NQ DATE
M/ 27 26 January 1973
PRIME MINISTER'S MEDSSAGE TO MRS GANDHI
ON INDL' ' S NATIONAL DI-Y
The following is the text of a special mFessage from
the Prime Minister, Mr E. G. Whitlam, to the Prime Minister
of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi, on the occasion of India's
commemoration of Republic Day, 26 January:
" On behalf of the Australian Government and people,
I would like to convey my warmest greetings to you and the
people of India on the occasion of India's commemoration of
Republic Day. We in Australia are aware of your continuing efforts
0 to improve the welfare and prosperity of your people, and of
the many problems which you face in this great task.
Australia has been involved in assisting India in
its long-range agricultural development programmes, amongst
other things through the provision of stud cattle and the
establishment of a sheep breeding project at Hissar.
At the request of your Government, we have now
decided to expand this programme by establishing a dairy
cattle breeding farm adjacent to the sheep project at
F-issar, a subsidiary farm in Assam and a semen p.' oduction
c ntre. The expansion of these activities is an earnest
of our desire to contribute to your endeavours. / 2
On this national day, which we share, I should like
to emphasise the importance that I place on Australia's close
relationship with India, and my determination to expand and
consolidate the ties between our two peoples.
I believe that our Governments have many ideals and
interests in common, dedicated as they are to peace and 0
progress in the region of South and South-East Asia.
Finally, on thV Republic Day, may I wish you and the
Indian people continued progress and prosperity in the coming
year." 0