Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Holt
The itinerary for the visit to Australia by President Johnson from the 20th 23rd of October has now been drawn up.
The programme, arranged by the Commonwealth Government and American authorities n consultation with the relevant States, has been approved by the White House. The variety in the itinerary will give the President and Mrs. Johnson some contact with distinctive features of the Australian scene and way of life.
In particular, I am very glad that it has been possible to devise a programme that, within the limited time available, will enable large numbers of Australians to see the President. There will be official drives through the streets of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Canberra.
An adjustment to the President's initial plans means that he will now be in Australia for an additional night, the 22nd. The original arrangement provided for departure from Australia late on the night of Saturday, 22nd October, but this has now been changed in favour of departure on Sunday morning.
When this change was made, it was contemplated that the President would spend Saturday night in Canberra and make an aircraft refuelling stop of about 45 minutes in Brisbane, but it is now provided that he will fly to Brisbane on Saturday night and leave Australia from Brisbane on Sunday morning. This will not only give the people of Brisbane a better opportunity to see the President but will give him the benefit of a longer break of journey in the flight to Manila.
The details of the Australian itinerary are as follows:-
THURSDAY, 20TH OCTOBER, 1966
6. 00 p. m. Ceremonial arrival at RAAF, Fairbairn
Proceed to Government House, arriving at 6. 50 pm.
Later Leave for Hotel Rex at Canberra arriving at about 7. 30 p. m.
Dine privately
FRIDAY, 21ST OCTOBER, 1966
10.00am. The President leaves the Hotel Rex at Canberra for wreath laying at Australian War Memorial
Later Leaves for Parliament House via Australian/ American Memorial
10.30 am. Arrives at Parliament House for call on the Prime Minister of Australia
Discussion with Ministers to follow
NOTE: During the morning, Mrs. Johnson will undertake a separate programme which is not yet final.
12. 15pm. The President and Mrs. Johnson attend a Parliamentary Luncheon at Parliament House at which the President will address invited guests
3. 00 pm. Take-off for Melbourne from RAAF Fairbairn
3. 45 pm. Arrive at Essendon Airport and drive through City of Melbourne
Later Attend a joint Commonwealth/ State Reception
7.45 pm Take-off for Canberra from Essendon Airport
8,45pm Arrive at RAAF Fairbairn and proceed to Hotel Rex at Canberra
22ND OCTOBER, 1966
Morning The President receives the Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition at the Hotel Rex at Canberra
10.30am Take-off for Sydney from RAAF Fairbairn
11.00am Arrive at Sydney Airport and drive through City of Sydney
Attend a joint Commonwealth/ State Reception and later leave for launch trip on harbour
3.00pm Take-off for Canberra from Sydney Airport
3.30pm Arrive at RAAF Fairbairn and proceed to Lanyon Station for a barbecue given by the Ambassador of the United States of America and Mrs. Clark
6.00pm Leave for RAAF Fairbairn
Arrive Ceremonial farewell
7.00pm Take-off for Brisbane
8.15pm Arrive at Brisbane Airport and proceed to Lennon's Hotel
Evening free
SUNDAY, 23RD OCTOBER, 1966.
9. 00 a m. Leave for Brisbane Airport
Arrive
10.00am Take-off for Manila
NOTE There could be some slight time changes when flying
times between cities have been rechecked.
CANBERRA, 12th October, 1966.