VISIT TO T~ HE UNITED STATES
AND TFF UNITED KIN'GDOM11 1971.
SAN FRANCISCO
PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY THE AUSTRALIAN PRIME
MINISTER, MR W1ILLIAM 71c. 4AHON, ON ARRIVAL
27 OCTOBER 1971.
Q Would you comment on the events in the U. N concerning
admi:: sion of Mainland China?
p;: Yes I would. Our objectives -the combined objectives of
Australia, the United States and Japan were to ensure that the
People's Republic of China became a member of the United Nations
and held the permanent seat on the Security Council, But if we
also belie'-e in the principles of the United Nations and we know
that the Government in Taiwan is in effective control of that
country and represents fourteen and a half million people, including
twelve million Taiwanese, we wanted them to remain a
member. The U. S. and ourselves have cooperated at least over
the last eighteen months to come to a common conclusion about
what should be done and to work out the tactics. At one time
I thought there was every prospect of being successful, but
after the procedural resolution was agreed to, and by a small
majority we failed in the Important Question resolution, it
then became only a question of time before the People's Republic
was admitted and the Taiwan Government was omitted from the
United Nations that is expelled. We think it is bad luck
because we think it w,. ould have been a greater contribution to
world peace if both countries had remained and been able to
play their part in a peaceful solution of the world's problems
but now it has occurred we have to live with it and we have to
do all we can, whether it be the gre~ at countries or the more
moderately sized countries like ourselves, in order to ensure
that China, that is the People's Republic of China, does play
its part in making a contribution to peace in the Asian area,
particularly that part of the Asian area in which we live.
Q What future do you envision for the Taiwan Government
in the world / 2
02.
PM Well, Taiwan will decide its own future and the course of
action that it will take in world affairs. I don't think it will
make a dramatic difference but so much will depend upon the thinking
of the Chiang Kai-shek Government, but of course trade will
continue between Taiwan and other countries and it is difficult
at this moment for anyone to make a precise analysis or a precise
forecast of the likely course of action in diplomatic relationships.
We haven't in Austral~ a yet considered the question of diplomatic
representation, but we have as a corollary to that, we are having
discussions, preliminary discussions, with the People's Republic of
China to davelop more healthy bilateral relationships between our
two countries.
Q Were you surprised at the outcome of the vote
PM Not surprised. Not being a bet%_~ man, I didn't have a bet
on it. But I thought of the figures and I felt there would be two
or three votes in it that is the Lziportant Question and no more,
and that's how it turned out. If two or three people had changed
their votes, of course, the Important Question would have been
passed and that would have required a two thirds majority to expel
Taiwan. But once the Important QOuestion was lost, then you could
expect a lot of countries would jump on the bandwagon and they did.
And although we had fallback positions, there was little hope of a
fallback position succeeding. People did jump on the bandwagon,
there were a lot I can assure you who disappointed us, even on the
vote of the Jnportant Cxestion, because their best interests would
have been served by voting in favour of the . Important Question and
the retention of the position of Taiwan. But having said all that,
it is up to us now, and all those who believe in peace, particularly
those who live in the Western Pacific area, to do our best and to
try to draw China into the comity of nations and to try to harness
the great power and influence of China in the interests of peace.
Q What effect, if any, does this have on Australia
PM Not a great deal of effect on us, but now we will be watching
very carefully to see what action the People's Republic of
China will take about our initiatives initiatives taken by the
Australian Government to continue the dialogue and impro-9 op7;
relations with them. WNe have already commenced in several countries
and there have been contacts about not so much trade relationships,
but improving trade contatts. We hope to be able to hoar
from the People's Republic soon about these. But might I make our
position clear I think this i. s wise Wc have no restrictions
on trade with them other than in strategic goods. We let our
people go there freely. There are no restrictions placed upon our
own people. We give them their passports and all they have to do
is get a visa from the People's Republic. We wvelcome and encourage
movement of cultural and scientific people. So there are very few
restrictions. But nonetheless we will move steadily to improving
our relationships. Much remains in their hands and, as you know,
they don't move very quickly.