FOR PRESS
PM. No. 134/ 1967
PRAISE FOR AUSTRALIA'S SATELLITE
Congratulatory messages received in Canberra this week, including one from President Johnson, have highlighted the international recognition which Australia has achieved with the launching of its first satellite WRESAT.
Following are texts of messages from President Johnson, the American Vice President and Chairman of the National Aeronautics and Space Council (Mr Hubert H. Humphrey) and the US Secretary of Defense (Mr Robert McNamara:-
President Johnson
"I was delighted to learn that you have added a satellite launching to the growing list of Australia's firsts. Its promise shines as brightly as the Southern Cross.
The nations that have known such a triumph welcome you to their brave company. The peoples of the earth celebrate your achievement as another milestone in man's great journey to the limits of the cosmos. We are proud to go with you in peace and hope.
Sincerely,
Lyndon B. Johnson."
Vice-President Humphrey
"Word that your scientific spacecraft is performing successfully in orb it is a source of satisfaction to all. Congratulations and welcome to the space club.
Mr Robert McNamara
"The Advanced Research Projects Agency sends its wholehearted congratulations to Australia on the successful orbiting of its first spacecraft, WRESAT-1. ARPA is proud to have been of assistance in this impressive venture. It is fitting that Australia's entry into the space community should be aboard a Redstone rocket which also boosted the Initial US satellite into space. We are awaiting with interest the results of the scientific experiments carried aboard your spacecraft."
CANBERRA,
8 December, 1967