NM DAARMETO
M/ 17 29 December 1972
MEDICAL AID TO VIET-NAM
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr E. G. Whitlan, announced
today that the Australian medical aid programme in Viet-Nam is to change
its emphasis from " patient care" aid to the fields of public health and
medical training. Mr Whitlam said that the revised programme follows a major review
of Australian medical aid to Viet-Nam. As part of this review a team of
three doctors led by Sir William Refshauge, the Director-General of

NQ DATE
M/ 16 29 December 1972
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER TO THE PRIME
MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE DEATH OF MR LESTER PEARSON
Following the death of the former Prime Minister of Canada, the
Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson the Prime Minister, Mr E. G. Whitlam,
has sent the following message to Prime Minister Trudeau:-
" I have learned with regret of the death of the Right
Honourable Lester B. Pearson. Canada has lost a most distinguished
citizen and statesman whose passing will be greatly mourned
throughout the world.

No DATE
M/ 18 29 December 1972
AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION AT MEMORIAL SERVICE
FOR FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMAN
The Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Whitlam,
said today that he had asked the Australian Ambassador to the United
States, Sir James Plimsoll, to return to Washington somewhat earlier than
he had originally planned so that he could represent Australia at the
Memorial Service for former President Truman.
The Memorial Service for President Truman will be held at the
Washington Cathedral on 5 January.

DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMAN
The Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr E. G. Whitlam,
has sent the following messages to President Nixon and Mrs Truman on the death
of the former President:-
Message to President Nixon
The Government and people of Australia join with those the world
over who deeply regret the passing of a very great President and a most
distinguished American.
President Truman assumed office in times of unparallelled complexity
and difficulty and was faced during his Presidency with a number of decisions

NO DATE
M/ 14 26 December 1972
NICARAGUAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr E. G. Whitlam, announced
O today that Australia is to give assistance worth $ A25,000 towards the
relief of the victims of the Nicaraguan earthquake.
O Mr Whitlam said he was appalled to learn of the extent of the
damage and loss of life caused by the earthquake.
Australians would, he said, join with him in conveying their
heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Nicaragua.

DATE EMBARGO: Not to be used in any form before 6 p. m. 22 December 1972

M/13

ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA

The Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr E. G. Whitlam, today issued the following statement.

" Australia and the People's Republic of China have reached agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations.

NQ DATE
M/ 12 22 December 19' 2
mBAGO: Not to be used in any
form before 6 pomo on
22 December 1972o
DIPLOMTIC RELATONS WIH TE GEA DEOCRTIC REPUBLIC
0 he Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr EoGo Viitln
released today the text of a joint communique annuncing the establishment
~ o7 diplomatic relations with the German Democtatic Republicø Following is
the text of the joint communique:
" The Government of Australia and the Government
of the German Democratic Republic have today decided

JOINT COMMUNIQUE OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC
REL~ ATIONS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND CHINA
The Australian Government and the Government of the People's
Republic of China, in conformity with the interests and common desire
of the two peoples, have decided upon mutual recognition and the
establishment of diplomatic relations as from 21 December 1972.
The two Governments agree to develop diplomatic relations,

NQ DATE
M/ 11 21 December 1972
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION TO UNHCR'S R-ETITLEMENT
PROGRAMME FOR S2ATELESS UGANDAN ASIANS
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr E. G. Whitlam, announced
today that Australia would be making a special contribution of
$ US75,000 ($ A63,000) to the United Nations High Commission for
Refugees ( UNHCR).
Mr Whitlam said the contribution is in response to an
international appeal by the High Commissioner for Refugees and is
intended to help meet the costs in the transportation, care and

NO DATE
20 December 1972
AUSTRALIA SIGNS INPERNATIONAL COVENANTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr E. G. Whitlam, announced today
that Australia~ s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sir
Laurence McIntyre signed on Monday 18 December in New York, two International
Covenants on Human Rights. The Covenants are the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights.
Mr Whitlam said the signature was intended to affirm the Government's