A—ll

In spite of the very real defects from which the Commission suffers the New Zealand Government from the first welcomed its establishment as giving some practical recognition to the right of the active belligerents to take an effective part on the highest organ of control for Japan. On the Far Eastern Commission, as on the Far Eastern Advisory Commission which it superseded, New Zealand has been continuously represented. The problems which have confronted the Commission have been weighty and varied, and regular attendance at the meetings of the Commission itself and of its eight Committees has imposed heavy duties on Sir Carl Berendsen (chief delegate), Mr. G. R. Powles (alternate), and other members of the Washington Legation. Sir Carl Berendsen has had the added responsibility of serving as Chairman of the Steering Committee. The work of the Commission extends over most of the field covered in the Potsdam Declaration, and, in particular, it has been necessary to study the problem of Japanese disarmament, both military and economic, and the related problems of constitutional reform and the strengthening of democratic tendencies in Japan. Important decisions by the Commission established criteria for adoption of the new Japanese Constitution and required its eventual review. Further decisions have dealt with reparation and restitution questions, with food-supplies, with the establishment of an Inter-Allied Trade Board, and with principles for Japanese education and for Japanese trade-unions. In all, over thirty statements of policy passed by the Commission and incorporated in directives to the Supreme Commander represent a genuine, if modest, accomplishment. At meetings of the Commission (which are held in private) the New Zealand delegates have on all issues borne steadily in mind the special interest of New Zealand in Pacific security. They have also championed those principles of democracy which the New Zealand Government consider fundamental to the future peaceful development of Japan. Where there has been a tendency for decisions to be made outside the Commission they have defended its jurisdiction and devoted their efforts to increasing its efficiency and expediting its business. On matters on which there has been a difference of opinion between the major powers they have sometimes been able to assist with suggestions whereby the gap might be bridged. On certain major politioal issues they have sometimes been able to make a substantial contribution. 3. Allied Council for Japan On the Allied Council, which advises General Mac Arthur on the implementation of Allied policy, Mr. Macmahon Ball acts as the joint representative of the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and New Zealand. Owing to personnel difficulties it has not been found possible to attach a New Zealand adviser to Mr. Macmahon Ball, who has represented British Commonwealth interests with conspicuous ability. His reports are received through the Australian Ministry of External Affairs, and instructions to him are transmitted through the same channel. 4. Japanese Affairs generally Outside the Far Eastern Commission and the Allied Council there have been other developments in Japanese affairs which from time to time have required special attention. The Department has been concerned with broad questions of policy concerning the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. It has also been responsible for arrangements connected with the appointment of Mr. Justice Northcroft as the New Zealand representative on the International Military Tribunal for the Far East and of Brigadier R. H. Quilliam as New Zealand Prosecutor. In August, 1946, when it was reported that a Japanese whaling expedition would be sent to the Antarctic, the New Zealand Government felt obliged to make representations in Washington against the Japanese being given permission to resume Antarctic whaling. As a result, an assurance was obtained that the proposed expedition, which was of an emergency character, would be completely under Allied control, and that no

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