PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS 11CX.
-WORLD COURTI JITDGIhZNT
Comment by the Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Holt
I deplore and condemn the attacks reportedly made on
Australia by named African spokesmen arising from the recent
World Court judgnent.
The fact that they were made while the United Nations
Trusteeship Council was conmiending Australia for the general
econoic progress it has promoted in New Guinea underlines
their lack of justification.
The criticisms against Sir Percy Spender are also
deplorable and unwarranted. Sir Percy's long and distinguished
career in law, politics and diplomacy has been marked by a
progressive liberalism of mind and a warmth of humanity. He
pioneered the Colombo Plan at one time it was called the
Spender Plan under which billions of dollars have been
provided for aid and technical assistance in Asia. The U. S. A.
alone has contributed more than Kl5 billion.
Whatever view is taken of Sir Percy's decision, his
would have been an honest judgment made in good faith.
IJILBOUM1 23rd July, 1966.