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Date of letter
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From
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To
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Contents
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PDF page no
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Folio
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8 Oct 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 30 Sep 1975:
· Her Majesty thanks you for keeping her informed
· Constitutional crisis
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4–5
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226–227
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2 Oct 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to two letters of 20 Sep 1975:
· Papua New Guinea independence celebrations
· Queen had a full account from Prince Charles of his talks with the you, including the possibility of the Prime Minister asking the Queen to terminate your commission
· Political situation in Australia
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6–7
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224–225
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30 Sep 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Conversation with the Prime Minister on 29 Sep 1975 on the political and constitutional problems and the Prime Minister’s proposed options, including Half Senate Election
· Private oral advice from Attorney-General re section 53 of constitution that the Senate has the legal power to reject the Appropriation Bills
· Doubt about Sir John and Lady Kerr’s visit to Canada and London (due to depart on 5 Nov 1975)
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8–11
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220–223
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24 Sep 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 12 Sep 1975:
· Prince of Wales has advised the Queen of problems the Governor-General is facing in Australia
· Handwritten postscript re Eugene Forsey’s book, ‘The Prerogative of the Dissolution’ [‘The Royal Prerogative of Dissolution of Parliament in the British Commonwealth’]
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12
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219
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20 Sep 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Report of trip to Papua New Guinea
· Anticipating Princess Margaret’s visit in early Nov 1975
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13–14
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217–218
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20 Sep 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Constitutional crisis
· Prime Minister Whitlam’s discussion with the Governor-General in Port Moresby re section 53 of the constitution dealing with the Senate’s power to deal with money bills; and on Mr Whitlam’s plans if Sir John terminated Mr Whitlam’s commission when the public service etc were not being paid
· Discussion with Sir Garfield Barwick re section 53
· Press against Mr Fraser
· Mr Fraser in Papua New Guinea but the Governor-General did not discuss the issues with him
· Is keeping an open mind re the issues but thinking hard
· London trip will go ahead on 3 Nov 1975 unless supply is unresolved
Attachments
· Press clippings re constitutional and budget issues
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15–27
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204–216
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10 Sep 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 4 Sep 1975 re Bougainville
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28
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203
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7 Sep 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 29 Aug 1975:
· Similarities between economic situation in Australia and Britain
· Note that you expect the next election to come towards the first half of 1976
· Sir Martin’s meeting with the Canadian Governor-General
· Expecting Sir John and Lady Kerr’s visit to London and Canada
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29–30
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201–202
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5 Sep 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 28 Aug 1975:
· Queen instructed Charteris to say (in separate correspondence) that she’s pleased to become Queen and Head of State of Papua New Guinea and has approved the appointment of the Governor-General to Papua New Guinea (acting on advice of her Australian ministers)
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31
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200
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12 Sep 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Political situation
· Low popularity of the government in polls
· Views and opinions around Australia including the press, and pressure on Mr Fraser to deny supply and reject the budget in the Senate
· Important constitutional questions could arise and require careful thought
· About to leave for Papua New Guinea for independence day
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32–34
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197–199
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4 Sep 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Papua New Guinea, Bougainville’s ‘secession’ and position of Catholic Church in political developments
· Declaration of the Republic of North Solomons
Attachments
- Press clippings re Bougainville, 1 Sep 1975
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35–39
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192–196
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29 Aug 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Recent political situation, the budget
· Heavy inflation in Australia and the tax system
· Mr Fraser has announced that although he will criticise the budget, no election will be precipitated this year, unless the situation changes
· Prime Minister expected it to be possible that an election would occur on 5 Dec 1975, if supply were denied
· Sir John’s visit to Canada, London and Europe in November
· Enclosing two copies of the Australian Foreign Affairs Record – issue for May has an article re Sir John’s visit to South Asia; issue for June includes an article and report on Papua New Guinea (copies not attached to file)
· Have sent the official documentation on the Papua New Guinea constitution today
