The Editor,

I wish to protest most strongly at your irresponsible

inclusion of a large picture of me in a double page spread on pedophilia in your

last edition, despite the fact that it was clear from your article that you

understood the accusations against me to have been politically motivated rather

than real and that there was no evidence to support the accusation. My accuser,

a dishonorable member of the Australian Parliament who used parliamentary

privilege to protect himself from being sued, has not been able to table any

evidence against me. Nor has anyone else. Such evidence cannot exist because I

am not a pedophile. The Australian Governor General has authorised the

Australian Foreign Minister to state that the recent allegation of that

parliamentarian "is a fantasy of a deluded mind". Yet, without supporting

evidence you published my picture surrounded by stories e.g. of convicted

pedophiles but without including their pictures. The insinuation is obvious and

serious because pedophilia is, and should be, a crime. In other countries your

presentation would be legally liable. It has caused me humiliation and mental

anguish.

I would like you to publish the words of Australian Foreign

Minister, Senator Gareth Evans, to the Cambodian Foreign Minister, H.E Ung Huot,

dated 9 June 1995: "It is a matter of deep regret to me that John has suffered

the recent indignity of having his name and reputation sullied under the cover

of privilege in the Australian Parliament. I hope that this distasteful affair

will not cast a shadow over his final few weeks in Cambodia and that hs

outstanding professional achievements will again be given the credit they

deserve."

I leave Cambodia next month at the end of my twelve-month

contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. I

will carry with me a deep and abiding affection for Cambodia and its people, and

a confidence that Australian policy has been appropriate and well-directed. I

feel pride in any part I have played. I regret that your periodical should have

attempted to make my personal record appear shabby.

- John Holloway, Phnom Penh