SUNDAY 20 APRIL 1980
THE MOSCOW OLYMPICS
I welcome the announcement by the Australian Olympic Federation
to defer a final decision on whether the Australian team should
go to Moscow.
The issues facing the AOF have been difficult for them and I
appreciate the manner in which the Federation have gone about
I am suZ? that the AF Executive will act with the highest
responsiaility in the decision that now lies ahead.
The G-o-:-ent asked tHe AOF not to send an Australian team to
Ioscow hecase of the national interest.
The Government has the responsibility for the security of every
Australian. We have a clear obligation to stand with our allies and support
them in a matter of such fundamental importance.
My recent talks in Zimbabwe with leaders of other nations strongly
reinforced my belief that there will be an effective boycott of
the Moscow Olympics.
Other Governments and other national Olympic Committees haye
decided or will decide to support the boycott.
Amongst Asian and Pacific nations in our part of the world
thoro is general. support for a boycott of the Moscow Olympics.
Australia has an obligation to be part of that boycott. I
believe we will be.
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FOR MEDIA
THE MOSCOW OLYMPICS
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