PM Transcripts

FOR JERESS P -M 35/ 2.6-
ANZAC JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO GALLIPOLI
Statement by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Menzies
The Prime Minister ( Sir Robert Menzies) announced
today that the Government had decided to make a grant of
œ C20,000 to the Returned Servicemen's League to assist the
League with its plans to mark the Jubilee of Anzac, which
falls next year, with a pilgrimage to Gallipoli,
" This is an enterprise in which every Australian
can take pride" said Sir Robert. " The Commonwealth Government
is pleased to endorse the plans of the Returned Servicemen's
LTeague for a pilgrimage of the original Anzacs",
The Government believed that those taking part
in the pilgrimage should be in a position to meet their own
fares and other expenses. It was recognised, however, that
there were some Who should obviously be included in the party,
but who would bc unable to do so without some financial
assistance. It had therefore been decided to make a grant
of œ C20,000 to the R. S. L. so that it could assist such people.
The Prime MinistQr said that the Government
believed that it was very appropriate for the Returned
Servicemen's League to attend to the arrangemonts for the
pilgrimage. All enquiries regarding this matter should
therefore be addressed to the R. S. L.
CANBERRA, 22nd May, 1964.