Britain Took Lead In Obtaining Place For Australia

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1945, Page 7

Britain Took Lead In Obtaining Place For Australia

(Rec. 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 23. The Dominions’ Secretary (Addison) has made the following statement: "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 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.” Resentment in Canberra. 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. 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 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 When this disclosure was brought under the notice of the British Government all objections were withdrawn.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 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 off-handed about Australia’s claims. They are 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.