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Croatian Ustaše (clerical-fascists) in Australia?
Documents on the 1973 ‘raid’ at A.S.I.O., the Australian Security
Intelligence Organisation
I. Notes of Meeting at A.S.I.O. Regional Directorate, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
March 15, 1973
II. Notes of Meeting at A.S.I.O. Headquarters, Melbourne
March 16, 1973
[Apr. 21, 2008]The notes from the meetings
(‘raid’) on March
15 and 16, 1973, between the Australian Attorney General, Senator Lionel
Murphy, and members of his staff, and officers of the Australian
Security Intelligence Organisation
(A.S.I.O), posted on
this page, were provided to Emperor’s Clothes by Kerry Milte, former
Commander of the Central Crime Intelligence Bureau of the Commonwealth (now Australian) Federal Police,
who attended the meetings as special security adviser to Senator Murphy.
In his letter to TENC
[1], Mr. Milte
writes that the notes on the two meetings “were read by me into the
transcript of the 1973 Senate Inquiry [into Milte's role in the meetings
or, as the media put it, the ‘raid’] against the
protestations of the Liberals.”
We have added some comments and clarifications, which
are in brackets, and highlighted some revealing passages in yellow. For related articles see footnote
[1].
– Samantha Criscione and Jared Israel
=============================================
Clarification from Kerry Milte:
Concerning the transcripts
of the A.S.I.O meetings in Canberra and Melbourne, posted below, Kerry Milte,
who attended the meetings and provided the transcripts, writes: “The term
‘police’ in these transcripts
most often refers to state police ‘Special Branches,’ which acted in
conjunction with A.S.I.O. A.S.I.O. sponsored and funded them. Their
relations with the Commonwealth Police were not good because we
(in the Commonwealth Police) were
looking over their shoulders on corruption issues. So when you see the
‘police were doing this or that’ it was A.S.I.O.’s police appendages,
not the Commonwealth Police.”
=============================================
I. Notes of Meeting at A.S.I.O. Regional Directorate,
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
March 15, 1973
=============================================
NOTES OF MEETING AT A.S.I.O. REGIONAL DIRECTORATE, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAN
CAPITAL TERRITORY.
THURSDAY 15 March 1973 COMMENCING AT APPROXIMATELY 11.50 pm
PRESENT:
The Attorney-General, Senator L. K. Murphy;
Mr C. H. Brown, Regional Director, A.S.I.O.;
Mr R. Hunt, Asst. Regional Director A.S.I.O. (Arrived at approximately
12.15 pm)
Mr K. L. Milte, Special Adviser to the Attorney-General;
Miss M. Barron, Private Secretary to the Attorney-General;
Mr N. Penny, A.S.I.O. Administrative officer was present in the building
but was not present at interview.
Notes taken by Miss Barron.
After introductions the following conversation took place.
SENATOR MURPHY: What files do you have on Prime Minister when he comes
here next week. Croats? There is a probability of an attempt on the life
of the Yugoslav Prime Minister when he comes here next week.
MR C. H. BROWN: The expert on this is the section head who is in
Melbourne helping out with the material for you which the
Director-General (D.G.) is to bring tomorrow. He was at headquarters
before he came here.
(Brown mentioned the name of Ron Hunt, Asst. Regional Director A.C.T.
[Australian Capital Territory]
Office)
MR C. H. BROWN: He has a more detailed working knowledge of the
personalities than I and probably has a lot of the files we want in his
cabinet.
SENATOR MURPHY: We are having a meeting in the morning with the
President of the Senate. He wants to know what is happening about
security arrangements for Parliament House. This has always been a great
problem as we are not allowed to impose upon security arrangements. I
will be responsible for seeing that the protocol is observed. I want to
be in a position to let him know then what has been done. It is
important that we have as much as we can.
Mr Brown telephoned Mr R. Hunt
MR C.H. BROWN: “The A.G. [Attorney-General] wants you to come in and
discuss problems of mutual interest. Neville Penny is here already.”
(Discussion about Croats terminated pending the arrival of Mr Hunt. Mr
Hunt arrived at 12.15 a.m.).
After introductions:
SENATOR MURPHY: I want to see the files dealing with Croatian
organizations such as you have or Croatian clubs and any major
personalities that you have and Mr Hunt does have. Are there any that
you know of.
MR C. H. BROWN: Lloyd (?) at Parliament House.
SENATOR MURPHY: You may be aware of any Croats who are employed at
Parliament House, permanent or casual. There are a lot of people brought
in casually. Do you have any information on these people? Is there a
file on Parliament House other than a file on that?
MR C. H. BROWN: I have no knowledge of any files on employees.
SENATOR MURPHY: Are there any of Yugoslav origin and do you have any
files on them?
MR C.H. BROWN: We have done a short periodic check on staff. For casuals
we have never done them. Only in the last year or two any files provided
with the knowledge of the Speaker. I am not aware of any people to check
jobs in Parliament House.
SENATOR MURPHY: Is there any check on people who may be barmen or who
might apply for a job at a time like this? Has any request been made for
this type of information?
MR C.H. BROWN: Not so far as I know.
SENATOR MURPHY: Nothing has been done about Parliament House?
MR C.H. BROWN: Yes. Whether the Commonwealth Police have I don’t know.
