PM Transcripts

VISIT TO THE U. S. 1968
SAN FRANCISCO
ARRIVAL PRESS CONFERENCE AT AIRPORT
GIVEN BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR. JOHN GORTON MAY 1968
Q. Mr. Prime Minister, could you tell us what you hope to accomplish on
this visit?
PM. Yes. I hope to have a much better understanding of the thinking of the
President, of the Administration, of the officials concerned with policy
making, and if the primaries permit, which is always pretty doubtful,
of the thinking of other possible candidates.
Q. Will you be discussing the F -Ill and its higher price?
PM. I won't be. No.
Q. What about trade controls and the restrictions?
PM. Well, trade is down for discussion.
Q. How about specifically the Australian Government commitment to Vietnam?
PM. Well, I don't think it's down for discussion.
Q. Do you anticipate discussing it?
PM. Well no, we've got our commitment there and it's not bad.
Q. Will Australia have somebody in Paris watching the exploratory peace talks?
PM. Yes, we've got a man from External Affairs there who is liaising with
WGovernor Harriman. Well, it used to be Governor once'ac~ overftor..
al~ ays~ a . G.( vekmor, eh?
Interjection: And once a Senator, always a Senator?
PM. Except when you become a Prime Minister:' We've got our Ambassador
here expressing our own views to the people at various levels of the
State Department and Mr. Anderson's in Paris, keeping in close touch
with the negotiators over there.
Q. In view of the withdrawal of the British Government from South East Asia
earlier than was expected, will you be discussing Australia's new role in
South East Asia?
PM. Somebody might bring it up.
Q. Such as a naval base outside of Fremantle?
PM. You're getting so specific:'