PM Transcripts

DISCUSSIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATS OF AMERICA
Agreed Statement issued by the Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Holt
and President Lyndon B. Johnson
During the morning the Prime Minister and senior members
of the Ministry have had discussions with President Johnson onmatters of
maj or current concern to the two countries.
It has been helpful both to the Australian Ministers and to the
President to have this opportunity to take further and in person the cort inuing
exchange of views between the two Governments on these matters.
The discussion concentrated on the problems of Asia, and
particularly the problems of Viet Nam. It was agreed that the military
position in Viet Nam was now demonstrably such that North Viet Nam could
achieve no military victory. It was, however, clearly recognised that it
would be necessary firmly to maintain the present military effort until a
satisfactory settlement could be negotiated. The fighting could only end
when it was clear that the great issues at stake had been secured.
The President expressed warm appreciation for the efforts of
the Australian forces in Viet Nam.
In the light of the improved military outlook, the prospects for
a Ipeaceful settlement in Viet Nam, and for its social and economic development,
were examined in some detail, and in preparation for the Manila Conference
due to commence on Monday, October 24. It was agreed that this conference
would hear a review of the continuing military situation and prospects but
would concentrate most of its attention to considering how conditions could best
be established and secured for the future peaceful development of Viet Nam
and of Asia generally. The longer term prospects for the future of Asia were also
considered. There was on both sides an expression of continuing concern
for the wellbeing of the nations and peoples of Asia, and an emphasis on the
urgency of bringing about conditions favourable to rapid economic and social
advancement. The return of peace to the region will provide an opportunity
to expand and improve the effectiveness of the efforts now being made to this
end. The recent efforts by Asian nations to increase their co-opera-.
tion amongst themselves in economic and political fields were reviewed. It
was agreed that these efforts by the nations of the region, to take a larger
hand in shaping their own destiny by co-operation, represented a most hopeful
and practical development which would continue to command the support of
our two governments.
CANBERRA, 21st October, 1966