As a result of the meetings which have been going on and which Hunt has
attended he has worked in close co-operation with the police and
subsequent to the main meeting has had a meeting each day with the
Commonwealth Police and we are assisting the police overall. So far as
what they are doing we do not know. Surveillance is being done by police
and they will see tomorrow the targets they are to allot to us. We have
no executive function, no right to lean on people. We are being given
targets which are less likely to require action of a police kind. As
soon as we get them we are going to set 24 hour surveillance as part of
the overall plan by the police.
SENATOR MURPHY: What would happen if somebody is intent upon
assassination? Has any survey been done?
MR C. H. BROWN: Police have done a round of all motels and they will do
this each day from now on …
We have put our heads together and pointed out the most likely
characters who will require attention. We have no knowledge of an influx
of people from interstate. The numbers given are superfluous. We think
some will stay at private houses occupied by their own people, other
than to hotels or motels and some to caravan parks. The police survey
done today is designed to cover all these places where they are likely
to be putting up.
SENATOR MURPHY: The cameras on top of Parliament House. Your
organization requested the permission of the President and the Speaker
and it has been given.
MR C.H. BROWN: There will be two photographers augmenting the police
photographers who will be in with the crowd and a van with a camera set
up on top in front of Parliament House. It may be very useful for
evidence and also our own photographs of any organised Croatian group
are getting out of date. We have not had an opportunity to photograph a
group of Croatians for about 4 years and this will give us an
opportunity to bring our photographs up to date. Last time was at
Parliament House and it was useful in prosecutions.
SENATOR MURPHY: Any thought been given to other persons?
MR C.H. BROWN: To the best of my knowledge no.
SENATOR MURPHY: Mr Grassby [Minister for Immigration] was mentioned as a possible target. When
will thought be given to that?
MR C.H. BROWN: It is a question of lack of resources.
SENATOR MURPHY: How many can we look after?
MR C.H. BROWN: We are spreading it very wide if we consider more than
those in the immediate scene.
SENATOR MURPHY: Have there been any attempts at any of the conferences
to discuss the protection of other Ministers in the event of them being
foiled in their major targets? Any consideration given to the protection
of people like James Cairns [Deputy Prime Minister] or Al Grassby?
MR C.H. BROWN: I don’t know of any discussion taken place to look after
any Ministers who will not be at any of the functions. The concentration
of physical protection is on the actual party itself.
SENATOR MURPHY: Except protection for the Prime Minister?
MR C.H. BROWN: That comes within the protection of the whole party, but
apart from that, no. This is in the hands of the people who are doing
the physical exercises.
SENATOR MURPHY: What about Jim Cairns? He might be considered a good
substitute.
MR C.H. BROWN: There has not been any particular effort.
SENATOR MURPHY: You mean nothing has been done?
MR C.H. BROWN: No. The arrangement is for a heavy police guard around
outside and the matter of bringing the visiting Prime Minister in
through the Senate, if there is too much press or people around the front
or any sign of demonstration, is intended to station police around the
front as a decoy for the crowd and the route is flexible so that they go
in the front or the Senate. The choice is to be made at the last moment.
SENATOR MURPHY: What about inside Parliament House?
MR C.H. BROWN: Police guards will be inside at vantage points. I do not
know how many police will be inside. In fact, I am not too sure that at
the meeting the decision had yet been taken. Details are still to be
worked out.
SENATOR MURPHY: Has any proposal been made as to how many people should
be inside? There are a lot of points of entry. When is it proposed to
work this out?
MR C.H. BROWN: The police were still working on some details today. At
the briefing when the physical arrangements were being taken, detail was
gone into, but not in all areas. I do not know the full details of all
their planning, particularly in the House. We are clear on the routes,
but around Parliament House, no. Government House was fairly clear up to
when they got the party in. Same applies to both Houses.
SENATOR MURPHY: Obviously this is not very advanced. The President and
Speaker have not yet been consulted. Have you been invited to be there
at 9.30? Has a check been made on Parliament House staff, permanent and
casual?
MR C.H. BROWN: No.
SENATOR MURPHY: No one has requested permission of Parliament to have
them looked through?
MR C.H. BROWN: No. The permanent staff is checked before they go on
there.
SENATOR MURPHY: The check of the permanent staff would not be especially
addressed to this point and check on casual staff is even more vital. I
know the susceptibilities to Parliament House, but why was a request not
made? It cannot be done in a few hours, can it?
MR C.H. BROWN: No.
SENATOR MURPHY: Why has it not been done?
MR C.H. BROWN So far as Parliament House is concerned, I do not know
whether it has even occurred to someone.
SENATOR MURPHY: Is not it obvious to do this?
MR C.H. BROWN: Yes.
SENATOR MURPHY: He would have to come to close quarters? Why has no
request been made as to the likely casual staff?
(SENATOR MURPHY gave a direction that a request is to be made for this
to be done.)
SENATOR MURPHY: What has been done to check on people in motels?
MR C.H. BROWN: The staff has been checked for this purpose.
SENATOR MURPHY: Casual staff?
MR C.H. BROWN: Yes, the whole staff.
SENATOR MURPHY: What has been done about the replacement at the last
minute?
Mr C.H. BROWN: The staff as it stands now has been checked and there is
an arrangement now between the management
to through anyone employed
between now and then.
