----- Original Message -----
From: John Carroll
To: Billson, Bruce (MP)
Cc: Alan.Griffin.MP@aph.gov.au
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 11:58 AM
Subject: Search for HMAS Sydney 2

Mr. B Billson
Minister for Veterans' Affairs/Assisting Minister for Defence

Minister, the last paragraph in your media release (012/2007) has prompted this response. This is especially so where you have stated that: "Locating the AE1 would help solve one of the country's most enduring naval mysteries. It would also provide some closure to the descendants of the 35 crew members who tragically lost their lives while serving our nation."

As it stands at the moment, the loss of HMAS Sydney 2 is still the most tragic episode in Australian naval/military history, insofar as there are still 644 members of the RAN yet to be located who also lost their lives while serving this nation. This represents a loss rate yet to be equalled, or exceeded, by any Australian naval/military unit in the 106 years of naval/military service to this nation.

Finding the sailor from Sydney 2 on Christmas Island was an obligation which was long overdue. The same obligation is now beholden on the Australian Government to find the ship, and his shipmates. For 65 years, the wives, relatives, direct descendents and friends of those who served in Sydney 2 have been denied the closure that you appear to emphasise in this, and other recent statements made by you. The Minister needs to be seen as supporting such statements by moving with alacrity, and putting in place the material and financial means to locate and record the final resting place of so many of Australia's sons. To sanction further delays should not - and, I trust, will not - be condoned by you or by your Departments (DVA & Defence).

Regards

Mr. John Atkins
President:
email atkinsjc@optusnet.com.au

Dr. John R Carroll PhD EdD MAPsS
Hon. Secretary:
HMAS Sydney @VLSV Association (VIC)
email carrollj@bigpond.net.au