PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER'S-PREJS ReLEASE
PRIME MINISTER'S MISAC-E TO TIIE PEOPLE OF DARWIN
The following is the text of a message
sent from London by the Prime Minister to Mr J. H. Nelson,
Administrator of the Northern Territory, Darwin, and to
Mr HI. Brennan, Mayor of Darwin:
" I am horrified by the appalling loss of life
and the destruction that have befallen Darwin on Christmas
day. The only city on Australian soil to suffer
ex: tensive , daiiage froL,. enemy action in -, ar is now the ocene
of one of our worst natural disasters.
I am in touch with my Ministers and officials
concerning relief measures and have directed that notling
be spared to bring aid to the homeless and afflicted.
The full resources of the new disaster relief
organisation which the government established this year
will be at the disposal of the local authorities and people
of Darwin. Do not hesitate to request whatever assistance
may be needed. On behalf of the government I pledge a detc-rined
and unrem itting effort to rebuild your city and relieve
suffering. Please convey to the people of Darwin my own profound
sense of shock . at this grievous and unseasonal calamity, and
my heartfelt personal sympathy to all the victims.
E. G. Whitlam."
26 December 1974