Negotiating the basic treaty between Australia and Japan, 1973-1976

Abstract

The argument of this article is that the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan (signed in 1976) and the negotiating process that led up to its signing deserve closer attention than they have generally been accorded. Historically, the negotiations represent an important stage in a developing relationship and, particularly at government-to-government level, contributed to a significant learning process on both sides. The very fact that the two sides started from different premises and that each was forced to confront a contrasting set of assumptions and demands on the part of the other led to a painful but thorough re-examination of basic assumptions. Even though the treaty at the time of its signature did not prescribe substantially different standards of conduct from those obtaining previously, it formalised and provided a stable framework for a continuing relationship, especially in matters relating to investment, as well as entry and stay. The fact that negotiations were begun under Whitlam and concluded under Fraser lent a bipartisan edge to the Australian commitment, while in Japan continuity appears to be assured by the fact that the party in power on its own in 1976 is still in power, as the leading party of a coalition government, in 2004.