AUSTRALIA TO SIGN

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 278, 23 August 1945, Page 7

AUSTRALIA TO SIGN

Strong Stand Made

(Received August 22, 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 22.

. Representatives of Australia’s fighting services will sign the instrument of surrender in Tokio. This news which was announced today is regarded as a triumph for Australia's claim to be fully consulted in Pacific affairsThe Australian delegates will be General Blarney (leader), Commodore J. A. Collins ami Captain R. It, Dowling (navy), Major-general Berryman (army) and Air Vice-Marshal G. Jones and Air. Vice-Marshal W. D, Bostock (air force). “This decision to include Australia follows the strong representations made by the Government concerning our rights to full participation in the surrender aud armistice arrangements with Japan,” said the Minister of Defence, Mr. Beasley. During the past few weeks, a bitter behind-the-scenes diplomatic struggle has been going on between the Australian and British Governments, says the Canberra correspondent of the Sydney “Sun.” Australita's complaint was that Australia, the upholder of the Empire in the Pacific, was being relegated to the position of a dependency. Australia believed that as the solitary white race in the Pacific surrounded by nations of other origins, it had a vital interest in the Pacific. The preservation of a Japan with a code that viewed peace ns a breathing space before another war might spell doom to Australia and Australia contended that, its future was too inextricably linked with what action was being taken for it to be indifferent. Australia found that Britain did not fight to get Australia represented throughout the surrender and armistice negotiations. The Australian viewpoint was that Britain by this attitude was relegating it to the position of a fourth-rate Power, so Australia asked America to use its influence to get Australia representation at the surernder. Clash of Viewpoints. On the military side also, there was conflict between the Australian and British viewpoints, continues the correspondent. Britain wanted only one Australian brigade to go to Japan as part of the British Empire force', but Australia decided to send two brigades. This meant that it would be able to play a more important part in the policing of Japan, which in turn would have a psychological effect on the Japanese approach to Australia’s importance. Australia also rejected a suggestion that the Australian force should operate under a British commander and insisted on its own commanders, subject only to direction from the Supreme Allied Commander, General MacArthur.

Commenting on Australia's surrender arrangements. Mr. Beasley said that Australia would sign in Tokio in the same way as the four principal Bowers, the United States, Great Britain, Russia and China. "The decision,” he said, "follows strong representations made by the Government concerning our rights to full participation in the surrender anil armistice arrangements with Japan. In reply to those representations, the United States Government referred to the ‘outstanding part Australia played iu the war against Japan.’ ”

ATOMIC BOMB THREAT Answer To Trickery By Japanese LONDON, August 21. The Allied Comnmnders-in-C'liief in the Pacific have received orders to act immediately, and if necessary use the atomic bomb again in the event of a breakdown iu the armistice discussions with Japan, says the "Daily Mail’s" political correspondent. The Japanese must be compelled to make complete surrender by every means at. the Allies’ command.