PM Transcripts

, EDIA RELiLASE CONSULTATIONS WITH UNITED STATES ]) EFENCE SECRETARY
( Staterent by the Acting Prime M4inister,
the Rt. lion J. D. Anthony, M. P.)
Ministers had a most valuable exchange of views this morning
with the United States Secretary of Defence, Mr. Caspar
Weinberger. During the talks, Mr. Weinberger emphasised the importance
which the U. S. attaches to the AINZUS alliance, and its
appreciation of Australia's defence effort.
I stated that Australia regards the ANZUS alliance as
central to Australia's defence strategy, and sees itself as
making an important contribution to the alliance. I said also
that it was very important for the U. S. to maintain its strategic
interest in the Pacific region.
Discussions at this morning's talks on the global and
regional security situation were wide-ranging and candid, as
appropriate between representatives of Governments and societies
sharing similar values.
Mr. Weinberger will have further discussions this afternoon
with the Minister for Defence, Mr. Sinclair.
Canberra, November 1982.