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40–43
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188–191
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28 Aug 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 19 Aug 1975:
· Procedures re The Queen assuming sovereignty of Papua New Guinea satisfactory
· Bougainville secession
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44
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187
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19 Aug 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Papua New Guinea: adoption of constitution procedural arrangements
· Bougainville secession issues
· Australian aid to Papua New Guinea cut as part of general budget cuts
· Note that budget is to be delivered tonight
Attachment
- Sir Mark Oliphant, The Canberra Times, 1 Aug 1975
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45–49
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182–186
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31 Jul 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 25 Jul 1975:
· Formal approval for absence from Australia to visit London and European capitals
· The Queen looks forward to receiving the Sir John and Lady Kerr
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50–51
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180–181
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30 Jul 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letters of 3 and 21 Jul 1975:
· Comments briefly on the Australian political situation and the Executive Council meeting of 14 Dec 1974
· Letters provide valuable background for The Queen
· Interesting politics in UK in the last 6 weeks
· Personal note in Charteris’ hand re test cricket
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52–53
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178–179
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25 Jul 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Seeks The Queen’s approval for a visit by Sir John to London, possibly in November (with the Prime Minister’s support)
· Possible election if Supply is denied
· Progress of the news honours system
· The Queen’s jubilee year visit
· Prime Minister’s proposal to seek The Queen’s approval for a revision and consolidation of the Royal Instructions to the Governor-General
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54–56
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175–177
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21 Jul 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Report on loans crisis involving Dr Cairns and Mr Connor
· Mr Khemlani given an Executive Council Minute
· Questioning of senior public servants re loan policy by Senate
· State election in South Australia
· Weakening of Mr Whitlam’s position
· Sir John’s tour of the Northern Territory interrupted
· Executive Council meeting of 14 Dec 1974 held in Sir John’s absence and without his prior knowledge
Attachment
· The Australian Financial Review article, 8 Jul 1975 re loans crisis
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57–62
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169–174
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3 Jul 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Political developments and Labor’s by-election loss
· Dismissal of Dr Cairns as Minister for the Environment by the Governor-General (same issues as with Mr Cameron)
· The loan deals and Mr Fraser’s call for a judicial inquiry
· Budget issues and the possibility of the denial of supply
· Energy not to be moved from CSIRO
Attachment
- The Canberra Times editorial re the political situation and the Governor-General’s powers, 4 Jul 1975
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63–68
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163–168
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25 Jun 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 20 Jun 1975:
· Papua New Guinea independence and the Prince of Wales’ attendance
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69
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162
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20 Jun 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Re Papua New Guinea independence date set as 16 Sep 1975; Prince of Wales attendance; and Bougainville secession issue
Attachment
· Letter from Sir John Kerr to Mr Whitlam re independence celebration in Papua New Guinea and Prince of Wales attendance, 17 Jun 1975
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70–74
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157–161
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19 Jun 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letters of 11 Jun 1975:
· Political developments and top public servants; comment on decision re dismissal of Mr Cameron
· Political situation and similarity in UK
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75–76
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155–156
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18 Jun 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 11 Jun 1975:
· Order of Australia
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77
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154
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17 Jun 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 11 Jun 1975:
· Papua New Guinea independence ceremony, Prince of Wales attendance and date
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78
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153
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11 Jun 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 30 May 1975:
· Papua New Guinea independence: The Queen’s style and title; date
· Governor-General’s visits to Fiji and New Zealand
· David Smith in London
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79–80
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151–152
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11 Jun 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Order of Australia: acceptance/rejection of proposed honours; thoughts on changes to the guidelines for eligibility
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81–84
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147–150
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11 Jun 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Recent political developments: Cabinet reshuffle, including , on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governor-General’s dismissal of Mr Cameron (who refused to resign)
Attachment
