered into. , “The main problem discussed related to the desirability of expediting consideration of a treaty in relation to Japan. Australia was strongly opposed to any procedure which would preclude Australia from being regarded as a party principal in all matters arising from the war with Japan. „ ... , “It is possible that the British Commonwealth conference between Foreign Ministers which was proposed by Australia last year will take place in Ceylon early in the new year.” . Dr. Evatt said that recognition of the Communist Government in China was discussed without any suggestion of commitment. Australia agreed with the principles laid down by the United States Secretary of State (Mr Dean Acheson). It would be desirable to co-ordinate British Commonwealth policy. The meeting, which began yesterday was given full reports on the recent discussions in Singapore between the United Kingdom repressentatives in South East Asia, and it also discussed matters of mutual concern to the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia, including the situation in Japan, China, Malaya, Burma, Indonesia and South-east Asia generally.