PM Transcripts

P. M. No. 2/ 1960
ANTI-SEMITISM IN AUSTRALIA
Statement by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. R. G.
Menzies
I have hitherto made no statement about some recent
manifestations of anti-Semitism in Australia, evidenced by the
painting up of slogans on walls and other malicious or foolish
activities. I have myself had experience of painted slogans directed
against me, but have not treated them seriously. But as
many of our Jewish fellow citizens are genuinely distressed at
these recent events, I think that I should now say that there
is absolutely no room in Australia for anti-Semitism, no
justification for it, and that I believe that there is no real
substance in it.
There is a long history in Australia of distinguished
service to our country by Jewish citizens. The Jews in
Australia are good Australians. Any attempt to create an anti-
Jewish feeling in Australia is doomed to failure. It may be,
of course, that these sporadic actions are those of irresponsible
people on the " lunatic fringe" who hope, by their childish
antics, to secure some form of anonymous notoriety. It may be,
on the other hand, that those who seek to divide our country
are using this as one means of doing so, So far we have no
clear evidence that there is an organised campaign of such a
sinister kind, but we are of course watching the position very
closely. As we found when we attempted to deal legislatively
with Comnmunist activities, the powers of the Commonwealth
Parliament are limited. But I say without any hesitation, first,
that we roundly condemn any attempt to stir up false issues and,
second, that we invite the people of Australia to treat these
outbursts with contempt. I am sure that every Member of the
Federal Parliament of whatever Party shares our feelings on
this matter.
CANBERRA, 26th January, 1960.