· Extract from Australian Government Gazette, No S106, 06 Jun 1975
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85–90
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141–146
(143-146)
(141-142)
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11 Jun 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Ministerial changes and top public servants: Sir Frederick Wheeler, Sir Lenox Hewitt, Sir Arthur Tange, Dr Price, Mr Rex Connor, Mr Morrison
[Refers to a letter from Dr Price re Order of Australia being attached to the letter of 11 Jun 1975 re the Order: it is not present on this file]
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91–93
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138–140
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11 Jun 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Regarding Papua New Guinea independence: date
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94
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137
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3 Jun 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 26 May 1975:
· The Queen has received an account from Princess Anne of the visit to Australia
· Papua New Guinea independence
· Council of the Order of Australia
· Impending visit of David Smith
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95
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136
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30 May 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Prince of Wales attendance at independence of Papua New Guinea: discussion of dates
Attachment
· Papua New Guinea may have early elections, The Australian, 31 May 1975
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96–97
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134–135
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26 May 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Papua New Guinea independence and Australian advice to The Queen
· Council of the Order of Australia deliberations
Attachment
· Photocopied notes of the Governor-General on his visit to Fiji and New Zealand, 12–24 May 1975
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98–104
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127–133
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16 May 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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· Refers to his own letter of 5 May re Prince Charles travelling to Papua New Guinea for independence day: dates
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105
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126
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5 May 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris, Hong Kong
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 21 Apr 1975:
· Papua New Guinea independence and royal representation
· The Queen has received an approach from the Australian Government, acting on behalf of Michael Somare, offering her the Crown of Papua New Guinea
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106–107
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124–125
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2 May 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris,
Honolulu, Hawaii
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 23 Apr 1975:
· State/Commonwealth tensions regarding Orders of Australia
· The Queen pleased to hear about Kerr’s marriage
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108–109
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122–123
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23 Apr 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Background to establishment of the Council for the Order of Australia: State/Commonwealth tensions
· The Bulletin article re Office of the Governor General
· Princess Anne and Captain Phillips in Canberra
Attachments
· Biographies for Sir John’s nominees for the Council of the Order of Australia
· Press clippings
· Draft ‘Honours in Confidence’ cover sheet to be used in despatching documents to Council members
· The unroyal order, The Bulletin, 26 Apr 1975
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110–120
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111–121
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21 Apr 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Talks with Somare in Papua New Guinea re independence and the likelihood that The Queen will be asked to remain as Queen of Papua New Guinea; wish for member of the Royal family to attend Independence Day
Attachment
· Extract from diary notes on Papua New Guinea visit by the Governor-General, 10-17 Apr 1975
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121–126
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105–110
(105-107)
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2 Apr 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 24 Mar 1975:
· Mr Fraser leader of the opposition
· The Queen’s delight in successful overseas visits
· Order of Australia
· Independence of Papua New Guinea
· Proposed visit to Fiji by Governor-General
· British Honours awarded by the Australian states
· Visit to London of Sir Mark Oliphant
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127–129
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102–104
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24 Mar 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Political situation in Australia; Mr Fraser has replaced Mr Snedden as leader of opposition
· Overseas visit to Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran
· Darwin visit
· Order of Australia: establishing administrative arrangements
· Papua New Guinea independence
· Possible visit to Fiji
· Awards of British Honours by the Australian states
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130–135
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96–101
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5 Mar 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 19 Feb 1975:
· The Queen’s approval of visit to New Zealand
· Order of Australia: have received David Smith’s copies of press response
· Prince of Wales back from Nepal
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136
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95
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25 Feb 1975
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William (Bill) Heseltine
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 19 Feb 1975:
· Coronation in Nepal
· Darwin cyclone and accident on Derwent River, Hobart
· Press reception of the Order of Australia
· Senate casual vacancy
