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Historical documents

555 Australian Government to Addison and Fraser

Cablegrams 241, 219 CANBERRA, 3 September 1947, 2.10 p.m.

SECRET

Your 194. SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION.

French Minister here recently mentioned possibility of Noumea as
desirable site.

2. We agree that no commitment whatsoever should be given at
present stage. Matter is essentially one for discussion at first
meeting of representatives of signatory governments or
commissioners if appointed. Whole question underlines need for
early meeting with view to investigation outstanding matters
beyond competence Interim Organisation. We are investigating
situation with New Zealand authorities and will probably be
suggesting that such meeting be held in late October.

3. Prior ratification by Netherlands and French Governments is
extremely desirable. Strong representations by you on this point
would be welcome. U.S. Government has communicated this week Note
undertaking 'in the event of other participating governments
accepting the agreement establishing the South Pacific Commission
prior to 2nd January 1948 to study the means by which it might be
able to accept the agreement and participate in the Commission
subject to final Congressional approval'.

4. If ratifications not possible prior to October meeting similar
assurances might be obtained from French and Dutch regarding
intention to ratify so that long-term planning may proceed.

5. Primary consideration at the moment is to translate objectives
of the agreement into working reality. Many difficult questions
have to be solved particularly personnel matters but these
questions must be faced soon if prestige of Commission is to be
ensured and effective functioning guaranteed.


[AA : A1838, 344/4]
Last Updated: 11 September 2013
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