PM Transcripts

VLS. T TO SOUTH-EAST ASIA 1968
CANBERRA
REMARKS TO PRESS ON DEPARTURE FROM
FAIRBAIRN AIRPORT JUNE 1968U
Q. Prime Minister, have you any comment on the
shooting of Senator Robert Kennedy?
PM: Well, it's awfully hard to think of what to say in
circumstances where a man who has had his brother assassinated
has been attacked in this brutal way. All I can say is that it
makes me feel sick in the stomach that this can go on. It really
is horrifying.
Q. Mr Prime Minister, on this present trip, is there one
thing you hope above all else you will be able to achieve?
PM: No, I wouldn't say that. I think the main object of
this trip is to meet the rulers of the countries to which I will be
going, and to demonstrate that just as my predecessor had a
continuing interest in Asia and the people who are ruling it, so do
1, his successor, as representative of Australia, have the same
interest. I think it will be helpful to know the individuals and I
think it will be helpful to demonstrate that there has been not the
slightest variation of our interest in the region.
Q. Have you had any reaction so far of your forthcoming
visit'? H-ave you heard of any reaction in South-East Asia?
PMV: Do you mean for it or against it?
Q. For it.
PM: N' o I haven't heard any reaction, except very pleasant
messages from the people I am going to visit, saying how glad
they are and how much they are looking forward to the visit.
Q. Sir, are you likely to indicate to Tunku Abdul Rahman
that you might continue to keep Australian troops in Malaysia
after 1971?
PM: I wouldn't dream of commenting on what I am going to
talk about to the various people I am going to talk to, particularly
on matters of policy.