TEL: 14 : 141 * b' iF
PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE MON. P. J. KEATING, NP
MR GREGORY SYMONS
In the light of today's reports of Mr Gregory Symons'
alleged financial status I have asked Senator Richar d son to
provide me with a cvniprehensive report on his involvement
with this matter and provide it to me by Monday.
I continue to accept the Senator's assurances that he sought
and received advice from the Minister for Foreign Affairs
that he would not be behaving improperly to contact Marshall
Islands officials and that he sought no more than to enquire
as to the possibility of Mr Symnons returning to Australia to
collect documents and. prepare his legal defence.
However, in the light of today's reports I believe the
public interest would be beat served if a full report of
these matters is provided by the Senator to mnake clear that
he has behaved In accordance with his Ministerial
responsibilities. Further, I understand that Senator Kerry Sibraa sent a
letter last November through normal channels-to the
Australian Embassy in Washington. That letter requested
assistance in arranging, where possible, meetings for Mr
Symons with appropriate US Governmnent officials and elected
representatives. I believe that given the publicity surrounding this episode
a report from Senator Sibraa is also warranted.
While I am not in a position to require Senator Sibraa to
furnish me with a report he has agreed to do so, also by
Monday. He has told me he intends to report to the Senate on the
same issue on its first day of sitting.
CANBERRA May 13, 1992
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE PARLIAMENT HOUSE
ZANS ERRA
May 1992
The Hon P J Keating MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister,
As I agreed in my discussions with you please find attached my report concerning
my involvement with Mr Greg Symons.
Yours
REPORT TO THE PRIME MINISTER ON MATTERS RELATING TO MR GREG
SYMONS BY SENATOR KERRY SIBRAA, PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
On the 12th November 19911I was contacted by Senator Graham Richardson who
asked me whether I could meet a Mr Greg Symons, who he hoped I may be able to
help with some contacts in Washington for his forthcoming business trip. As I was
free at the time, I agreed. Senator Richardson brought Mr Symons around to my
office, introduced us and left.
We exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes and when he mentioned the general
nature of his business I asked my Senior Adviser, Mr Fred Peppinck, to join us. Mr
Symons told Mr Peppinck and myself that he was an Adviser to the President of the
Marshall Islands, and that he had a brief from the Foreign Minister of the Marshall
Islands to discuss business migration to the Marshall Islands when he was in
Washington. He had with him a pile of documentation, some of which he showed
us. The nature of these documents was impressive and confirmed that he had been
given the highest level of authority to negotiate on behalf of the Marshall Islands
Government. In particular, he produced a letter from the Foreign Minister of the
Marshall Islands and the Minister of Resources and Development. He said that he
had no contacts in Washington and he wanted to contact either officials or
Congressmen who had an expertise on Pacific matters.
Mr Peppinck suggested that the best way to assist would be for him to speak with
Mr Chris Lamb, Congressional Liaison Officer in the Australian Embassy in
Washington. We were in frequent contact with Mr Lamb over the matter of
internships for Parliament House, and Mr Peppinck said that next time he was
speaking with Mr Lamb he would mention Mr Symons visit. Mr Symons said that
that would be helpful, and asked that I also write to Mr Lamb. I said that I would
do so.
The next day ( November 13) Mr Peppinck had cause to telephone Mr Lamb in
Washington, and as promised, mentioned Mr Symons visit. Mr Lamb said that he
would be prepared to meet with Mr Symons in Washington and see if he could assist
him. Mr Peppinck then telephoned Mr Symons to let him know of this conversation, and
gave him Mr Lamb's telephone number so that he could ring and arrange an
appointment.
As had been requested by Mr Symons, a letter was drafted which was based upon
the information provided by Mr Symons at the meeting and then again to Mr
Peppinck.
The letter was not a reference. I did only that which I promised to do, that is,
arrange a meeting through the normal channels. I had no reason to doubt his bona
fides. I did not approach any member of the US Government or any other person
on his behalf.
On the morning of the 20th November, upon my arrival back in my Parliament
House office, the letter was given to me to sign along with other routine items that
had accumulated since the preceding Friday.
I signed the letter and it was faxed to Mr Lamb the same day.
From that point on there was no further contact between myself or my office and
any of the parties involved.
I was not contacted by Senator Richardson to see whether I had been of any
assistance, I was not contacted by the Department of Foreign Affairs, nor Mr Lamb,
nor was there any further contact with Mr Symons. Because of my absence from the
country it was not until Question Time on Monday 4 May 1992 that I became aware
that Senator Richardson's association with Mr Symons was being questioned. I
recalled having met him at some stage, but thought no more of it.
The question to the Foreign Minister at Question Time on Thursday 7 May
concerning " ithe nature of any dealings between Senator Richardson's friend, Mr
Greg Symons, and the Australian Embassy or consulates in the United States of
America", prompted me to ask my office whether we had done anything for Mr
Symons as a result of my having met him. My staff began checking immediately.
