PM Transcripts

PRESS STATEMENT No. 66
27 March, 1973
THE PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO LONDON
The Prime Minister announced today details of a
forthcoming visit to London.
He said that it had been a matter of priority in his
mind that he should make a visit to London as soon as
reasonably possible. Its purposes would be, as Prime Minister,
to meet the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr Heath, and also very
importantly, as Prime Minister, to call on the Queen.
For both purposes he felt that he should make the visit
to London before August that is before the Prime Minister's
Conference in Ottawa, especially as Her Majesty also will be
present in Ottawa at that time.
The Parliamentary break at Easter presented a suitable
opportunity. The Prime Minister said he had beer! in touch with the
Australian High Commissioner in London, who was able to tell
him that a visit at that time would be suitable and in addition
Her Majesty would wish Mrs. Whitlam and him to stay with her
at Windsor on the night of Friday,
It happens that Saturday, 21st, is the Queen's birthday.
The Prime Minister is already committed to be in Apia
for the South Pacific Forum just prior to Easter. He will
need to leave Apia on Wednesday, 18 April, which is the day
befo're the conference ends. This has been explained to the
Prime Minister of Western Samoa and other Heads of Government
and Senator Willesee will take over from the Prime Minister
on the final day.
CANBERRA, A. C. T.