*EPF307 07/25/01
Text: Schieffer Says U.S., Australia Share Common Values
(July 25 testimony of nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Australia) (780)

J. Thomas Schieffer, the U.S. Ambassador-designate to Australia, emphasized the shared values between the United States and Australia at his July 25 hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"With Australia we share a common language, the Common Law and the common belief that liberty and justice are worth sacrifice," he said.

Following is the text of Schieffer's remarks, as prepared for delivery:

(begin text)

Statement of J. Thomas Schieffer
Ambassador-designate Australia
Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
July 25, 2001

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to appear before you today as President Bush's nominee to serve as the United States Ambassador to Australia. Let me begin by thanking the President for the confidence he has placed in me. I would also like to add that I am well aware that a lot of people with a lot of very important issues are asking for your time prior to the August recess so I am doubly appreciative that you would ask me to appear now. I would also like to thank your staff. They have been extremely courteous, helpful and cooperative in this process.

Shortly after the turn of the last century representatives from the various British colonies in Australia met in Melbourne to form a new nation. This year we celebrate the success of their efforts in the 100th year of Australian Federation. Even before Federation, the United States had a presence in Australia. The first consular office was established in Sydney in 1836. By 1886 our presence spanned the Australian continent when an American consulate opened in Perth.

Throughout the years our relationship with Australia has grown closer and closer. We fought side by side in France during World War I. In the Second World War when the Allies were reeling from losses suffered throughout Asia, the Australians welcomed us as brothers and sisters in freedom. From their homeland and with their citizens we launched the campaign that would defeat the forces of militarism and fascism around the world.

With Australia we share a common language, the Common Law and the common belief that liberty and justice are worth sacrifice. Out of those beliefs we have forged one of the great alliances of history. Fifty years ago with the signing of the ANZUS Treaty, we put into words what the deeds of the Coral Sea and the heroism of World War II had already put in our hearts. Namely, that we have no better friend in the world than Australia.

When we asked the Australians to join us in Korea, and in Vietnam, and in the Gulf War, they did. When we have needed the wise counsel and support of a friend in matters and in places around the globe, they have given it.

Next Monday, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will meet with their counterparts in Canberra at the AUSMIN Conference. This annual event is held to ensure that the leaders at the highest levels in both our governments will always understand the issues facing our alliance.

In matters of commerce, our relationship with the Australians is just as strong as it is in matters of security. We have a trade surplus with Australia, the second largest surplus that exits in the world. American business and American capital are welcome there. We treat each other with the respect that is accorded long time friends.

And like the good mates Australians always prize, we find that these good friends show up when they are needed most. Just last summer when wild fires had spread across the whole American West, when every available fire fighter in this country was already committed, the Australians sent 80 of their best to lead crews that would turn the tide.

All this is not to say that there are not times when we disagree. Even the best of friends will have moments of disagreement. But when we do disagree we try to sit down as friends and partners to work out our differences.

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee if the Senate sees fit to confirm me as Ambassador to Australia, I pledge to you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the strong spirit of cooperation that exists between our two countries will be nourished and cherished throughout my tenure.

I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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