SENATOR MURPHY: Checking by names and photographs?
MR C.H. BROWN: The only particulars we can get are the name, address and
birth date.
SENATOR MURPHY: Suppose a person changes his name. How can you check
this?
MR C.H. BROWN: If the particulars are false there is no check.
SENATOR MURPHY: The name of the killer is of course false.
MR C.H. BROWN: This has always been a problem in any checking for any
purpose. In time we may find out, but in the short term there is no way
of proving they have committed a false statement in filling in a form.
SENATOR MURPHY: Do we have the photographs of all these suspected people,
the real villains and all fanatical people, and shown these photographs
to the managers of the hotels?
MR C.H. BROWN: No. We have not and I do not think anyone has.
Photographs have been taken, but putting to the management of the hotels
has not been done.
SENATOR MURPHY: Does not it seem an elementary step? Should this not be
done?
MR C.H.BROWN: The police photographs are in the hands of the printer. We
have not received them yet. We are expecting them tomorrow afternoon.
(At this stage SENATOR MURPHY handed a file to Mr Milte and indicated a
page. Mr Milte handed it back to the Senator who showed it to Mr Brown
and Mr Hunt. They both looked at the page, but no conversation took
place. I learned later that the page referred to the note of a meeting
which took place on March 2nd, 1973).
SENATOR MURPHY: Well then, what about moves in 1973 to create a
revolution overseas, a possible incursion into Yugoslavia?
MR C.H. BROWN: Yes?
SENATOR MURPHY: Does it mean they are going out of here?
MR C.H. BROWN: Yes. There is to be an incursion in the European summer.
This information is not only available here, but from France and Germany
and there has been a group of 9 from Melbourne to work on that. They
have a group which they are investigating. They left their place of
residence in Footscray and Carlton. They are chasing them. Any group
which we have had from overseas….
liaison forces. A group of 6 alleged to be part of the
contingent. A source could give us nothing but names. We have been
restricted by the embargo on French and German services. We have been
trying to identify them from our own resources and also Immigration and
so far have not been able to line them up. A Gabro Petricevic attended a
meeting in Melbourne and claims to have attended some sort of training
at a camp in Victoria, on a farm near Moe. He stated that all manner of
weapons are held at the farm including sub-machine guns, machine guns,
and even light artillery. The Agent is convinced that such a farm exists
and he is telling the truth, but he expressed doubts as to their
possession of light artillery.
SENATOR MURPHY: The suggestion of terrorists moving to Australia and the
claims of them receiving training prior to leaving should be
investigated.
MR C.H. BROWN: That is like so much of information these agents pass in.
SENATOR MURPHY: It is consistent?
MR C.H. BROWN: Yes, it is.
SENATOR MURPHY: When you look at the volume, it is pretty high.
MR C.H. BROWN: A lot is not as consistent as it might be. It is from the
same source.
SENATOR MURPHY: There seems no doubt that the training camps exist.
MR C.H. BROWN: This particular training camp information has been sent to
Melbourne for investigation.
SENATOR MURPHY: What were results?
MR CH. BROWN: None for us. The D.G. [Director-General of A.S.I.O Peter Barbour] would know what is happening in
Melbourne. It is out of our hands and we are not made aware of results.
SENATOR MURPHY: It would be hard for you to follow up if you do not know
what is going on?
MR C.H. BROWN: There is an evaluation system going which checks on the
reliability and credibility of agents. They are graded.
SENATOR MURPHY: What does this mean? Les Shaw, P.R. A.C.T. intelligence
report – non gratis FILE NO. NX134 77/70
MR C.H. BROWN: That is a report about Shaw.
SENATOR MURPHY: The report says: Shaw had warned all Croats to ‘lie low’
until after the elections. There is a belief in the Croatian community
that the Yugoslav Embassy is ‘working in with the ALP [Australian Labor
Party].’ ZLATKO LAZIC of
the Embassy has alleged that with the coming elections ‘big things will
happen to the revolutionary groups in Australia’.
And this –
FILE NO. K/1/140 No. 2 KOVAC ANTHONY (TONY ANTE). What about the
reliability of agents?
MR C.H. BROWN: Agents materials checked alongside others. Their
credibility may change from time to time. Often improves and could be
regarded as very reliable. But we are ourselves unable to check on this
man’s reliability.
SENATOR MURPHY: It says a member of a Croatian revolutionary group has
approached a Croat for information on how to construct a bomb or where
it can be obtained. Stated reason was for an attack on ZLATKO LAZIC of
Yugoslav Embassy.
MR C.H. BROWN: Other information obtained indicates that two Yugoslavs
have already made plans for such attack. However, the Croat seeking the
attack was advised not to seek any further action along this line. The
agent who reported this is one who is not of a high credibility rating.
SENATOR MURPHY: How far is this appraised to see what is in it?
MR C.H. BROWN: It is pretty specific in the sense that the idea was to
bomb a particular person.
SENATOR MURPHY: Who is the Croat?
MR C.H. BROWN: It is hard to do anything. You cannot make them say
anything they do not want to say. Our evaluation would indicate that it
is second or third hand information.
SENATOR MURPHY: What about Shaw?
