PM Transcripts

TRANSCRIPT OF COMMENTS AT YAD VASHEM, JERUSALEM, 27 JANUARY 1987
Journalist: Your ' reactions?
PM: Well, I think--that-anyone who wants--to understand-the
commitment of the Jewish people and the creation of the State of
Israel, their commitment to ensuring that Israel will have the right
to exist, the tine to secure and recognise boundaries into the
future, only has to come to Yad Vashem to understand the depth of
that commitment and similarly, I think anyone who tries to understand
the commitment of others to the State of Israel only has to come
to Yad Vashem, that says it all better than any book or any speech.
Journalist: Mr Hawke, the Wiesenthal Institution said yesterday
something about another commitment, a commitment to finding war
criminals, and bringing them to trial, what are you doing about
this?
PM: Well, what we did in Australia when we had information
handed to my colleague Bill Hayd -en in the United States was in
fact in Australia to establish an inquiry under a respected
eminent retired public servant, Mr Mer1lis. We have received
that report, the Government is now considering it and we will in
the light of our considerations' of that report, undertake what
steps are necessary to give effect in our judgement to the
recommendations of Mr Menzies.
Journalist: In your opinion, what should be done?
PM: Well, we're a democracy and
conjunction with my colleagues. I
dictatorial statements. We've had
haven't we.
Journalist: Thank you very much. I will consider that in
don't pronounce in advance
enough of those in the past,
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