PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS iT-AT GIFT FOR INDIA
Statement by the Prime MiMneins teer s., the_ Hon. Sir Robert
The Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies cdnnounced
today that the Government had offered an immediate gift
of 5,550,000 bushels of wheat to India.
Sir Robert said " The Government has been
keeping in very close touch for some time with the food
situation in India. ' Very recently we learned from the
Indian Government that because of unexpected delays in
the arrival of imported supplies of wheat from some areas,
it would be faced with a critical shortage over the next
month or so until its o, n crop was harvested. ' Te i! ere
asked if we could help meet the shortfall by the provision
of the amount of 5,550,000 bushels, that is to say,
1o, 000 tons, and I @ m very heppyto announce that the
Government has decided to offer a inmmediate and unconditional
gift of this amount of wheat to the Indian Government."
The Prime Minister added that he was sure that
the gift of wheat to India, valued at nearly -C4 million,
would meet with the warm approval of the Australian
people who had shown a keen interest in and desire to
help the Indian people in their present difficulties.
CANBERRA,
February 18, 1-. 65.