That afternoon and evening was a very busy one. After question time I had guests
to meet, then various meetings, the 9th Anniversary of the Opening of the
Parliament House Reception at which I had to speak, and a private dinner in my
suite. I left Canberra early the following ( Friday) morning.
Late Friday afternoon Mr Peppinck contacted me to let me know that a letter from
myself to Mr Lamb had been located, and a copy of it was sent to me the following
Saturday morning.
My reaction to reading the letter I had signed was that it was something I do all the
time, however in retrospect, and with the benefit of hindsight I believe it may have
been worded more carefully. The letters he brought with him convinced both myself
and my Senior Adviser that he was genuine. As said previously, the contents of my
letter were as told to myself and Mr Peppinck, and I had no reason to doubt Mr
Symons' credentials.
I might add, had a Senior Opposition Senator asked me to do so, I would have done
exactly the same.
This is the first time I have ever provided any assistance to Mr Symons, and it
consisted of simply referring him to an Australian Government official.
MINISTRYOF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
IIrIUriLIC. OFTHF MAIKHAITI M ANI)
MAJUKO. MAKSI IAII 1I1 ANos October 1991
This letter confirms that Hr. Greg Symons and Mr. Paul Finch
are appointed as consultants to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs and the Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands to the United States of America for the purpose of
advising and negotiating with representatives of the United
States, on the clarification of and amendments to the Compact
of Pree Association. This appointment is solely for the
purpose of the establishment of a Business Migration Program
In the Marshall Islands, whereby investors granted citizenship
in the Marshall Islands would receive no less favorable
treatment than native-born citizens of the Republic for the
purposes of entering into the United States of Anerlca.
Mr. Finch and Hr. Symons shall at all times consult with and
be responsible to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the
Ambassador, and are not authorized to conclude any agreement
or to bind the Government of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands. DD. y ij rlirs.
ilnlster OreTn lial* 1rr
l-. hunc 3181 \ hVAi0.-42 MW AMR I 02 363S 92 349.
Office of the Cabinet
REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
RO. Box 2
AL majuro, Marshall Islands 96960
June 28, 1991
Mr. Gregory B. Symons
Managing Director
GBSI International ( Hong Kong) Limited
9th Floor, 18 Ice House Street
Hong Kong Central
Dear Mr. Symons
We refer to your project to establish a Technology Park in the
Republic of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, supported by
the Business Migration Investment Trust to be known as the
Marshall Islands Investment Trust (" the Trust") The trust would
be responsible for the marketing, development and management of
the Technology Park including value added and transhipment
activities and a University Study Centre known as " 1UNIPAC
International".
As you know the Republic of the Marshall Islands Revised Code
allows the grant of citizenship to a " class of persons" where
there is a substantial benefit deemed to accrue to the Marshall
Islands economy.
We recognize that the development of a technology park would have
benefits for the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the
investors may apply for citizenship pursuant to the provisions of
the Code.
The following program for the marketing, development, financing
and management will be supported by the Government of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, subject to formal agreements
incorporating the concepts below, and subject to the formal
agreements the parties agree that they will work together to
implement the same:
1. Your company is to establish the Trust and representative
offices in Sydney and Hong Kong to market the project and
undertake the development financing and management of the
project. Such offices will support the work of the Trust and its
representatives.
Mr. Gregory B. Symons
Page 2
June 28, 1991
2. The Government will assist the Trust in the leasing of
approximately 20 acres of land in proximity to the Airport for
the development of the project.
3. The Trust and the Republic of the Marshall islands Government
will work together to secure the optimum use of land and
provision of utilities.
4. The Government will provide a Sovereign guarantee to the
Trust in respect of monies advanced to the Republic of the
Marshall Islands.
The first stage of the development of the project is to cost
$ 13540 million, and Multiplex Constructions Pty. Ltd. will be
appointed by the Trust as project managers/ contractors for the
project. 6. In respect of Business Migration the parties will work
exclusively together on the Trust and Technology Park and will
ensure quick processing of applications for business migration by
investors in the trust. The Trust, after consultation with the
Government, will be responsible for processing applications
including design of the forms for submission to the Government
for the grant of citizenship for approved persons.
7. The parties will work together to ensure concessions under
the Compact of Free Association and tax and duty concessions are
available to users of the Technology Park and to ensure employees
of subsidiary corporations of the Trust ( and users of the
Technology Park) in the U. S. A. are able to work and reside in the
U. S. A. pursuant to the laws and statutes and treaties of the
U. S. A. and the Republic of the Marshall Islands governing such
employment. S. The Government will ensure that plant, equipment and
personnel are admitted to the Technology Park with duty tax and
other concessions as are available elsewhere in the Pacific rim.
9. The Government agrees to do all things necessary to support
the marketing development and management of the Technology Park
and Trust.
