‘Unthinkable’ To Censor Messages

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30153, 10 June 1963, Page 11

‘Unthinkable’ To Censor Messages

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

CANBERRA, June 8 The United States expected future Australian Governments to honour the agreement on control and operation of the American naval communications centre at North-west Cape, Western Australia, Mr Averell Harriman, United States Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, told

a press conference today. He said that it would be “unthinkable” for one country to demand the right to censor messages sent by another to members of its forces. “I have never heard of an instance where a country made such a demand,” he said. Mr Harriman had been asked to comment on statements by the Federal Opposition Leader, Mr Calwell, that the next Labour government would re-negotiate the communications centre agreement to provide for joint Austra-lia-United States control.

Mr Harriman said: “Our Government has acted in good faith, and it expects that the actions of the Australian

Government will be in good faith.” Commenting that it was "within the Anglo-Saxon tradition for the opposition to criticise the government,” Mr Harriman said it was also “traditional for one administration to honour obligations of previous administrations.” Mr Harriman was told that the Labour Party’s concern was that the base could be used to deploy Polaris submarines “in a way which could embarrass Australia,” and he was asked: “Will there be consultation with Australia?”

Mr Harriman replied: "This base will be used for all types of communications, including those to the navy. If Polaris submarines are engaged in this area, it would seem to me that Australia will be the land area involved in such difficulties. “It would be fair to assume that both countries will be in constant touch with each other if there was a possibility of such hostilities. “I would have thought that if such an occasion arose, you would be very glad to have a base which would enable the American Navy to fulfil its obligation*," he said.