107TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 217
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the historic significance of the 50th
anniversary of the alliance between Australia and
the United States under the ANZUS Treaty, rec-
ognizing the strong support provided by Aus-
tralia to the United States in the aftermath of
the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in-
cluding jointly invoking Article IV of the ANZUS
Treaty, which commits both countries to act to
meet a common danger, and reaffirming the im-
portance of economic and security cooperation
between the United States and Australia.
107TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 217
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas the relationship between the United States and Aus-
tralia extends beyond security cooperation and is based
on common values, mutual respect, and a shared desire
to see a world at peace in which all peoples can enjoy the
benefits of democratic governance, fundamental human
rights, and the prosperity that market-oriented economies
bring;
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Whereas the United States and Australia are jointly com-
mitted to combating terrorism around the world;
Whereas the United States and Australia share a wide range
of common interests in Asia and the Pacific, such as
growth and liberalization of international trade, regional
cooperation on economic development, environmental pro-
tection, and the peaceful settlement of disputes;
Whereas the United States and Australia share the goals of
effective multilateral cooperation in arms control and
nonproliferation, halting the spread of weapons of mass
destruction, and ensuring the effective operation of
nonproliferation and arms control regimes;
Whereas the Australia-United States Trade and Investment
Framework Agreement (TIFA) provides for consultations
on trade and investment policy issues;
Whereas since 1985 the United States and Australia have
held annual bilateral Australia-United States Ministerial
Talks (AUSMIN) to develop and enhance their relation-
ship;
Whereas United States Presidential visits to Australia in
1991 and 1996 and visits of the Australian Prime Min-
ister to the United States in 1995, 1997, and 1999 have
underscored the strength and closeness of the alliance;
Whereas the Sydney Declaration of 1996 reaffirmed and
strengthened the defense alliance between the United
States and Australia and the intention of both countries
to work cooperatively with other states in the region and
to encourage collective solutions to problems and security
challenges in the region;
Whereas the United States and Australia are committed to
close bilateral cooperation on legal, counternarcotics, and
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other global issues through the Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty (MLAT) of 1997;
Whereas the United States and Australia have worked to-
gether closely in the World Trade Organization (WTO),
as active members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Coopera-
tion (APEC) forum, and as strong supporters of the As-
sociation of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to encourage and im-
prove regional cohesion;
Whereas the various phases of the multinational and United
Nations operations in East Timor were a striking exam-
ple of regional cooperation to achieve shared goals;
Whereas as evidenced by the recent situation in East Timor
and the economic crisis of 1997, the international and
economic security in the Asia-Pacific region is dynamic
and the vitality and relevance of the alliance since the
end of the Cold War is obvious;
Whereas the alliance between the United States and Aus-
tralia during World War II was formalized in a 1951 se-
curity treaty commonly referred to as the ‘‘ANZUS Trea-
ty’’, which provides that the United States and Australia
will act to meet a common danger in the event of an
armed attack in the Pacific against either country and
strengthen the fabric of peace in the Pacific region;
Whereas Australia and the United States have maintained a
close relationship with one another, and with the United
Nations, regional organizations, associations, and other
authorities in the Pacific region as a means to maintain
international peace and security;
Whereas forces of the United States and Australia have
served alongside one another in many theaters of war and
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as part of United Nations peacekeeping operations
throughout the world;
Whereas the alliance between the United States and Aus-
tralia has been characterized by an extraordinary degree
of cooperation that includes information sharing, com-
bined exercises, joint training and educational programs,
and joint facilities;
Whereas the Australia-United States security relationship,
having proved its value for five decades, will remain a
cornerstone of Asia-Pacific security into the 21st century;
and
Whereas September 1, 2001, marks the 50th anniversary of
the ANZUS Treaty: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress—
(1) expresses its appreciation to the Govern-
ment and people of Australia for the support given
to the United States in the aftermath of the ter-
rorist attacks on September 11, 2001;
(2) pays tribute to the relationship between the
United States and Australia and looks forward to
the continued growth and development of all aspects
of the relationship;
(3) reaffirms the commitment of the United
States to its alliance with Australia under the
ANZUS Treaty and to the importance of security
cooperation between the United States and Australia
and the importance of their mutual security commit-
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ments, as was demonstrated by their joint decision
to invoke Article IV of the Treaty, which commits
both countries to act to meet a common danger;
(4) reaffirms the importance of the trade and
economic relationship between Australia and the
United States and expresses its commitment to fur-
ther strengthen it; and
(5) expresses its strong support for continued
close cooperation between Australia and the United
States on economic and security issues in the Asia-
Pacific region and globally.
Passed the House of Representatives October 16,
2001.
Attest:
Clerk.