Mr. Gregory B. Symons
Page 3
June 28, 1991
The Airline of the Marshall Islands ( the National Carrier)
shall be used by the Trust and clients of the Technology Park for
carriage of cargo and passengers and the trust and the government
shall work together to ensure an efficient and competitive
service is available and that the interline arrangements with
other carriers are competitive.
11. To promote and develop the role of the Trust with the
National Carrier the trust shall act as a general sales agent of
the National Carrier on the usual terms of trade basis as agreed
between the National Carrier and the Trust.
12.* The Government and the trust shall work together to ensure
procedures for the development and operation of the technology
Park and Uhiversity Study Centre are fast and efficient including
the issue of visas, work permits, foreign investment approval and
corporate registration.
To facilitate a thorough review of the proposed program and
execution of formal agreements, to be negotiated, your company is
requested to submit a formal detailed proposal including
marketing, financing, management, and implementation of such
scheme. I hope to receive your proposal in the next six weeks,
and to commence formal negotiations soon thereafter.
Brenson S. Wase
Minister of Resources
and Development
Pwiut@ rm U t8S S 002911
Mr Chrlhopor Lamb
Congrssiona isisun OffIcer
AuseUlian Zmbmiy
Wuhin# t DC
UNITED STATES OF AMEfICA
DW Cbdai
I uniiOMitd that you have already spoken with Greg Symons, an Austrlian
eommmrcial lawyer and bucineuuman, who as you know, Is an advisor to tIo
erudent of ths Ropublic of Lii Marsha lulands.
AR ym will be awom Australia ha a ound4 eoprative relationship with the
Roqmhge of the Marshall Islnda, and as a spoomr of their reentu applicato for
adrnduion to the Unlted Nations. Against the backpinm d of this regional
poerastio, President Kabua bee sought the asiftnes of the Australian
Govsrnment in pvtditing dimuseaions in Wasblngon with key US Goovernrent
offircl and electod reprosentotfves on the developmant of a Buuiness
Milgntionflnucsint program in tbo Marshll slands. The progrm h aoeu as
having substantial economic benefit to the Republic as a vehicle to provide
muatainable businass investmcnt.
You wi see from tho attached copy of a lettar fom tho Foreign MinIdSU of the
Reubllc, that Mr Symonx, and bi coilcague Mr Paul Finch, have bes rtppoinled
advinr to the Republlo for the purposas olthe nocmV7 ncgot1leaora with the US
Govemnt within the frimework of the relevant treaty between the Islands and
USA.-the Compact of Free Association.
Mr Symons will be in Witbington in the wek commencing November 25. 1 would
b most apprcative If you extend to him the coutay of you offlo, as won us
facilitate, where posaluie. meetisP with the apprvpriate US Govornment oficals
eM eected representativ#*
Years sincerely CZ! lr
" Itv t I tj V I Vr aum It-' A I
AS AN ADJUNCT TO MY STATEMENT I HAVE BEEN AWARE SINCE 7 MAY
1992 THAT ON THE RECEIPT OF MY LETTER IN WASHINGTON, IT WAS
FORWARDED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE IN
CANBERRA. I AM AWARE THAT, A WEEK LATER ( ON 29 NOVEMB3ER), BY ROUTINE FAX.,
THE DEPARTMENT SOUGHT INFORMATION FROM ITS POST IN POHNPEI
ABOUT THE MATTERS RAISED BY ME IN MY LETTER TO LAMB.
THE POST, BY ROUTINE FAX, ADVISED ON 3 DECEMBER THAT IT WAS
NOT AWARE OF THE MATTER RAISED IN MY LETTER BUT AGREED THAT
IF POSSIBLE SOME ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED ( TO SYMONS). IT
SAID THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO FOLLOW UP ON THE MATTER. ( I
ATTACH COPIES OF RELEVANT CORRESPONDENCE)
TO MY KNOWLEDGE THERE HAS BEEN NO FURTHER RESPONSE FROM
THE POST OR THE DEPARTMENT ON THIS MATTER. I AM NOT AWARE
THAT THE MARSHALL ISLANDS AUTHORITIES HAVE OBJECTED IN ANY
WAY TO THE CONTENT OR TENOR OF MY LETTER.
Facsimile Message Cover
W tmMM Of Foreign Affsi
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As discussed in telecon Marchant/ Gr sham. attached is a copy of the
letter from Senator Sibras requesting that this Embassy provide
assistance for two Australian consultants to the RM. Government who
will be visiting Washington shortly to assist in negotiations with
the VS Government on the establishment of a Busineuu Migration
Program in the Marshall Islands.
We have not yet been able to contact the RmI Zmbasiy in Washington
to determine whet they might know about the visit. In the event we
are contacted by Messrs Srmons and Finch next week* however, and
they seek the use of office space or other assistancetwe propose
suggesting that they approach the RM! Embassy in the first
instance. We will keep you infomed of any developments.
Olrbution Otails To be Com1tetd by Odinalor.
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3 DEC 191 15: 26