Washington assured of Aust. ‘bridge’

Press, 15 June 1983, Page 6

Washington assured of Aust. ‘bridge’

NZPA Washington The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Bob Hawke, made it clear in Washington yesterday that he regards his Government as a bridge between the United States and China and Vietnam. The Australian Foreign Minister, Mr Bill Hayden, is planning to visit Hanoi later this month, and Mr Hawke said that he would act as an emissary for the Association of South-East Asian Nations. Mr Hawke, on his first visit to Washington as Prime Minister, said at a press conference at the Australian embassy yesterday that he had emphasised to President Ronald Reagan that “we are, I believe, in a peculiar condition in that we have such close relations with the A.S.E.A.N. countries, with China, and with the United States.” Indications had come from both the A.S.E.A.N.

countries and the United States that Australia might be able to play a role in achieving the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea and the creation of conditions there that would lead to free elections, he said. Australia’s goal was “for Vietnam to be removed from what is now a state of virtual isolation in its relations with the Soviet Union, something which is not in the interests of Vietnam or the A.S.E.A.N. countries or of those of us who are concerned in this area. “What we all want to see is Vietnam brought back into the broader community of nations. That’s in Vietnam’s interests, and it’s certainly in ours.” After two hours of talks at the White House both Mr Hawke and Mr Reagan claimed to have established a close personal relation-

ship, cementing their countries’ bonds as friends and allies.

Mr Reagan said that he welcomed Mr Hawke’s wise counsel, foreshadowing frequent contact in the future, while Mr Hawke said that there was no country America could rely on more than Australia.

Mr Hawke was also able to obtain assurances from the Americans concerning greater Australian involvement in American bases, and for the continued swapping of information between Australia and American Intelligence services. Mr Hawke made it clear that his Government had no intention of introducing a capital gains tax. He had expressed Australia’s “strong concern” about increasing protectionism “and other associated actions in regard to world trade.”