PRIME MINISTER
TRANSCRIPT OF DOORSTOP, MANLY OVAL, SYDNEY 9 JANUARY 1989
E A OH PROOF ONLY
JOURNALIST: Should Australians be saddened by the death of
Emperor Hirohito?
PM: I don't think it's a question of sadness but T think we
should understand that while it's appropriate to remember the
time of war between our two countries, it is more appropriate to
remember now, 44 years after the end of the war, that Japan is
our major trading partner and that much of the prosperity of this
country depends upon that trading relationship and it's in the
interests of this and future generations of Australians to build
further upon that strong economic relationship.
JOURNALIST: Why aren't you going to the funeral?
PH: it's very interesting. We have the silly season of the
media, there's no political stories, they have to make them up.
There was never any intention of the Prime Minister going to the
funeral. Never. so the media suggests that now I've made up my
mind I'm not going, there's a story. so just understand, Billy
season of the media that story, nothing more, nothing less.
JOURNALIST: Why was there never an intention to go?
PH: Because it's not appropriate. it's more appropriate that
the level of Head of State, that your Head of State goes. The
Emperor is not the Head of Government. I'm the uead of
Government. The Governor-General, is the Head of State of here.
So it was never on the cards in any shape or form. I repeat,
silly season media beatup. I'm not unhappy about that but just
understand that that's all it is and ever was.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned about somne of the comments that
have been raised?
PH: well, I don't think they've been helpful but those who've
been associated with war time organisations may make comments
like that. of course Sir William Keys would not make those sorts
of comments. It's unfortunate the RSL doesn't have that Bort of
leadership at this time.
JOURNALIST: Mr Hawke, who will go over to Japan as the
representative of Australia?
PM; The Governor-General I imagine will go.
JOURN4ALIST: Mr Hayden as well?
PM: The funeral as i understand will be after he is
Governor-General. if he is Governor-General when the funeral is
on he will go. if it's before he is Governor-General and Sir
Ninian is still Governor-General he will go. Let me repeat, this
is a very uncomplicated position. I wish you wouldn't mak~ e
something complicated which isn't complicated.
ends
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