CHEERFUL OK but do you understand Diplomacy has never been about friend ship.
Do we want the opposite? can we gain by continuing the shouting or is it worth while maintaining our links pre the release of the information.
Solutions exist and even if we continue to remind our selves both sides offend, and dig up the past to prove it is that worth while.
We will say sorry, then both country,s will continue to spy on each other.
After the election based on internal reports, another government will take over, maybe one that does not want our links.
The longer this goes viral the more Abbott,s teams inability to act with Diplomacy will be seen.

Belly, "The longer this goes viral the more Abbott,s teams inability to act with Diplomacy will be seen"

Your closing sentence demonstrates the idiocy of the Left and cynicism of the media.

They all know better, or should know better, but the temptation to stir, score shabby political points, or as in the case of the media, appeal to their dumbed-down audiences, is too strong. Speaking of dumbed-down audiences, there seems to be little difference between the audience stupidity of ABC (eg Tony Jones' show) and the equally stupid audiences of the tabloid media.

There are so many people about who really need their daily adrenaline fix from faux shock, horror and indignant rage. Although some probably believe the stuff!

Aunty was very different many years ago. Now the 'journalists' are personalties, have 'attitude', an obvious political slant and make the news. No difference between the ABC and the commercials. The ABC isn't accountable to its shareholders though. It is time to combine the SBS and ABC. Put the savings into hospitals, dental care, anything needed.

Belly,
I can see your point, there may be times when
diplomacy has some advantage.

When there may at least be some chance of co-operation
between the two countries over some issues that may
arise.

I dislike it however when people use words like
Friends and friendship between Indonesia and Australia
because I just don't believe it. Call it co-operation
or diplomatic agreement but not friendship. We see precious
little co-operation from Indonesia anyway.

Dear CHERFUL,

Did you happen to see Spooner's cartoon - in
The Saturday Age, November 23, 2013?

He had Mr Abbott saying to the Indonesian
President, "I'm sorry Mr President but I
cannot apologise.

To which the Indonesian President replies,
"You have made us Lose Face.
How will we ever Dominate West Papua or
Menace East Timor again."

A bit late to this, never mind.

"The Indos are not going to co-operate on refugees any more."

Arrr. Well, they never have, have they. They say that their Navy isn't equipt to deal with picking up refugees.

Here is a list of their Navy strength. Ref: Janes.

Frigates. 6
Corvettes. 26
Submarines. 5
Patrol Craft. 44
Patrol Boats. 9
Minesweepers. 12
L.S.T.s. 38
Fast Missile Boats. 38
Other Ancillary Ships. 24

Here are the Patrol Boats that Australia has Donated & delivered. These are the Patrol Boats Australia patrolled & picked up refugees with in the Indian Ocean, until we handed them to the Indo's.

HMAS Bandolier. now, KSI Siliman.
HMAS Barricade. now, KSI Sigalu.
HMAS Acute. now, KSI Silea.
HMAS Bombard. now, KSI Siribua.
HMAS Attack. now, KSI Sikuda.
HMAS Assail. now, KSI Siqurot.
HMAS Ardent. now, KSI Tenggiri.

If the Indo's aren't going to use these Patrol Boats for what we gave them to them for. I wonder if we can get them back?

They're lying again & we fall for it every time for the sake of Diplomacy & Political Correctness.

Dear Foxy,

Thanks for the laugh, I didn't see that one.
Good to find some light-heartedness in the situation.