PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: P. m. No. 58/ 196~
INDEPEN~ DENCE OF SOUTH VIET N4AM
Statement by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Menz& s
The Australian Government was informed by the
United States Government of the further decisions now announced
in Washington by the President for the defence of South Viet Nam.
The Government has in fact been in continuing touch with
Washington about the course of United States policy, and I have
already conveyed to Presjcbnt Johnson o1ir support for these
further efforts by the United States to preserve the independence
of South Viet Nam. I have also assured him of Australia's
continuing assistance in the defence of South Viet Nam.
The armed forces of South Viet Nam, the population
centres in the rural areas and the col. mtry's installations and
transport and communications systems are currently under
heavy military pressure and attack from the Viet Cong. At
the same time, the Viet Cong, in pursuing their campaign of
insurgency and guerrilla warfare, are strengthened and
supported by the supply of men and equipment from North Viet
Nam on a substantial scale. The South Vietnamese Armed Forces
are maintaining their courageous efforts to counter these tactics
but it is clear that additional assistance from outside is
necessary. We support also the steady purpose of the United
States to pursue every political and diplomatic effprt to
open the way for international discussion. de earnestly
hope that these further evidences of United States' resolve
will help convince those now seeking to overthrow by force
the Government of the Republic of South Viet Nam that they
cannot succeed and that there will be an end to the senseless
violence and bloodshed opening the way for a peaceful solution
in Viet Nam.
MELBOURNE, 29th July, 1965.