THE HON. ALEXANDER DOWNER
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Alexander Downer, thanks for your time.

It’s a great pleasure, Bryan, and good evening.

Can you explain the position of David Hicks to us, please?

Yes, indeed. The David Hicks case is one I’m very familiar with.

He’s an Australian citizen arrested by the Americans in Afghanistan.

He is, yes.

And what has he been charged with?

He hasn’t been charged with anything yet, Bryan. But I’d say he’s obviously guilty.

Guilty of what, Mr Downer?

Yes, good point. He hasn’t been charged so he can’t be guilty of…

How long has he been in jail, Mr Downer?

He’s been incarcerated for, I think, about nineteen months.

In Cuba?

In the Caribbean, Bryan, yes. Have you ever been up there?

No, I haven’t.

It’s a lovely spot, the Caribbean. It’s an absolute cracker. If you’re ever given the opportunity, I’d whistle up there quick-smart.

I’ll make a note of that. Mr Downer, has David Hicks seen a lawyer?

I doubt that he would have seen a defence lawyer.

But he would have seen a prosecuting lawyer?

He may have seen one or two prosecution lawyers, yes.

A Cuban?

I would think an American in his case.

Mr Downer, is that fair?

From what I understand, Bryan, he’s lucky to see any bloody lawyer at all. He was training with al-Qa’ida. He was training in the use of weapons with al-Qa’ida.

Mr Downer, who told you that?

The Americans, Bryan. I’m not a fool. I’ve spoken to the prosecutors.

But he hasn’t been tried yet, has he? How long is he going to be there? That is my point.

He’s obviously guilty, Bryan.

You keep saying this, but guilty of what?

I don’t know what he’s being charged with, Bryan, but what I’m indicating to you is he probably bloody did it.

(Sighs.) Mr Downer, are you familiar with the trial of Roger Casement?

Roger Casement?

No? Doesn’t ring a bell?

It’s not an Adelaide name, Bryan, no.

Roger Casement was a citizen of one country, he was kidnapped in that country, taken to another country and then tried for treason in that second country.

He was taken from one country, removed to another country and tried for treason in respect of that second country, which wasn’t the country he came from?

Correct. And then executed.

Executed! Good Lord.

Do you see any similarities?

Yes, I do.

Like what?

Guilty as buggery, the pair of them, Bryan.