The first test of our relationship with the United States came over what was West New Guinea, what is now West Irian. For a range of reasons, the United States took little notice of the Australian Government's view. The lesson is quite simply that the United States gave very little weight to Australia's views. We believe we share in information that is not generally made available to others. The facilities at Pine Gap give us a continuous entree into the highest levels of American intelligence.
Military exercises take place between our armed forces.
There is no doubt that these relationships have advantages for Australia. Even here, however, we need a note of caution. In intelligence matters, we are generally told what others believe it is good for us to know. It is not a complete open book. That is the way great powers operate.