HC Deb 24 February 1947 vol 433 cc1693-4
79. Mr. John Paton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the machinery by which policy is discussed and directives issued to Mr. McMahon Ball, the British Commonwealth representative on the Allied Council for Japan.

The Under-Secretary at State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)

Instructions are issued to Mr. Ball on behalf of the Governments which he represents by the Australian Minister for External Affairs, who is responsible for co-ordinating their views. Mr. Ball also maintains consultation with persons designated by the Governments which he represents to act as his advisers in Tokyo. A member of the United Kingdom Liaison Mission acts as the United Kingdom adviser to Mr. Ball, and through this channel the latter is kept aware of His Majesty's Government's general policy on questions of the kind which come before the Council.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Minister satisfied that the machinery now working is satisfactory to British interests?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir.