SECOND ViSiT TO US 1969
WASI-i* NPGTON
EXCHANGE OF REMARKS BETWEEN PRESIDENT NIXON
AND PRIME MINISTER GORTON UPON THE PRIME
MINISTER'S DEPARTURE 7 MAY 1969
PRESIDENT NIXON: Mr Prime Minister, as you leave the White House
and you are not leaving the country yet, because we hope you will stay
here for a few more days I want you to know how grateful I am for your
returning to the United States after having been here at the time of
President Eisenhower' s funeral, and for giving us the opportunity to have
a very full discussion of the major issues that are not really between us
so much as they involve our common interest for peace and security in the
Pacific area. This talk has been most helpful, as far as I am
concerned, and as far as the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence
are concerned. We have opened a line of communication which will be
used very extensively in the months and years ahead in pursuing our mutual
purposes and goals in the world.
I want to say, finally, that as one who has been to your
country on two occasions, I hope to visit there again. And, like all
Americans, I have a very deep personal feeling, respect, for your country,
for your people and for the leadership that you have provided for your
people. We are very proud to have been your ally and friend in
great struggles in the past and to be your ally and friend as we deal with the
probi ens of the future.
PRIME MINISTER GORTON
Thank you very much, Mr President.
I feel that the written statement which you have made,
and which was agreed between us, gives a clear indication of those matters
of common concern which we were able to discuss in such depth. 2
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I think that we have reached an arrangement for close,
constant consultation between our two selves on matters which might
arise in the future and that this will be a great advantage to both of our
countries. I can only express gratitude to you for the hospitality
that you have extended, for the complete openness of your talks with me,
and a belief that not only the talks but the underlining of the importance
of the ANZUS Treaty to both of our countries which was evolved from the
talks are of considerable significance to Australia and to Australia's
future and I believe that that, in turn, is of some significance to the
United States and to the nations of the Free World as a whole.
Thank you.