PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS P. M. No. 18/ 1966
TALKS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF THAILAND
Statement by the Prime Minister. Mr. Harold Holt
The Cabinet met this morning with the Prime Minister
of Thailand, Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, and the Foreign
Minister, Mr. Thanet Khoman, and the Minister for National
Development, Mr. Pote Sarasin.
Discussions were frank and cordial. They covered a
wide range of subjects. We are partners in the SEATO Treaty,
each having a vital concern for the stability of South-East Asia
and an intense interest and close identity of view about the
facts and the significance of the situation in South Viet Nam.
We reviewed together the discussions which we had each
had with Mr. Humphrey and Governor Harriman, and also the
discussions which the Australian Government held a little earlier
in Canberra with the British Minister of Defence, Mr. Denis
Healey. We both share a belief in the importance of the
continuance of a British presence on the mainland of Asia as a
stabilizing and moderating influence, helpful to the peace,
security and well-being of the area.
We also shared in a valuable exchange on matters
relating to the social and economic development of the countries
of South-East Asia. Vie agreed that it was important to look
beyond the immediate need to contain aggressive Communism by
military measures and that it is necessary simultaneously to
seek social and economic development of the area. In this
context we both welcomed the initiatives at the Honolulu talks
by the Governments of South Viet Nam and the United States to
build up the social and economic fabric of South Viet Nam.
In Thailand too, Australia has made substantial contributions,
which were fully acknowledged by Field Marshal Thanom, to the
development of Thailand under the SEATO Aid Plan and also under
the Colombo Plan, and will gladly continue to assist Thailand
in her efforts to maintain a sound and rapid rate of development.
Further, we each look forward to a continuation in the development
of trade between our two countries.
Our situation as friendly allies has been fortified
by the discussions which took place.
CANBEIRRA, 24th February, 1966.