MR C.H. BROWN: LES SHAW is a person working with CSIRO [Commonwealth
Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation]. He is a soil
scientist and has taken an interest in the Croatian problem here. He has
done some writing and articles have appeared in the press. He wrote
something about Yugoslavian development and it was the subject of some
litigation. There was an action for defamation 6 or 8 months ago. He is
a peculiar sort of chap. He set himself up as a representative of a
tribe in New Guinea. Selling artifacts. He has been looked at and
interviewed several times.
SENATOR MURPHY: Has he attended Parliament House as a pressman?
MR C.H. BROWN: I would not imagine so.
SENATOR MURPHY: Is he a member of the press gallery?
MR C.H. BROWN: He is not a fully fledged pressman. He is more of a writer
on the side.
SENATOR MURPHY: Now, FILE NO. 3/2/264 part 5 NXI34 25– second paragraph:
He says ‘their methods and operators are however respected — police are
stupid. It is known that the revolutionary groups are tending to lie low
at this stage because of the change of government’.
MR C.H. BROWN: It is a report we have.
SENATOR MURPHY: What are your translator resources?
MR C.H. BROWN: A.S.I.O. A.C.T. has one linguist. They have a backlog of
several days tapes from the intercept and the girl started today and is
working on this and doing current stuff as well.
SENATOR MURPHY: The tapes are to be done in ample time. It is imperative
that they must be done.
MR CH. BROWN: They are being done as from today. She is working on
several days backlog which will be cleared in the next few days so far
as Canberra is concerned.
SENATOR MURPHY: What is the position about these? There is ample
evidence. I am astonished at it, the existence of a revolutionary
terrorist organisation in this country. Has somebody assembled it
together in plain terms, no matter what it is called? Has someone got a
document saying that there is an organisation of Croats and a reference
to the evidence supporting it? There must be a file. Stamps, seals of
organisations, constitutions, resolutions, behaviour, etc. Hundreds of
statements through these and police documents. Has it been assembled?
MR CH. BROWN: Papers are produced on this at H.Q. [Headquarters] which
bring in all the information that is found.
SENATOR MURPHY: Where are they?
MR C.H. BROWN: At H.Q.
SENATOR MURPHY: In these things, are there collated, noted?
MR C.H. BROWN: They are from time to time.
SENATOR MURPHY: Have you got a definitive report?
MR C.H. BROWN: I would imagine from time to time they had a review of the
various organisations or groups and they bring out a desk paper. As far
as I know that is still being done in Melbourne and they keep these
there and if you would like me to ask the D.G. to bring this up
tomorrow. It is the best I can do. We do not have any more in this place
because it is not of specific local interest other than the
personalities involved.
SENATOR MURPHY: When did the Yugoslavs first get upset and the Aide Memoire come through?
MR C.H. BROWN: Yugoslavs started about September or October – Yes on the
22nd September.
SENATOR MURPHY: The previous Attorney-General said there was no credible
evidence to suggest that there is a Croatian terrorist organisation
here.
MR C.H. BROWN: Yes.
SENATOR MURPHY: I want what you have in this place, and there seems to
be a lot of it to deal with that proposition.
MR C.H. BROWN: An assessment was prepared by….
SENATOR MURPHY: I am not interested in the suggestions that appeared in
that assessment. I would like the material which is available.
MR C.H. BROWN: It is being done in Melbourne and if I could check with
them it would save a lot of duplication and time because they have
better resources there.
SENATOR MURPHY: They seem to be a little overworked.
MR C.H. BROWN: (No answer)
SENATOR MURPHY: All right I think this is enough for tonight. Thank you
Mr Brown for your assistance.
INTERVIEW CONCLUDED AT 1.00 a.m. (approximately)
=============================================
II. Notes of Meeting at A.S.I.O. Headquarters,
Melbourne
March 16, 1973
***
Clarification from Kerry Milte:
“The Melbourne visit document [posted below] consists of
the cryptic notes taken by A/Inspector Bob Parsons. As you might expect
there is a lot unsaid. Although the Attorney General spoke gently, his
insinuation about the relationship between the DLP (Democratic Labor
Party) and Liberals and the terrorists is quite serious.”
=============================================
IN ATTENDANCE AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ON 16 MARCH 1973
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL [Senator Lionel Murphy]
MR K.L. MILTE, SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL
THE FOLLOWING ARRIVED AT 3.15 A.M:
INSPECTOR R.E. DIXON COMMONWEALTH POLICE FORCE (C.P.F.)
MR R.C. CAVANAGH (C.P.F.)
ACTING INSPECTOR R.J. PARSONS (C.P.F.)
5.45 a.m. Acting Inspector Parsons was directed to take notes of all
conversations.
6.00 a.m.
Mr Cavanagh, at the direction of the Attorney-General, telephoned the
contents of a telex message to the officer in charge, Victoria District,
Commonwealth Police Force, that Commonwealth Police, in strength as
required will immediately proceed to A.S.I.O. Headquarters in Melbourne.
They are to seal all safes and containers pending the arrival in
Melbourne of the Attorney-General. All Crime Intelligence personnel are
to report immediately to Commonwealth Police Headquarters in Melbourne.
6.05 a.m.
The Minister contacted Mr Peter Wilenski, Principal Private Secretary to
the Prime Minister (Hon E.G. Whitlam) and requested if possible, use of
V.I.P. aircraft. So that he could proceed to Melbourne.
