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P R I M E  M I N I S T E R

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Press Statement No

8 May 1973

STRATEGIC EXPORT CONTROLS

The Government has taken a decision on a  report by Departments on the question of strategic  export controls over commercial trade.

It has been decided that Australia will no  longer maintain on commercial trade with the U.S.S.R.,   Eastern Europe, China,  North Korea, North Viet-Nam and  Cuba, restraints different from the restraints on  commercial trade maintained on any other country.

The controls which have been maintained by ,   Australia have not proved,  in recent years, to have  much relevance to our production and it has therefore  been decided to treat trade with all countries on a

similar basis.

It is well known that controls by other  western countries have been progressively reduced and  the United States and European countries are selling  highly sophisticated material to the communist countries.

We have notified a number of our closest  friends of this decision and assured them that Australia  will not be a means towards circumventing any controls  which they may maintain over their own production.

This decision has no bearing on the controls  which are maintained by Australia over the export of  arms and war-like stores and atomic energy material.

The embargo on trade with North Viet-Nam is  being removed and we consider this is appropriate in  view of the establishment of relations with that  country.

CANBERRA, A.C.T