· Royal Commonwealth Society incident
· The Bulletin article
· Health of Sir John
· Vice-regal salute
· Commonwealth/State relations
· Proposed visit to New Zealand
· The Queen’s staff in Mexico and Caribbean
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137–138
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93–94
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19 Feb 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Visit to Nepal, India, Afghanistan and Iran
· Sir Roden Cutler to act in Sir John’s absence
· Darwin disaster; The Queen’s gift to nurses in Darwin; Sir John’s planned stopover in Darwin (mentions enclosure: not present on file)
· Collision with Tasman Bridge on the Derwent River, Hobart
· Order of Australia and possible reactions; staff will be established in Government House to handle the honours
· Political position in Australia including appointment of Senator Murphy to the High Court and filling of the casual vacancy; Labor party conference
· The Royal Commonwealth Society incident
· Article in the magazine The Bulletin re Sir John following Sir Paul Hasluck’s policy (mentions enclosure: article not present on file)
· Sir John’s health
· Vice-regal salute (national anthem)
· Commonwealth/State tensions
· Appointment of Senator Murphy to the High Court
· Sir John’s travel in coming months to Papua New Guinea, Northern Territory and New Zealand
· Potential request for attendance of a member of the Royal Family in Papua New Guinea
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139–148
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83–92
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10 Feb 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letters of 4 Feb 1975:
· Letters re Australian honours have been placed before The Queen and she has been pleased to give them her approval
· The Queen’s views on honours, including the Order of Australia
· Vice-regal salute
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149–150
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81–82
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3 Feb 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 4 Jan 1975:
· The Queen has read your letter with close interest regarding your visit to Darwin
· Difficulties over table of precedence and UK arrangements re consultation between the UK government and The Queen
· The Queen’s view on vice-regal salute (national anthem)
· The Queen’s interest in Mr Fraser’s attempt to supplant Mr Snedden
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151–152
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79–80
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4 Feb 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Australian honours and awards (and Table of Precedence), including State objections and Canadian precedents; effect of Darwin disaster
· Possibility of a political or constitutional crisis occurring before The Queen’s birthday discussed with the Prime Minister in relation to political consequences of decisions
· Vice-regal salute
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153–159
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72–78
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3 Feb 1975
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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· Cable with The Queen’s approval for Sir John’s attendance at the coronation in Nepal and related visits
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160
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71
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4 Jan 1975
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Darwin disaster (Cyclone Tracy): thanks The Queen for sympathetic message; issued Order of the Day to the Armed Services; Sir John’s visit to Darwin; no special legal powers; Commonwealth/Northern Territory tensions
· Order of precedence and the Prime Minister’s views
· National anthem
· Australian politics: supply and appropriation; Mr Fraser may try to unseat Snedden; Sir John’s visit to Sir Robert Menzies
· Program for HRH Princess Anne and Captain Phillips’ visit
· Plans for visit to Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan
Attachment
· Order of the Day to the Defence Force by the Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief (undated)
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161–168
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63–70
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17 Dec 1974
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 10 Dec 1974:
· Australian Honours
· Mr Whitlam’s visit to London
· Miss Morosi in press in UK
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169
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62
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19 Dec 1974
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Official Secretary to the Governor-General
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London
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Cablegram re Table of Precedence, quoting from a document to Prime Minister Whitlam from the Governor-General
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170
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61
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19 Dec 1974
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Telegram re Australian Honours, Table of Precedence – background information
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171
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60
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19 Dec 1974
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Telegram re Australian Honours, Table of Precedence – formal advice
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172
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59
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4 Dec 1974
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letters of 8 and 22 Nov 1974:
· Shah’s visit
· The Queen interested in mechanics of announcement of change in Treasurer prior to becoming effective
· Prince of Wales was grateful for advice re New South Wales property
· Petition from Queensland to Privy Council has not arrived
· Governor-General’s Australian and Papua New Guinea visits
· Australian Honours; The Queen would support
· The Queen has no objection to Kerr becoming patron of Law Association for Asia and the Western Pacific
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173–175
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56–58
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10 Dec 1974
