PEACE TERMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 29 August 1945, Page 5

PEACE TERMS

DISCUSSIONS NEXT MONTH COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVE m Canberra, Aug. 28. Australia will participate in the line-up of the great Allied Powers in discussions of peace terms lor Europe and the Pacific next month. The Minister of External Affairs, Dr Evatt, to-day was designated by the Prime Minister, Mr Chifley, to represent Australia at the discussions which will take the form of a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers set up by the Potsdam conference. This council was then established with the function of considering preparations for and the actual terms of peace primarily in Europe, but now also in the Pacific. Mr Chifley said the countries at present represented on the council were Britain, United States. Russia, China and France. Australia had now won its second big diplomatic battle in the week. The first was recognition of its right to be present when Japau signed ‘he instruments of surrender. Mr Chifley disclosed that the British Prime Minister invited him to nominate a special representative able to speak with authority on behalf of the Government. “It is the firm policy of the Australian Government that in view of the maximum war effort of this country and its close vital interest in a just and lasting peace, which is the basis of world security, Australia is entitled to be regarded as a party principal in working out the terms of peace.” SUCCESSOR TO MR BRUCE The Defence Minister, Mr Beasley, will go to London as Resident Minister for a short period. He will replace Mr Bruce, whose extended term as Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom will expire in October. An important aspect of the new appointment f§ the fact that Australia’s diplomatic representation in • London has been raised to ministerial level. Mr Beasley will probably proceed to London in December and between the time Mr Bruce’s term expires and Mr Beasley’s arrival in London the duties of High Commissioner will be performed by Dr Evatt, who will be in London for a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers.