CANBERRA ANNOYED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 227, 24 August 1945, Page 5

CANBERRA ANNOYED

SIGNING OF SURRENDER. UNTRUE EXCUSE ALLEGED. (N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright.) (Rec. 10 a.m.) CANBERRA, Aug. 24 Behind the announcement that Australia would he a signatory to the instrument of surrender by Japan lies an amazing story which may have repercussions within the British Commonwealth. '

It is 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 the reason for this, and the Government was given to understand that the United Slates had offered objections.

Representations were immediately made to Washington, and the surprising reply came hack that not only had the United States Government no objection hut, 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 When this disclosure was brought under the notice of the British Government all objections were withdrawn.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 is considerable. perturbation in political circles in Canberra at the attitude displayed by the British Government in this matter. Labour members are somewhat dismayed that the Labour Government in England should be so offhanded about Australia’s claims, and they arc 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 are wondering who was responsible for it.