WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31678, 14 May 1968, Page 17

WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS

Duke Explains U.K. Position

(N Z P A -Reuter—Copyright) SYDNEY, May 13.

The Duke of Edinburgh said firmly in Sydney today that Britain’s proposed withdrawal of military forces east of Suez should not be taken as lack' of interest in Australia “If any of you think that the recent British defence cuts and plans to withdraw indicates-In any way, or reflects a popular lack of interest or sympathy with Australia, forget it,” 'ie: told guests at a State luncheon given by the New ’ South Wales Government

Prince Philip explained the withdrawal hy saying: “No country the size of Britain can go through twb destructive world Wars, almost exhausted of its natural resources, and go from the major workshop of the. world to one of many equally advanced technological nations, and still maintain the same relative wealth and prosperity—it simply isn’t withdrawal Is forced by circumstances, but the problem still remains, and to all peaceful and freedomloving people the important thing is that the world should retain some sort of stability and some hope of orderly and cooperative progress.”