THE POLITICAL AND STRATEGICAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO IMPERIAL AND LOCAL DEFENCE

II. THE POLITICAL AIM IN PEACE IN THE PACIFIC REGION

A definition is sought of the political aim in peace in the
Pacific Region. The improvement of British relations with Japan
with the object of securing her permanent friendship is understood
to be the ultimate aim of British Foreign Policy. While British
defences are being strengthened, this improvement is to be secured
by a policy of accommodation, to guard against the possibility of
the British Commonwealth being faced simultaneously with the
hostility of Germany, Italy and Japan. In Europe the traditional
friendship is maintained with France, and mutual assurances of
assistance in the event of unprovoked aggression have been
exchanged between Britain and that country. The recent
Mediterranean Pact with Italy [1] is an attempt to emphasize
common interests and remove misunderstandings.

While realizing Britain's world-wide interests, particularly in
the maintenance of peace in Europe, Australia is naturally most
directly concerned in the Pacific Region, as are also Canada and
New Zealand. By reason of their membership of the British Empire,
by the Empire's close relationship and points of common interest
with Japan and China, and by the affinities of race and language
with the United States, these three Dominions are in a unique
position to fulfil a special mission of seeking to draw closer the
bonds of friendship between the Great Powers bordering the shores
of the Pacific Ocean.[2]

1 The Anglo-Italian Agreement or 'Gentlemen's Agreement' of 2
January 1937, by which the U.K. and Italy recognised that their
interests in the Mediterranean were not inconsistent with each
other, agreed to respect each other's rights and interests in the
area, and disclaimed any desire for modification of the status quo
as regards the national sovereignty of territory in the
Mediterranean.

2 For a summary of the whole paper see Document 20.

[AA : CP4/3, BUNDLE 1, ITEM R. G. CASEY 2A]