(注) ¶2. (C/NF) Garrett told Ambassador Bleich he appreciated the "robust" exchange between the U.S. and Australia on whaling and felt he could speak frankly. In Garrett's view, the
Whaling Commission (IWC) and its associated small groups would, in the end, be unacceptable to the Australian government as it fell short in several areas. Garrett said the negotiating process had largely ground to a halt, with no "real" proposals on the table. He said legislation pending in the Australian parliament (introduced by the Green Party on February 4 to examine the role of "spy flights" in Japan's planning for this year's whaling season) would strengthen anti-whaling sentiment in Australia, making it difficult for the government to accept the current proposals. Garrett said the February 22 IWC Small Working Group briefings, which will
discussions, will be key for Australia's policy on the negotiations.