‘Would Breach Confidence’

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30560, 1 October 1964, Page 1

‘Would Breach Confidence’

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

CANBERRA, September 30. The Australian Minister for External Affairs (Mr Hasluck) today refused to disclose whether Australia had disagreed with Britain over a reprisal attack on Indonesia.

He said any disclosure would be a breach of confidence and not in Australia’s interests. Mr Hasluck was replying in the House of Representatives to the Leader of the Opposition (Mr A. Calwell). Mr Calwell pressed a question after Mr Hasluck had avoided making a direct answer to an Opposition member, Mr T. Uren. Mr Uren had asked whether Australia and New Zealand had refused to support a proposal for a British air strike against an Indonesian naval base this month. Mr Hasluck replied: “I can give an assurance that there is complete understanding and accord between the governments of Britain, Australia. New Zealand, and Mai-

aysia in all matters affecting the defence of Malaysia and the military activities of Australia. “Australia keeps in close, continuing, and most effective consultation with the allies.” Demanding a specific answer to Mr Uren’s question, Mr Calwell asked if Australian policy in Malaysia was designed to avoid committing Australian forces for as long as possible because of Australia’s defencelessness. Mr Hasluck said the Prime Minister (Sir Robert Menzies) had stated the terms of Australia’s commitment clearly and precisely. Australia was in close, constant and effective consultation with Britain, he said. Mr Hasluck said it would not be in the interests of Australia and her allies if he were to break confidence and disclose the course of that consultation.