(2017-0784-F) John Howard

The materials in FOIA 2017-0784-F are a selective body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about other related material. The majority of the records related to this FOIA case are closed for national security reasons. Freedom of Information Act Request 2017-0784-F was for all Memcon (memoranda of conversation) and Telcon (telephone conversation) records related to Australian Prime Minister John Howard in the National Security Council Records Management System (RMS). This collection contains administrative paperwork tracking these documents through the National Security Council’s system. John W. Howard, a member of Australia’s Liberal Party, was first elected to a government position in 1974 as MP of the Division of Bennelong. In 1985 and 1995 he was elected as leader of the Liberal Party. Howard was elected March 2, 1996 to be Prime Minister of Australia and served in that role until electoral defeat in November 2007. His four terms as Prime Minister represents the second longest service in that position in modern Australian history. In 2008, Howard was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) and in 2012 was awarded the Order of Merit (OM) by Queen Elizabeth II. Howard visited the Clinton White House in June 1997 and July 1999. He was active in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) where he worked with President Clinton on economic issues. Between March 1996 and January 2001, Australia and the United States worked closely together in the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) in Iraq, the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET), Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Northern Watch