AUSTRALIA’S POLICIES Defence Given Prominence

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31627, 13 March 1968, Page 15

AUSTRALIA’S POLICIES Defence Given Prominence

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

CANBERRA, March 12.

With its other responsibilities, Australia could not fill the vacuum in South-East Asia left by Britain’s withdrawal, the GovernorGeneral, Lord Casey, said in Canberra today.

But the Governments of both Malaysia and Singapore had indicated they wanted Australia to maintain some military presence in the area. Lord Casey, the Queen’s representative in Australia, was opening the new session of the Australian Parliament. “In addition to providing economic and technical assistance and training to Singapore and Malaysia to help them build up their forces by Government will participate in five-power consultations when they are called,” Lord Casey said.

Lord Casey said the Australian Government regarded defence as a major responsibility and was expanding and re-equipping all three services. But any further increase in the proportion of total resources spent on defence would have to be considered against other “pressing requirements” of the nation, he said. Lord Casey said the Australian Government would continue its support for the United States and South Vietnam in the Vietnam war. He said Australia would continue its Vietnam military commitment in an attempt to ensure that force of arms, terrorism and subversion did not succeed in South Vietnam.

Other points made during his speech outlining the

Government’s plan for the next two years were:

The development of PapuaNew Guinea as a State of Australia was unlikely and “fraught with difficulties.” The Australian economy was active and “promised well for the future.” The provision, over the next four years of s2sm to reconstruct the Australian dairy industry.

Lord Casey said that although in the “world abroad” there were major uncertainties in relation to trading an<l monetary conditions, the Australian economy was active and promised wey for the future.

“The inflow of capital from abroad has been continuing, and in spite of the loss of more than sloom in the value of London funds through the devaluation of sterling, external reserves remain comparatively high,” he said. “Employment in Australia continues at a high level, assisted migration from Britain is reviving and there is, generally, an increased flow of migrants.” Lord Casey said the new government intended to legislate on several legal matters, including the establishment of a Commonwealth superior court, limiting appeals to the Privy Council and amendments to the copyright laws.