PM Transcripts

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-9 JUN 1967
FOR PRESS: F. M. No. 58/ 1967
MIDDLE EAST HOSTILITIES
Statement by the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. John McEwen
The outbreak of fighting in the Middle East is a tragic development.
All Australians are dismayed at the suffering and destruction that is being
brought to the people of the countries which are now in conflict. In addition
any large scale fighting in that region which upsets the precarious balance
there holds dangers of involving outside powers and endangering peace elsewhere.
The failure of the Security Council to act before hostilities began
is to be deplored. The Australian Government still hopes that the United Nations
can discharge its responsibilities and take decisions for which the Australian
and other governments can offer their full support. The Australian Permanent
Representative to the United Nations has been instructed to give all support to
this end. On 25th May, the Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Hasluck,
said: " I hope that all the Great Powers, whatever their differences on some
aspects of the present situation, will nevertheless work together to prevent
hostilities. Now that hostilities have broken out, this appeal to the Great
Powers is no less valid. In fact, the urgency is even greater.
Australia has a great concern that peace should be maintained in
the Middle East. Where our own good offices can be of use, we are ready to
be helpful. Australia looks to the Security Council to act to prevent a widening
of hostilities and to bring about an end to the present fighting.
CANBERRA, 6th June, 1967.