Mr Latham yesterday refused to be drawn on the debate with the Bush Administration, saying "my argument is with the Howard Government".
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/11/1086749901225.html

He reiterated support for the American alliance but said from time to time the two nations would have disagreements.

"On an issue like Iraq I think history will say our stance was the correct one. The war wasn't justified in the terms it was couched: finding weapons of mass destruction that didn't exist," Mr Latham said.

Mr Howard said the alliance with America was a two-way street and that it would only reap benefits if contributions were made to it.

He said the alliance would be weakened because a decision to withdraw troops "would have a real and also symbolic effect in relation to the most critical international issue that the American administration faces".

Mr Latham hit back at Mr Downer's accusations of confusion with a personal attack, describing him as "childish" and "an embarrassment".