A—ll

3. Relations with British South Pacific Administrations The Department has continued its task of ensuring that New Zealand's close relations with Fiji and the territories under the jurisdiction of the Western Pacific High Commission are maintained and strengthened. Requests for information and assistance, which cover a wide area of Government activity, are conveyed through the Department in order that the progress of the action which is required in each case may be kept under constant review. In fulfilment of the Government's policy that all possible assistance should be given to the Islands Administrations in the Pacific which are so isolated from the United Kingdom, officers from New Zealand Departments are seconded, upon the Fiji Government's request, for advisory duties with Government Departments in Fiji. 4. South Pacific Bases In discussion with representatives of the British Commonwealth and of the United States it has been made clear by Ministers that New Zealand policy with regard to Pacific bases is opposed to the transfer of sovereignty over any British Island in the Pacific, but that, on the other hand, the New Zealand Government are very willing to co-operate with the United States of America and with the other nations directly concerned by making mutual defence arrangements within the framework of the United Nations. 5. Japanese Mandated Islands The transfer of the Japanese Mandated Islands to the administration of the United States under a strategic area trusteeship agreement is recorded under the section dealing with the Far East. THE FAR EAST 1. General As an aftermath of the Pacific war there have been far-reaching political developments in China, in India, and throughout the whole of South-east Asia. Although New Zealand has no diplomatic posts in Asia, endeavour has been made to follow closely the course of events and to protect the interests of New Zealanders in this increasingly important area. The relationship of New Zealand to the Asiatic countries has called for re-appraisal as a result of the abolition of extraterritoriality in China, the termination of the war with Siam, the emergence of the Philippines as an independent republic, and the progress towards self-government of India and the countries of South-east Asia. To Japan, the chief threat to New Zealand's physical security, it has been necessary to devote particularly close attention. 2. Far Eastern Commission The principal organ through which New Zealand has been able to make her voice heard on Japanese affairs has been the Far Eastern Commission. This Commission was established as a result of an agreement reached by the Council of Foreign Ministers in December, 1945, and held its first meeting in Washington on 26th February, 1946. Representing the eleven nations who were principally involved in the war against Japan, it is the authority for the formulation of policy in conformity with which Japan is required to fulfil her obligations under the terms of surrender. Theoretically, its competence over policy is unlimited, except that it is precluded from making recommendations on territorial adjustments or the conduct of military operations ; practically a voting procedure which allows veto powers to the Big Four has proved a serious and sometimes crippling limitation on its authority. In the absence of a decision by the Commission, the policy of the United States prevails.

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