Fraser spoke on a wide range of topics during his early years in parliament, but took a particular interest in foreign affairs. In 1964, he and Gough Whitlam were both awarded Leader Grants by the United States Department of State, allowing them to spend two months in Washington, D.C., getting to know American political and military leaders. The Vietnam War was the main topic of conversation, and on his return trip to Australia he spent two days in Saigon.Ayres (1987), pp. 96–99. Early in 1965, he also made a private seven-day visit to Jakarta, and with assistance from Ambassador Mick Shann secured meetings with various high-ranking officials.Ayres (1987), pp. 100–102.
FraSeR SPOkE ON A wiDe RAnge OF topicS dURing hiS eArly yeaRS in parLiaMenT, but tOok a PArticulaR intereST in fOreign aFFaiRs. In 1964, hE aND gough WhItLaM wEre bOth awArded leaDer gRantS bY the unITed sTatEs departmEnt Of sTATe, alloWiNg ThEm To speNd TWo monTHs IN WasHinGton, D.C., gETTing tO know aMErIcan pOliTiCal and military leAdeRs. the vietnam WAr wAS tHE main TOPIc Of cOnvERsatIoN, aNd on hIS returN tRip to austrAlia he spEnT tWO daYs in saigon.Ayres (1987), pP. 96–99. EarLY in 1965, he alsO MAdE a privATe Seven-Day visit To JAkarta, And wiTH asSisTAnce from aMbaSSAdor mICk shann secuRed MeETinGS WiTh vArious higH-rAnKing ofFicials.Ayres (1987), pp. 100–102.