NQ DATE
M/ 21 15 January 1973
GOVERNMENT WELCOMES RELEASE OF FRANCIS JAMES
The Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr
Whitlam, said today that he warmly welcomed the news that Mr Francis
SJames would be allowed to leave China on 16 January.
The Chinese Government had advised the Australian Embassy
Sin Peking that Mr James would be deported, having been found guilty of
espionage. Mr Whitlam added that the Chinese had said that the
arrangement was being made as a friendly gesture now that diplomatic
relations had been established between China and Australia.
SMr Whitlam said that arrangements had been made for Australian
officials in Peking and Hong Kong to offer assistance to Mr James and
that he had personally informed Mrs James of the news this morning.
The Prime Minister recalled that there had been a number of direct
and indirect approaches made by and on behalf of the Australian Government,
through several channels, and he welcomed the outcome. Mr WVhitlam said he
was certain that Australians, particularly those who had taken a close
personal interest in Mr James' welfare, would be very pleased that the
uncertainty surrounding his well-being had now been resolved and that he
had been allowed to leave China.
Whitlam, Gough
Period of Service: 05/12/1972 - 11/11/1975
Find more information on Whitlam, Gough on the:
Release Date:
15/01/1973
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
2771
Document:
00002771.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Whitlam, Edward Gough
GOVERNMENT WELCOMES RELEASE OF FRANCIS JAMES
2771