PM Transcripts

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FOR PRESS P. M. No. 25/ 1967
REACTION TO TSMANIAN BUSHFIRES
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Holt
The loss and suffering from the bushfires in Tasmania has
produced a spontaneous sympathetic and helpful response in many parts
of the world. Messages and gifts continued to arrive during the weekend.
The gift of $ 50, 000 from the British Government was a
warm-hearted and generous donation. In addition, there have been so
many enquiries . from people in London wanting to make private donations
that funds have been opened at both Australia House and Tasmania House.
The New Zealand Government has already announced a gi-ft of $ 25, CCC for
the Tasmanian Relief Fund.
In addition to last vieekt messages from The Queen, Princess
Alexandra, who is to visit Australia shortly, has expressed her sincere
sympathy to all those Tasmanians who have experienced loss of any kind.
Among other messages delivered this weekend was the
following from President Johnson
" I have been Saddened to hear of the tragic loss of
life and property in Tasmania resulting from the disastrous
bushfires raging there. I speak for all Americans when I
express to you our profound sympathy for the people of Tasmania
and all Australians who have suffered as a result of this misfortune.
Countries to express their sympathy to the Tasmanian
bushf ire vict ims include Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, India,
Israel, Portugal and Sweden.
All Australians, and Tasmanians in particular, will be
touched by the warmth of sympathy and ready expression of help.*
While I shall be acknowledging these messages officially,
I would like to say publicly how much the Australian Government appreciates
these gestures. Officers of my Department have spent the weekend examining
ways in which the Commonwealth can be of most help to Tasmania. Plans
for Commonwealth assistance will be discussed at the Premiers' Conference
in Canberra this week,
CANBERRA, 12th February, 1967.