PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA 7 July 1909
Following a request from the Prime Minister of Papua New
Guinea, Mr Namaliu, during talks I held with him in Canberra
on 24 May, the Government of fered to provide four Iroquois
UIlH helicopters, and associated training for Papua New
Guinean aircrew, to assist the PNG Defence Force develop a
rotary wing capability.
Subsequently, the PNG Government indicated that it wanted to
secure the early delivery of these helicopters, particularly
against the background of developments on Bougainville.
After consultations between Australian and PNO Ministers,
Mr Namaliu wrote to me on 5 July outlining his Government's
intentions on the ways in which the helicopters would be used.
Mr Nwnaliu said the use of the helicopters in Bougainville
would be in keeping with a political strategy aimed at, among'
other things, minimising offence to the local population. The
helicopters would not be used as gunships. They would be used
for troop transportation$ for patrolling and surveillanoe
activities, and for medical evacuation purposes for both
civilians and military.
He emphasised that the PNG Government's political objectives
were to secure the reopening of the Bougainville copper mine,
the protection of the population, and the surrender of all the
militants. I have written to Mr 3Iamaliu today telling him that, on the
basis of his letter, my Government will now make arrangements
for the early provision of four UHIH helicopters, plus a
28 days spares package for each aircraft to cover normal
operations. The provision of the helicopters will be subject
to the completion of the normal end user arrangements
governing the possible transfer of the aircraft to third
countries. in addition, I have confirmed that the Australian Government
will provide $ 1 million per annum for the next three years as
a contribution towards the cost of the PNG Government
arranging the operation and maintenance of the aircraft under
civil contract.
This assistance' will be in addition to the training of Papua
New Guinea Defence Force airorew under our Defence
Co-operation arrangements.