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Result of Queensland election (Labor losses)
· Leader of the Opposition (Mr Snedden) survived a challenge from Mr Fraser
· Budget passed
· Scandal affecting Treasurer and Attorney-General: appointment of Miss Morosi to Treasurer’s staff and her husband by Attorney-General to the Film Board
· Possibility of denial of supply towards end first half of 1975
· Australian Honours system discussions
· Controversial appointment of Menadue (Private Secretary to Mr Whitlam as Deputy Leader of Opposition) to head the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
· Controversial appointment of Dr Wilenski (former Principal Private Secretary to Prime Minister Whitlam) to head the Department of Labor and Immigration
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176–179
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52–55
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22 Nov 1974
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Press speculation over Treasurer’s position (Dr Cairns replaced Mr Crean) and political situation
· Proposed Australian Honours system
· Proposed trip to Nepal and neighbouring countries
· Law Association for Asia and the Western Pacific – Kerr was foundation president; the association would now like him to be patron
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180–184
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47–51
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8 Nov 1974
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Visit by Imperial majesties of Iran; Indian Ocean diplomacy; cultural and trade relations
· Visit by Japanese Prime Minister; trade matters
· Visit by Prince of Wales including details of ownership of New South Wales property
· Invitation to coronation of King of Nepal
· Problems with the economy, possible election mid-next year, possible denial of supply and press speculation re Treasurer Crean’s replacement by Dr Cairns
· Plan to travel around Australia
· Proposes a pre-independence trip to Papua New Guinea
· Review of Order of Precedence
· Tasmanian petition on rights to the seabed
Attachment
· Transcript of Prince of Wales interview with Richard Carleton and Mike Willesee, et al, 29 Oct 1974
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185–200
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31–46
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9 Oct 1974
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 15 Aug 1974:
· Prince of Wales purchasing property in New South Wales – action deferred
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201–202
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29–30
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14 Sep 1974
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 9 Sep 1974:
· Charteris’ recent visit to Canada and ceremonial arrangements
· National anthem
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203–204
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27–28
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9 Sep 1974
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Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Ceremonial arrangements; dress to be worn at swearing in ceremony
· Postponed visit to Canada
· Royal salute to the Governor-General
· National anthem
[Mentions press notice attached, but not present on file]
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205–207
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24–26
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14 Sep 1974
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Sir Martin Charteris
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Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 6 Sep 1974:
· Charteris’ expression of sympathy on death of Lady Kerr and also on behalf of The Queen
· Sir John Bunting’s appointment as Australian High Commissioner, London
· Commonwealth/State relations
· Government use of personal advisors (Australia and Whitehall)
· Comment re length of reports
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208–209
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22–23
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6 Sep 1974
|
Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Lady Kerr’s health deteriorating
· Sir John Bunting’s appointment as Australian High Commissioner, London; concerns of the senior ranks of the public service; Royal Commission into the Australian Public Service; procedure under which Kerr provided background briefings by Ministers.
· Symbols of the Monarchy
· Requests indication of level of detail required in reports to Sir Martin
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210–214
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17–21
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2 Sep 1974
|
Sir Martin Charteris
|
Sir John Kerr
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Response to letter of 15 Aug 1974:
· Lady Kerr’s health
· Prince Charles’ purchase of property
· Labor caucus
· Queensland petition and advice to The Queen from more than one quarter
· Death of Norman Kirk, New Zealand
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215–216
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15–16
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15 Aug 1974
|
Sir John Kerr
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Sir Martin Charteris
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· Update on Lady Kerr’s health
· Opening of the new Parliament after the double dissolution and resulting political consequences of the election, including the opposition’s control of the Senate, internal government politics
· Proposal that Prince Charles purchase land in New South Wales
· Petition from the Tasmanian government to The Queen re off-shore question and Commonwealth/State relations
· Handling of the six bills allegedly twice rejected by the Senate which led to the double dissolution; the interpretation of Section 57 of the constitution; and the High Court’s view of Sir John’s proclamation
· State of Queensland’s proposal to refer issues to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
Attachments:
· Proclamation under section 57 of the constitution by Sir Paul Hasluck, Special Gazette, No 31B, 11 Apr 1974
· Proclamation by Sir John Kerr (referring to Sir Paul Hasluck’s proclamation of 11 Apr), Special Gazette, No 62B, 30 Jul 1974
· Section 57 of the constitution
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217–230
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1–14
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