The Australian Government is absolutely appalled at the barbaric act that has been perpetrated.
I have been in contact with Bill Hayden and he is calling it; the Soviet Ambassador today to register that attitude of my Government. . I have sent a message of condolence and sympathy to President Chung of South Korea. I believe that all Australians will share the attitude of my Government in this matter. There are absolutely no: circumstances whatsoever in which action of this type can begin to be justified.
Q: What further action do you plan to take?
PM: We have taken the immediate steps that I have alluded to. We will consider the position in the light of what comes out of those first steps.
Q: Does that mean a deterioration of relations between…
PM: Well it certainly is not going to improve them is it.
2 September 1983