Commerce propose establish trade representation Ceylon. In view of
(a) extension local legislative autonomy recommended by Soulbury
Commission [1] which will probably be followed by Dominion status
and,
(b) the strong separationist movement in Ceylon.
I feel that Australian Government should be represented by
Commissioner as for Malaya.
Understand Ceylon Government would appreciate such a move.
McCarthy agrees and I would like your approval to joint submission
from Minister, Commerce and Acting Minister, External Affairs to
Cabinet seeking authority establishment representation on this
basis. [2]
1 A Royal Commission, chaired by Lord Soulbury (H. Ramsbotham),
appointed in July 1944 to fulfil a 1943 promise to establish full
responsible government in Ceylon after the war. Its report,
published 9 October 1945, recommended self-government on the
British model as a step to full Dominion status, and formed the
basis of a constitution accepted late in 1945 by the State Council
of Ceylon.
2 On 4 June Cabinet approved expansion of the Trade Commissioner
Service, including appointment of a 'joint commissioner with
External Affairs' to Ceylon. No such appointment was made,
however, before 19 December when Cabinet decided to appoint a
separate political representative, noting the likelihood of Ceylon
increasing in strategic importance and a need for separate
commercial representation in view of Ceylon's significance as a
market. C. W. Frost took up appointment as Australian Commissioner
in 1947.
