PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: P. M. No. 16/ 1966
BRITISH DEFENCE REVIEW
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Holt
I am pleased to see the affirmation in the White
Paper of the British Government's belief that Britain should
continue to maintain considerable strength in the Far East and
South East Asia. In particular, I welcome its recognition of the
importance of the retention of the Singapore and Malaysian
military bases. The Australian Government believes that preservation
of the defence situation in the South East Asian area requires
common effort. Consultations will continue on various matters
related to our mutual co-operation, including the exchange of
information at military level on the question of military
facilities in Australia in certain contingencies.
To a very large degree, the principles relating
to this area given explanation in the Wdhite Paper were discussed
and taken into account at the time of the visit of Mr. Healey,
the British Defence Minister.
CANBERRA, 23rd February, 1966.