PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: PM. No. 3/ 96
CABINET DISCUSSIONS WITH MR. BOWDEN
The Australian Cabinet today held discussions with the Secretary
of State for Commonwealth Affairs, Mr. Bowden, on a wide range of
current topics. Among the items discussed were the Kennedy Round, British
moves towards entry into the Common Market, British Defei ce policy, Viet
Nam and Rhodesia. In introducing Mr. Bowden to Cabinet, Mr. Holt explained that
the meeting offered an opportunity for the Australian Cabinet to hear first
hand the views of the British Government on the current issues of concern
to both of them. The meeting did not have as its purpose negotiation on
any mattet. The Australian Ministers were particularly interested in the
background of Britain ' s present moves towards Europe and Mr. Wilson's
recent efforts to help with negotiations on Viet Nam. It was agreed that
the two Governments would continue to keep in the closest contact ai these
questions. Recent developments on the Rhodesian problem were also
discussed in detail, and the Prime Minister noted that Mr. Bowden was
specially qualified in this question. Although the position of the Australian
Government remained that it continued to regard Rhodesia as a matter
primarily for the British Government, the matter held vital implications for
the Commonwealth, and a continuing exchange of views was essential to
help in resolving the issue.
The Australian Government expressed appreciation to Mr. Bowden
for the continuing British military presence in South East Asia. Australia,
New Zealand and British collaboration had been an important element in
bringing stability to this area. A history of effort going back to the days of
the Communist insurgency in Malaya had produced working arrangements
which made the Commonwealth effort an integral part of the defence of the
region. Arrangements for the Australian feasibility study in respect of
Cockburn Sound Naval Support Facility are proceeding and will take into
account possible British use of the facilities in certain contingencies.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Holt, expressed appreciation for
Mr. Bowden's visit stating that, while it was customary for a Secretary of
State for Commonwealth Affairs to visit Commonwealth countries, it was
a matter of considerable importance to us that Mr. Bowden, with his close
knowledge of Commonwealth problems and grasp of international issues of
special significance for Australia should visit us at this time when issues
of such moment were before both Governments.
CANBERRA, 22nd February, 1967.