6.15 a.m.
Telephone call to A.S.I.O. Office, Sydney, requested the telephone
number of Mr Ken Donovan, Regional Director A.S.I.O., Sydney. Home phone
02 918 2636. The Attorney-General spoke to Mr Donovan and instructed him
to preserve all files in his office for the Attorney-General’s
inspection. No files were to be removed, no papers removed from files,
and any files out of the office to be returned intact, immediately.
6.25 a.m.
Telephone call from Wilenski to Attorney-General. The Attorney-General
stated that he would like Wilenski to convey to the Prime Minister that
the recent intelligence assessment on the proposed visit to Australia by
[Yugoslav Prime Minister] Mr Bijedic was that there was a strong probability of an attempt on Mr
Bijedic’s life and that it was a certainty that there would be major
demonstrations. It was very important that the Attorney-General proceed
to Melbourne. Transportation was arranged on T.A.A. Flight to Melbourne,
at 8.00 a.m. Inspector Dixon conveyed to the Attorney-General that the
Commonwealth Police Force element was a member of a disciplined body and
should work under the Commissioner. Attorney-General accepted this and
asked for Mr Davis’ number.
6.30 a.m.
The Attorney-General rang Commissioner Davis at his home. He expressed
concern about the forthcoming visit and informed the Commissioner that
he was proceeding to Melbourne with certain personnel whom he nominated
to conduct certain inquiries. Mr Davis was told that the
Attorney-General required the services of Inspector Dixon, Acing
Inspector Parsons, Sergeant West and Mr Cavanagh.
7.00 a.m.
Sergeant Shea, instructed by Inspector Dixon, to be personally
responsible for the safety of Mrs. Murphy, including her conveyance to
the Airport and transport and security at the Sydney end. This included
an escort to the airport and that Mrs. Murphy would advise him of her
travel arrangements.
7.30 a.m.
Mr Milte at the Attorney-General’s request spoke to Inspector Charles
Jones at the Melbourne Office of the Commonwealth Police. He instructed
him to implement immediately the directions which he had received by
telex (refer first entry). He was instructed that no officials from A.S.I.O. Headquarters were to have access to any documents at the
Headquarters until the arrival of the Attorney-General who would then
assume personal direction of the exercise.
8.00 a.m.
Party departed Canberra T.A.A. 495 for Melbourne; the group was joined
by Sergeant P.V. West at the airport immediately prior to departure.
(Note: An A.S.I.O. officer (Mr Donald Marshall) was at Canberra airport with
a briefcase which he handed to the Attorney-General)
9.00 a.m.
Party arrived Melbourne and proceeded directly to A.S.I.O. Headquarters.
9.35 a.m.
Party arrived A.S.I.O. Headquarters and was met by Mr P. Barbour,
Director-General and Mr J. Behm, Deputy-Director-General. The
Attorney-General told Mr Barbour that they were all facing a difficult
situation with the visit of Mr Bijedic. Certain action was to be taken.
He expected full co-operation from all concerned. He would give
directions in certain instances and he wished to discuss certain other
matters. He stated that he trusted that he would get co-operation which
would enable light to be shed on certain matters. He further stated that
he had come to Melbourne with those two objectives in mind and he
requested their assistance. He stated that he wished to examine the
building and that he had intended to pay a visit anyway. The
Attorney-General mentioned that he had a luncheon engagement with Mr
Barbour the following week.
Mr Barbour conveyed the Attorney-General and party to the auditorium
where members of the staff were assembled. Senator Murphy addressed the
staff along the following lines:
I thank you for assembling here and I am pleased to meet you all. You
will all realize that there have been great changes in Government and in
Government attitudes. I take it that the staff and the people of
Australia will welcome this change. It is our policy to bring open
Government to Australia. A.S.I.O. will of course remain as our own
Security Service, as there is a need for us to maintain our own
security. It must adhere strictly to its charter, hence the policies of
the new Government. The Organisation will be brought under strict
ministerial control. This is part of the democratic process. A.S.I.O. is
part of that, as is the Attorney-General subject to direction from
above. Ministerial control is as it should be. The present Government
will co-operate with A.S.I.O. and are pleased to take part in anything
which will ensure the security of Australia. The Prime Minister of
Yugoslavia is visiting us and we see difficult days ahead. A.S.I.O. has
a part to play in ensuring the security of the Government and of our
visitors. A combined effort will be made to maintain Australia’s good
name. The Attorney-General expressed his thanks for their future
assistance.
10.00 a.m.
Certain files (or reports) held by Mr Marshall
[i.e., the A.S.I.O. officer whom the Attorney General’s party
encountered at the airport] and the Attorney-General
were shown to the Director General. There appeared to be two files, one
for the Director-General and one for the Attorney-General. [That is,
troubling information had been removed from the file prepared for the
Attorney General.] The
Attorney-General requested the Director-General to produce the original
file if possible.
10.17 a.m.
Mr Elliott, an A.S.I.O. officer, stated that the file in question was
expected to be in an area on the 5th Floor. He explained that he would
have seen any letter when it came in, but not since. Mr Magnay stated he
was unable to locate the file. He said he did not recognise the document
which was No. 59/6/1 and 53/1/4, No. 526 dated 5 March 1973.
10.20 a.m.
