Note [MELBOURNE], 26 March 1946

POST-WAR DEFENCE POLICY

Post-War Defence Policy falls into two main divisions-the interim
and the ultimate strength and organisation of the Forces.

The interim position is mainly governed by our immediate
commitments in the shape of the British Commonwealth Occupation
Force for Japan and the garrisons for the islands under our
control. The strength of the garrisons in the islands will be
determined by the shipping available for the repatriation of
Japanese prisoners, and the strength on the mainland will be
influenced by the administrative and maintenance requirements of
the Forces in Japan and the islands, and the ultimate strength to
be maintained under future Post-War Policy.

The ultimate strength and organisation has to be determined in the
light of the strategical position of Australia in the post-war
world. It has to be related to our commitments under the World
Security Organisation, to our part in Co-operation in Empire
Defence, and to the basic organisation and resources that should
be maintained by Australia. These include munitions, aircraft and
naval shipbuilding capacity, supported by manufacturing resources
and supplies of raw materials which permit of the expansion of our
war effort to the maximum of our capacity in an emergency.

Pervasive of the whole question of Post-War Defence Policy is the
impact of scientific development on the types of weapons and
armament for the various Services, their efficacy, and the effects
on future methods of warfare and organisation for it.

As recently announced, the Government is setting up a Scientific
Advisory Committee in the Higher Defence Machinery and is being
represented by a strong delegation at the Empire Defence Science
Conference to be held in London about the middle of the year. As
also announced, the Government has approved of proposals relating
to Empire Co-operation in the exchange of personnel and
information on matters of research, design and development of
munitions. All these steps should lead to the conclusion of
arrangements whereby Australia will be kept abreast of scientific
developments, including atomic energy, and be able to play an
appropriate part in the solution of the problems relating to their
application to defence. In the opinion of the Government's
Advisers, the attainment of this stage is an essential preliminary
to the determination of Post-War Policy. They are giving
continuous study to this vital matter and will submit their views
for the Government's consideration as soon as they are in a
position to do so.