Howard says he would consider US military base in Australia
'The Federal Government would consider an approach from the United States about basing US military forces in Australia, Prime Minister John Howard said today.'

Of course Australia should 'consider' an approach from the US but it should also state at the outset of this process the important principle that Australia will accept responsibility for the defence and security of its own territory, and an appropriate share of responsibility for the the peace and security of our region. In general terms, acceptance of responsibility means the basing of foreign troops on Australian territory (like conscription to the armed forces), should not be countenanced except in the case of a serious national emergency such as the Japanese offensive of World War 11.

Howard says he would consider US military base in Australia
'The Federal Government would consider an approach from the United States about basing US military forces in Australia, Prime Minister John Howard said today.'

Of course Australia should 'consider' an approach from the US but it should also state at the outset of this process the important principle that Australia will accept responsibility for the defence and security of its own territory, and an appropriate share of responsibility for the the peace and security of our region. In general terms, acceptance of responsibility means the basing of foreign troops on Australian territory (like conscription to the armed forces), should not be countenanced except in the case of a serious national emergency such as the Japanese offensive of World War 11.