Letter dated 15 October 1966
To President L.B. Johnson, President of the United States of America
From Moira Dynon
On 15 October 1966, Moira wrote to His Excellency Mr E Clark, Ambassador for the United States of America, requesting him to hand to the President a letter on his arrival in Canberra:
President L.B. Johnson
President of the United States of America
c/o His Excellency Mr. E. Clark,
Ambassador for the United States of America,
CANBERRA. A.C.T. AUSTRALIA
15th October, 1966
Dear President Johnson,
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS NOT CHEAP
On behalf of Aid For India Campaign and its Milk For India Committees and supporters in the various States of Australia, I extend to you and Mrs. Johnson a warm welcome to Australia.
As you know, Mr. Averell Harriman, your special envoy to Australia in January this year, was asked to convey to you our great appreciation for the continuing efforts by the U.S.A. to co-operate with the people of democratic and freedom loving India.
We are vitally interested in the future of India for reasons which include the following three: —
- India, the world’s largest democracy, most realistically represents the cause of freedom and democracy on the Asian mainland.
- As no doubt India holds the key to the future of Asia, the destiny of Australia as a democratic nation is inevitably linked with India.
- It is important to Australia and to Asia that China be flanked by a strong secure and independent India. India indeed is Australia’s shield against any Chinese expansionist ambition whether economic, ideological or military.
We are aware of the serious dangers and problems in Viet Nam. However, for Australians the outcome of the struggle in Viet Nam fades in importance when compared with the outcome of Indian endeavours to build a strong, secure, independent and self reliant nation by democratic methods.
It seems that the importance of the success of Indian ideals is not always fully recognized by freedom lovers in the West. You, Mr. President, have given world leadership and the Government of the U.S.A. has given generous assistance to India. However, in view of the urgency for rapid economic progress and development, it is surprising that on a per capita basis, India ranks so low as a recipient of international aid.
There is profound goodwill amongst the Australian people for the people of India—our neighbour and friend. We hope that this warmth of feeling will soon be reflected in a decision by our own Government to enter into a strong, firm and substantial Australian economic commitment to India by way of trade and aid.
Geographically, Australia lies between the world’s two largest democracies, India and the United States of America. We Australians desire to look both ways and we must look both ways.
U.S.A., India and Australia have so much in common—our love of freedom, democratic ideals, our multi religious societies, parliamentary institutions, free press and the rule of law. The widespread use of the English language in Indian official and parliamentary spheres provides a unique opportunity for close understanding between the peoples of our three countries.
The price of freedom is not cheap. India today is in the early industrial revolution period. Her territorial integrity is threatened by neighbours at a time when she is making heroic sacrifices to raise the living standards of her people and to progress in freedom. This presents a challenge to Australia and indeed to all freedom lovers in that we must recognize that the price of freedom is not cheap.
With every good wish,
yours sincerely,
Moira Dynon
CHAIRMAN, AID FOR INDIA CAMPAIGN.