PM Transcripts

P2. ESS STATEIiIT NO. 42
23 January 1973
TRIBUTE TO FORiME P2ESIDEiT LYTDON B. JOHNSON
Lyndon Johnson will be remembered as one of the great
reforming Presidents of the United States. Nothing should be
allowed to diminish the memory of this achievement.
He came to office in the most difficult and tragic
circumstances and assumed his great responsibilities with
valour and distinction. HIe went on to secure, in the Presidential
election in 1964, the greatest popular mandate in the history
of the Republic. Under his Administration, the 90th Congress
was among the most active in his country's history, with a
record of achievement and innovation in social and welfare
legislation unmatched in our generation.
President Johnson involved his country more deeply in
the Vietnam var than any other President. He was, in a real
sense, a victim of this disastrous conflict. Yet no one would
have welcomed more warmly the present steps towards a peaceful
settlenmt. Australians have vivid and cordial memories of his
visits to Australia in 1942, in October 1966, and in December
1967. He was the only American President to have visited this
country while in office. His presence at the memorial service
for the late Harold Holt was a signal demonstration of his
affection for the Australian people and his own high estimation
of the value of the Australian-American alliance.
On behalf of the Lustralian Government, I extend to his
family and to the American people our profound sympathy in the
loss they have sustained.
CA1IBE1RA. A. C. T.