Teleprinter message [MELBOURNE], 7 January 1946

MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET

Your message of 2nd January, regarding the bringing of Australian
Mandated Territory under the trusteeship provisions of the United
Nations organisation. [1] Following views on this matter have been
expressed by Defence Committee:-

(a) On the assumption that we intend to retain in New Guinea bases
and defences in contravention of the terms of the Mandate [2], the
placing of the territory of New Guinea under trusteeship offers no
advantage from the Defence point of view: but on the contrary, may
produce the very great disadvantage of making a Defence area
subject to inspection by representatives of potential enemies. [3]

(b) On the other hand, if the terms of the Mandate are to be
adhered to, it is a distinct advantage from the defence point of
view that Australian Mandated territory should be placed under
trusteeship. In this event, it will be possible for strategic
areas in the territory to be designated by the Commonwealth under
Article 82 of the United Nations Charter and hence for military
installations to be maintained therein. [4]

(c) If, from a political point of view, it be considered desirable
to place New Guinea under trusteeship, the question of declaring
any strategic area should be deferred pending consultation with
other nations of the British Commonwealth.

(d) The question of drawing up defence provisions for inclusion in
the Trusteeship Agreement should be deferred at this stage, and
the United Kingdom be requested to supply, for our consideration,
the views of the United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff on the defence
provisions which it is proposed to make in respect to United
Kingdom trust territories.

(e) With respect to Nauru, which is mandated jointly to the United
Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand [5], it is not considered that
there is any defence question which would affect the placing of
this island under the trusteeship system.

2. On account of urgency, the Defence Committee's views are
submitted in advance of their consideration by the Acting Minister
for Defence.