The Attorney-General received a telephone call from his Secretary, Miss
Maureen Barron.
10.33 a.m.
Safe No. 16 was opened.
10.35 a.m.
A file was found which proved not to be the correct one although it
appeared to be a Canberra file on Yugoslav activities.
10.40 a.m.
Safe No. 85 on the 7th Floor was opened and the file under discussion,
complete with a copy of the document therein was discovered.
10.50 a.m.
The Attorney-General had a discussion with the Director-General in the
Conference Room. Present were Mr J. Behm, Mr J. Elliott, Mr Magnay, Mr R.
Cavanagh, Mr K.L. Milte and Mr D.R. Marshall and Mr R.E. Dixon.
He told
him (inter alia) that he would not wish to think that he was not being
fully informed. He would want material to be fully and correctly
informative and not simply consistent with that supplied to the former
Attorney-General.
A.G. [Attorney-General] How was A.S.I.O. represented at a meeting which took place in
Canberra on 2 March 1973?
D.G. [Director-General] By the Assistant Regional Director in the A.C.T. Mr R. Hunt.
A.G. What instruction was given to Mr Hunt concerning such a meeting and
how did the meeting come about?
D.G. I understand that it is a standing group which meets ad hoc. Hunt
is the A.S.I.O. representative in that group.
A.G. There seems to be abundant evidence of terrorist organisations in
Australia, by documents. I have seen up to 100 documents which seem to
supply ample evidence of this. I must not be put in a position where I
receive reports which smother this evidence. I will not be placed in a
position where I receive material only consistent with that supplied to
the previous Government.
10.55 a.m.
A file was produced to the A.G. relating to Croatian terrorists and he
stated he wanted the draft report immediately. Mr Magnay said that the
report could not be supplied as it had not been prepared at that stage.
A.G. You saw me after 5 March 1973. Is there a reason why I was not told
of such a meeting taking place and of any decision taken at that
meeting?
D.G. The meeting was of a coordinated group which meets on ad hoc basis
for the purpose of co-ordinating intelligence reports on matters
involving terrorism and political violence.
A.G. Can you tell me the other members of that group?
D.G. Keith Edwards (First Assistant Secretary) from Attorney-General’s
Department and Hunt. The Commonwealth Police Force is also represented
on it, I am not sure of the others.
A.G. There has been pretty strong evidence recently concerning people
with a tendency to go overseas to engage in unlawful terrorism
activities. There seems to be an enormous amount of evidence. Has it
ever been taken into account?
D.G. There is a lot of such evidence. It should have been taken into
account. [Meaning, he is stating that they wrongly did NOT take
into account the “enormous amount of evidence” of Australian-Croatians “with a tendency to go overseas to engage in unlawful terrorism
activities.”]
A.G. I should have been getting material which quite clearly showed the
existence of terrorism. It is incredible that
this statement should have
been made.
The A.G. studied drafts of the statements.
A.G. In 1963 H.O.P [Hrvatski Oslobodilački Pokret or Croatian Liberation Movement,
the name given by Ustaša fuehrer Pavelić to
the Ustaša organization after WWII]
disassociated itself from terrorism. They said this
in a letter to the Prime Minister. They stated that they did not train
terrorists nor had they. What was the extent of the (Australian)
Army
participation in the camp at Wodonga?
A.G. Was there a training camp?
MR MAGNAY: I don’t know.
A.G. Have you seen the film?
MAGNAY: I didn’t know film existed.
A.G. Why am I being advised by this office of a training camp when no
one here has seen the film. Material which should have been made
available has not been properly assessed. How much other material have
you not seen? I feel that the previous Attorney-General in the eyes of
his Government and certainly this Government did not reveal the true
facts.
11.10 a.m. Phone call from Attorney-General’s Secretary Miss Barron.
A.G. Mr Elliott, I presume you read the reports from which you prepared
this document? Was that the basis of your reply?
ELLIOTT: Your direction was my basis. Another report is being prepared.
A.G. Reference to [Croatian
terrorist] Maric and passport. A.S.I.O. and C.P.F. [Commonwealth Police Force] both
recommended against it. [I.e., against giving Maric a passport.] Previous A.G. gave clearance. Immigration
overruled it. Is Maric an extremist?
MAGNAY: He is a thug.
A.G. The previous A.G. gave a statement and it appears that on the
evidence that mine will be different. The document states that the A.G.
should not be at the variance with previous A.G. That is, there was no
evidence of Croat terrorist activity in Australia. I find that a
document was being prepared for me which was completely different to all
statements made by me. This troubles me that this is in variance with
the opinions you have stated and what the Police have reported.
[Apparently the A.G. is referring, first, to the minute of a meeting in
which officials conspired to withhold information about terrorism from
him, so that he would maintain the terrorist-tolerant policies of his
predecessor (Kerry Milte discusses this minute in a letter to TENC [2] ), and
second to a document, prepared for him, which was cleansed of
information about terrorists.]
A.G. I am very disturbed Mr Barbour that you didn’t make me aware of
this.
ELLIOTT: I presume that this document was being prepared by Messrs
Curtis (First Assistant Secretary A[ttorney] G[eneral]’s Department) and Edwards. We are
preparing a better document and you will have it by 4 p.m. today. Mr
Magnay said that they had not reached that stage yet.
