Garrett threatens US ties (AUS)

[GregW]

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/08/1086460299118.html

Australia's relationship with the US would be jeopardised if the Labor Party preselected Peter Garrett for a safe seat, the Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, said yesterday.

Flagging the Federal Government's line of attack if Mr Garrett accepts the offer of the south-eastern Sydney seat of Kingsford Smith, Mr Downer said he was concerned about the former rock singer's opposition to US military visits and the Australian-US satellite ground station at Pine Gap, near Alice Springs.

"Who the Opposition preselects as their candidate is a matter for them," Mr Downer said. "But I note that Peter Garrett has been one of the chief campaigners for the closure of Pine Gap and for the expulsion of the American military from Australian soil.


As much as I disagree with Garrett being 'parachuted' into a safe Labour seat ... this issue is priceless. The last time an Australian politician tried to expose/close Pine Gap we all know what happened ... the CIA conspired to overthrow the government!

What!!?? You ask ... The United States helped to overthrow its good buddies, the Australians! But, but ... they're DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED!

Don't believe me ... try googling for cia overthrow whitlam

[anakie]

1. and what exactly is wrong

with not wanting US military and it's bases on Australian soil.