The Oracle Down Under

As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator William Fulbright is in a unique position to know what is happening in the world--and manages to sound that way. Nonetheless, in Canberra last week, on his way to a Commonwealth parliamentary conference in New Zealand, the usually oracular Fulbright shocked proud Australians by admitting he was "not aware" of Australia's commitment (1,550 men) to Viet Nam. In any case, he added loftily, he did not favor "great wars." Sensitive Aussies, who have been divided on their own role in the war, reacted predictably. Snapped Labor M.P. Albert W. James: "If this is the extent of the United States' interest in our efforts, the government should seriously consider withdrawing our troops."

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