A.G. I am not interested in previous opinions by other Governments who
presumably showed some tolerance. My desire is to produce the evidence
on terrorism and I wish to show it to the Senate. The previous A.G.
seems to have given a passport to a person described as a thug against
wishes of both A.S.I.O. and C.P.F. I am not happy about things and want
them rectified. Especially I wish to rectify this serious departure from
Government policy. The Government’s attitude has been made quite clear
but the meeting [Senator Murphy is again referring to the minute
discussed in Kerry Milte’s letter; see footnote
[2]] stated that my statement should not be contrary or
inconsistent to that of the previous Government. Could you indicate to
me what is to be done and convince me that this will not happen again?
D.G. It is usual for each representative to consult his Minister. If
this is not understood I will make it so. Both the C.P.F. and A.S.I.O.
operate in the same area. Hence there is good reason to co-ordinate
activities for maximum efficiency.
A.G. This seems to go further than neglect. It is quite serious when
such a decision is made behind my back. The Government’s attitude is
well known. On the first page – the Wodonga incident [a reference to the
Australian Army training Croatian terrorists] is mentioned, you
seem to brush it off. There has been no attempt to view the film. How is
that?
MAGNAY: I didn’t know film existed.
A.G. How can I then rely on my intelligence?
D.G. I did not know. The C.P.F. has operated but probably neither knew
full picture, I feel that this was undesirable. In 1963 A.G.’s directed
talks between A.S.I.O. and C.P.F. The Police were directed to enter this
field.
ELLIOTT: I have Sir Garfield Barwick’s (former A.G.) direction and our
response.
A.G. I wish to see it.
D.G. In those days common for mutual interview of Yugoslavs to take
place by each organisation.
A.G. I wish to raise the visit of the Yugoslav Prime Minister. You have
seen the Yugoslavian representative. An assessment has been made for
precautions by you as to the sufficiency of
arrangements.
D.G. Not a separate assessment. My deputy has been working with a joint
group on this: Mr Mahoney (Deputy Secretary A.G.’s Department). My deputy
could probably advise.
A.G. Are you satisfied that all precautions are being taken?
D.G. Protection is a Police responsibility. We are assisting within our
capabilities.
A.G. Who is the Senior Officer of these combined efforts.
D.G. Mr Mahoney. Deputy Commissioner Davies.
A.G. What role is A.S.I.O. taking?
D.G. My deputy went to Canberra to liaise.
A.G. This is an important matter. Have I your assurance that in your
opinion all precautions have been taken?
D.G. All the resources which we can apply have been applied.
A.G. Do you think that there is any precaution which has not been taken?
D.G. We have tried to think of everything I…..Mr Behm ?
BEHM: I was in attendance; a detailed plan has been worked out. We have
taken every step. Intercepts and translations are being arranged.
A.G. Will they be completed before the visit?
BEHM: Instructions have been issued. We are looking at the operational
stuff. Non operational material is to follow.
A.G. How many linguists?
BEHM: One; our targets are selected and co-ordinated with C.P.F. In
Melbourne – Rover and Marincic.
A.G. Can you assure me that all necessary precautions have been taken?
BEHM: As far as we are concerned – Yes.
A.G. That is not the question. I want your assurance of overall
necessary precautions.
BEHM: Yes sir. We have nothing to add to Tuesday’s plan.
A.G. (Reads correspondence) Sir Garfield Barwick seemed to take a strong
attitude about terrorism.
ELLIOTT: He was talking about the Crimes Act.
A.G. Was overt surveillance carried out by A.S.I.O.?
ELLIOTT: Yes sir: By embarking on a series of interviews in conjunction
with C.P.F. Ours was a minor role – co-ordination with the Commonwealth
Police.
A.G. Was Sir Garfield Barwick’s recommendation that prosecution was
a last resort?
MAGNAY: Not to my notice.
A.G. A.S.I.O. has no knowledge of any contemplated prosecutions?
ELLIOTT: From reports over years.
No one is in a position to
suggest this. There are stories but no evidence which would seem to
support this.
A.G. Is that your best answer to whether Sir Garfield Barwick’s
suggestions were carried out? Is it true that A.S.I.O. asked C.P.F. to
back down from interviews [with suspected terrorists]?
BEHM: Not as a general rule – Perhaps on specific occasions.
A.G. There are gaps in your knowledge.
BEHM: C.P.F. and A.S.I.O. would cover this.
A.G. Was it not brought to your attention about….?
BEHM: There is no evidence to support an answer. Action was taken on
recommendation to Immigration over citizenship and passports. People
interviewed later suggest better assimilation.
A.G. Has there been an exhaustive assessment on all Croatian documents
so far?
ELLIOTT: Yes.
A.G. Where are the other documents?
ELLIOTT: The C.P.F. documents have not been forwarded.
A.G. Where else are there documents.
ELLIOTT: In the States but all available here.
A.G. How soon will supporting documents be available?
ELLIOTT: This morning.
A.G. Where are seals etc. taken at Wollongong? Is this organisation
aware of these?
ELLIOTT: I can’t answer that. C.P.F. might have seized them. We have no
film but only photos of the Wodonga camp. Full report and photos will be
prepared this morning.
A.G. The Police took notice of the truth in the Aide Memoire. Do you
agree?
ELLIOTT: Yes there would be a core of truth there.
