Cairns Post in Cairns, Queensland

Pact outlines collective defense and economic cooperation

The text describes a defensive pact where members vow mutual armed support, create a permanent military commission to plan exercises and set minimum forces, and form a joint defence council. An economic council would aim to raise living standards, with the new pact taking effect about six months after initial talks led by major powers. The report notes U S Britain France and Turkey seeking Egypt involvement earlier.