FOR PRESS: PM1s 91/ 1972_
AUSTRALIA HOUSE
Statement by the Prime Minister, the RL Hon. William McMahon, CH, MP.
Arrangements are now in hiandi to enable transfer of
responsibility for the administration of the Australian High
Commission, London, to the Department of Foreign Affairs as from
1 November 1.972.
The decision was made some months ago. I discussed it
with the British Prime Minister, MR Heath, during my visit to
London last ycar, and the transfer was referred to by rmy colleague,
the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in the course of a statement on
Australian foreign policy prese~ nted to the Parliament on 9 May 1972.
This decision to transfer responsibility for Australia
House does not in any way changa the special relationship which
the Australian peoplo and their successive Governments have with
Britain anc6 British Governments a relationship symbolised and
exemplified by the link with the Crow~ n.
It takes place again~ st the background of Britain's entry
into Europe. Tho resulting interaction between Britain's policies
and those of her European partners will impose new demands for a
detailed understanding by Australia in areas which are in large
part the concern of the Minister and3 Department of Foreign Affairs.
I want to express publicly my gratitude to the Australian
High Commissioner and all those employed by Australia Houso in
London, for the excellent service they havc given to the Australian
Government and people while Australia House has been under my
administation and that of my predecessors over the past 60 years.
The same devotion and quality of service will of course continue
as Australia House passes unior the administration of the Foreign
Minister and his Department.
The Australian High Commissionor in London will continue
to be appointed by the Prime Minister, in consultation with the
Foreign Vinister, and tho organisational arrangements being made will
permit continuance of the channols of diract communication which
exist betwoen the Primo Mi. nisters of Great Britain arnd Australia
and tirough their respective High Commissioners.
CAN BE RRA
October 1972