CANBERRA TALKS ON FAR EAST ARE CONCLUDED

Grey River Argus, 12 November 1949, Page 5

CANBERRA TALKS ON FAR EAST ARE CONCLUDED

(Rec. 9.35). CANBERRA. Nov. 11. Speaking of the Far East conference being held here, Rt. Hon. Dr Evatt, Minister of External Affairs, said: “The talk's between the officials of the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia have been completed. The discussions have been primarily on an oflicial level. Therefore no Government commitments of any kind have been entered into. The main problem discussed related to the desirability of expediting the consideration of the Peace Treaty in relation to Japan. Australia, of course, is strongly opposed to any procedure which would preclude Australia from being regarded as a principal party in all matters arising from the war with Japan. It is possible that a British Commonwealth Conference, between the Foreign Ministers, which was proposed by Australia last year, will take place in Ceylon early in the New Year”.

He added that recognition of the Communist Government in Cnina was discussed without any suggestion of a commitment. Australia was in agreement with principles laid down by the United States Secretary of State. It would be desirable to coordinate the British Commonwealth policy.