PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS PM. No. 38/ 1972
ADMISSION OF BANGLA. DESH TO THE COMMONWEALTH
Statement by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon.
William McMahon, CII, MP
I am pleased that Bangladesh has joined the
Commonwealth. Australian support for Bangladesh's membership
was given publicly when we recognised Bangladesh in January.
I am glad that it has now proved possible to complete
successfully the necessary consultations w.% ith other members
of the Commonwealth. One immediate result will be that our Ambassador
in Dacca will become a High Commissioner and the embassy a
High Commission. Bangladesh's first head of mission in
Australia, who is expected to reach Canberra shortly, will
also carry the title of High Commissioner from the outset.
I have sent a message of congratulations to the
Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur RahIman. The
text of my message is as follows
" On behalf of the Australian Government, I send
you my warmest congratulations on Bangladesh's
becoming a member of the Commonwealth. We shall
welcome being joined by representatives of Bangladesh
at future Commonwealth meetings. We look forward to
mutually beneficial co-operation in the many diverse
fields of activity for which the Commonwealth association
provides."
CANBERRA, April 1972 N