1* 1$ K^.^- (A 1695/P1/46). M MM CKFICS, 3. .1. - 1 • •¦ 1?th March, 19*9. tar Dixon, Snclosetf is a 88l for e discussion designed to regulate the status anr' use of islands in dispute. As Commonwealth Government are aware from draft reply to this proooaal, His Majesty's Government in United Kingdom, although not excluding possibility of a discussion of the status of individual islands nt the above- mentioned four-party conference when It Mterialiaea, are resolutely oppoaed to United states solution, which assumes that ownership of such islands can be determined independently of their value aa part of a general system of sir navigation. It moreover seeras evident that attitude of Hia Majesty's Governments concerned towards question of ownerahip cannot be determined without reference to the importance of the islands concerned in connexion with plans for colonisation and defence. Ae Hia Majesty's Government in the United Klnffora view the matter, the forthcoming conference In New Zealand offers sn exceptional opportunity for co- ordinating available information concerning use of outlying Pacific islands for above- aientione* purposes anr* of foraralnting recommendations as to most practical methods of ensuring that problem of trans-Pacific navigation can be settled with r'ue regard to the various interests involved* We would therefore express the earnest hope that Commonwealth Government will withdraw their proposal to omit Item J from the a rends 9 especially as forward policy of thr United States Government has rendered consideration of this subject a matter of urgency. D.0.3a. " 4*f^ No' 3, LrS~/tC^ Subject: Reference to previous correspondence: \f With the compliments of A copy has also been sent to - shut?. (c r2> Dominions Office, Downing Street, 193 1* MAR 1959, (R6639) Wt 15568 M57 20.000(4) 7,M HASP Op filO