UN General Assembly
1961

113. It is not possible In a speech in the general debate to cover all questions before the General Assembly or to cover all regions of the world or all elements of policy that are important to one's country. I have not, for example, referred to South East Asia, though that is pivotal in Australia's foreign policy and Australia's international relations. I shall say simply that the situation in Laos is one in which Australia takes great interest. We want Laos to be independent, genuinely neutral, and with its independence assured for the future. We also are concerned at developments in Viet-Nam. In Viet-Nam there are increasing internal disturbances fomented from outside, with foreign physical penetration from outside. Developments of that nature cannot but give concern to all countries in South East Asia and make us look to see what it holds for the future. I shall say no more on either of those situations or on South East Asia generally. But the briefness of my comment is not to he held to imply that we do not attach the greatest of importance to what is going on there.