Peacock's Argument Holds For The Kevin 747 Express

In the recently released cabinet documents for 1978, Andrew Peacock sets out the case why ministers should travel overseas. The then foreign affairs minister argued it was vital to build relationships with the influential people on the world stage so they would be well disposed towards Australia. His comments 30 years ago were aimed at improving fractious associations with the United States and Asia, particularly Indonesia, but the message is still important today.