A.G. I will leave you to work on it. There are serious gaps and I want
you to work on it; not on the basis as set out in documents of 9 March.
What happened about Dr Matic’s visit from Spain?
ELLIOTT: Details of Dr Matic – membership of Croat organisation.
A.G. This is an organisation dedicated to overthrow the Yugoslav
Government?
ELLIOTT: Yes.
A.G. Who sponsored him?
ELLIOTT: We will need to look at………
A.G. Where did he go and to which training camps?
ELLIOTT: It’s ready in draft form.
A.G. Where are the training camps?
ELLIOTT: I do not know; I will clarify by looking at file.
A.G. Is Matic mentioned in your report?
MAGNAY: No.
A.G. He is a recognised world leader of something.
MAGNAY: H.N.O. [Hrvatski Narodni Otpor, Croatian
National Resistance, a Ustaša terrorist organization], Valencia.
A.G. Is he a world leader?
MAGNAY: I don’t know. I only heard of him yesterday.
A.G. Is he to be referred to?
MAGNAY: The reviewed draft was only finished at 10 p.m. last night.
A.G. Do you remember my specific request re Matic?
MAGNAY: He was subject of separate submission going to you this morning.
A.G. Is there some evidence of involvement of this group?
MAGNAY: Not here – this is an overseas group.
A.G. Within Australia have you dealt with associates of this group in
connection with terrorism?
MAGNAY: Didn’t understand. We are not running sources.
A.G. Have you information as to how much money has been paid to
informants in this organisation?
BEHM: I will ask Mr Elliott to supply that information. There has been
only limited success in recruitment of sources. Any contact is only for
intelligence gathering, not to sponsor their activities.
A.G. The papers carry a suggestion of friendly disposition by terrorists
towards A.S.I.O. and this is noticed in documents.
BEHM: Which documents?
A.G. You will see them on file. When Matic came he met the Minister for
Immigration, the Secretary [of the] Croatian Resistance Movement, KOKIC, Senator
McManus and others. This does show the extent of facilitation of visit
by the Australian Government. What is this man KOKIC. Make it easy for
me. Tell me about people at the meetings attended by Matic.
ELLIOTT: Adolf ANDRIC – thug. Ambrose ANDRIC – thug.
(A.G. & ELLIOTT view file together).
A.G. Matic was described as being a War Criminal. How much was A.S.I.O.
associated with him.
ELLIOTT: Overseas was our first contact – had been granted overseas visas
– On strength of that he would get a visa.
A.G. What is the Tumby Umby Camp near Gosford. (Read from Report). Matic
visited camp 22/12/65. Returned morning 23rd. – Croatian Command. Why
did you not refer to this visit to the Command of this organisation’s
camp.
MAGNAY: ?
A.G. Must I search every document? I want information on this and your
man doesn’t mention it. All this information has the force of
suggestion. Where is the material about this? I can’t go through
documents. I suggest there were camps, that they were visited by people.
I invite you to search documents and come up with all the information on
some. The movement around Australia by football clubs. I’m not happy
with the amount of work done. I want it done properly. No thoughts that
A.G. reports should be consistent with those to previous A.G. If I have
to go elsewhere it would be a grave reflection. Can you assure me?
BEHM: Yes. Can we have access to other material?
A.G. Yes. If necessary.
BEHM: We don’t have it all.
A.G. What material is this?
BEHM: Probably with C.P.F. and State Police.
A.G. Values and judgements over the years exist. The New Government has
different values. Your reports indicate no change.
BEHM: May I have opportunity to call on C.P.F. and State Police.
A.G. I will assist you.
BEHM: How does this fit with our report?
A.G. I will give our thoughts later.
BEHM: What time do you want this?
A.G. By the middle of next week.
BEHM: We will provide you with all information on our files supplemented
by other information which we can get.
CONFERENCE TERMINATES 12.50 hours
16.00 hrs: Cavanagh, Dixon, Parsons, West return to Canberra.
=============================================
Footnotes and further Reading
[1] Related articles: * Kerry
Milte's letter to Emperor's Clothes was posted Apr. 21, 2008,
under the title “Croatian Ustaše (clerical-fascists) in Australia?
Former Australian Crime Intelligence Commander Responds to TENC,” at
http://emperors-clothes.com/milte.htm
*
“Croatian Ustaše (clerical-fascists) in Australia? So what else is
new?” by Jared Israel, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Jan. 1, 2008, at
http://tenc.net/sonew.htm
[2]
In his letter to TENC Mr. Milte writes:
“Another salient point is that, just prior to Yugoslav Prime Minister
Bijedic’s arrival in Australia, Murphy was informed of a secret memo,
wherein a key Inter-Departmental Committee of public servants (including
ASIO) resolved that the ALP [Australian Labor Party] government was to
be fed only information that would force it to follow the policies of
the previous Liberal government in relation to the Croatians.
The existence of that minute was recorded by the Deputy Commissioner of
the Commonwealth Police and the Assistant Regional Director of ASIO. ”
See “Croatian Ustaše (clerical-fascists) in Australia?
Former Australian Crime Intelligence Commander Responds to TENC,” Letter
from Kerry L. Milte,
The Emperor’s New Clothes, Apr. 21, 2008, at
http://emperors-clothes.com/milte.htm
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