PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: PM. No. 41/ 1968
PRESIDENT JOHNSON'S STATEMENT
Comment by the Prime Minister, Mr John Gorton
The statement re-emphasises two important
aspects of the approach of the United States.
One is that the United States is firmly resolved
to continue the military struggle to the point where it becomes
recognised that talks designed to secure a just and lasting peace
must take place. The other Is that the United States Is prepared
now, as it has been prepared in the past, to enter into such talks
at once, and is prepared to make concessions In an effort to bring
about such talks. The Australian Government has repeatedly
Indicated that it would support peace negotiations provided they
held promise of leading to a just and lasting peace which effectively
safeguards the security and freedom of choice of the people of South
Viet Nam. The Australian Government regards this initiative
by the American President as a further and significant exhibition
of willingness on the part of the United States of America to engage
in taflks aimed at that end.
The halting of bombing over most of North Vt Let
Nam, without insistence on an indication from Hanoi of a willingness
to negotiate or of a reciprocal cessation of military build-up by
North Viet Nam, will test the willingness of Hanoi to enter Into
discussions aimed at a peaceful settlement of a genuine kind. We
must all hope that this response by Hanoi Is forthcoming quickly.
At the same time, the continuation of bombing
in the area to the north of the battlefields will continue to hamper the
flow of troops and war material from north to south and will not
leave allied troops at too great a military disadvantage.
CANB ERRA,
1 April 1968