FOR PRESS PM. No. 43/' 1968
CONTACT BETWEEN4 U. S4 AND NORTH
VIET NAM
Comment by the Prime Minister, Mr John Gorton
As a result of the President's peace initiative, the
Government of North Viet Nam has said that it is prepared to appoint
a representative to determine the unconditional cessation of United
States' bombing and all other acts of war against North Viet Nam.
The President of the United States has said that he will
establish contact with this representative.
Any contacts between the belligerents must contain the
seeds of hope that meaningful talks leading to a just and enduring
peace are possible and the Australian Government shares the hope
of the world that this may eventuate.
The United States Secretary of State, Mr Dean Rusk, who
is in New Zealand, is in touch with Washington by ' phone, and is
keeping the Australian Foreign Minister informed of developments.
Mr Rusk will be coming on to Australia at the conclusion
of his visit to New Zealand.
CANBERRA, 4 April 1968
FOR PRESS: PM . NO 43/1968 CONTACT BETWEEN U.S AND NORTH VIETNAM COMMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN GORTON
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