India, Japan, Australia : partners in Asia? Papers from a conference at the Australian National University, September 1967

Abstract

'Australia is located at a superficially convenient point in geographical terms and in industrial strength to stress our interest in Asia, and in particular our interest in the two nations at the north-west and northeast extremities of the arc facing inwards to the Asian heartland: India and Japan. Yet there seems no triangular relationship much thought about, let alone practised.' These words are taken from Sir John Crawford's foreword to this book, which is the outcome of his suggestion that a conference be sponsored by the Research School of Pacific Studies at the Australian National University in order that these three countries should get to know one another better. The papers and discussions presented here cover both political and economic questions. They examine the background of bilateral relations between India and Japan, Australia and Japan, and Australia and India; they discuss the future of Japanese economic involvement in South and Southeast Asia; they discuss India's economic problems and the extent to which Australia and Japan can help with these; and they consider the possibilities of co-operation between the three countries. The book will find readers in the fields of business, education, and government, and should interest all those who are concerned about Australia's future relations with Asia.