Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume IX, International Development and Economic Defense Policy; Commodities

335. Telegram From the Embassy in Australia to the Department of State¹

Canberra, November 7, 1966, 0225Z.

2529. Ref State 78292.²

1. To best of our knowledge only conversation between President and Holt on minimum wheat price issue was that reported in Canberra 2153.³ According to notes taken by Sir John Bunting, Secretary to PriMin’s Department, President noted Australian points sympathetically, remarked that Australian interests are our interests and said that if US could not meet GOA position entirely on price issue he would require full justification our position.

2. Although Embassy prepared talking paper based on State 70493⁴ and delivered it to Rostow, we have no indication that second conversation took place, nor has Department of Trade and Industry.

3. In any event, conversation between Econ Counselor and Deputy Trade Secretary Campbell today indicates Australians satisfied with US position as indicated para five State 70493.

Clark

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, INCO–GRAINS GATT. Confidential.
2. Telegram 78292 to Canberra, November 3, noted that Australian participants in grain talks in Washington claimed that President Johnson gave Prime Minister Holt definite assurances on the U.S. position on the price issue and asked the Embassy for its “understanding of where matter was left.” (Ibid.)
3. Document 331.
4. Document 333. The talking paper has not been found.