The Australian government has decided to give Harvard a gift of about $1 million to set up an endowed chair in the study of Australia and Australian relationships with the rest of the world.

Australian Prime Minister E. Gough Whitlam presented the gift July 4 as part of what he called Australia's role in celebrating the United States Bicentennial.

Although not all the details about the gift are complete. Whitlam said the professorship, to be called the Australian Bicentennial Chair, will be "at research level and form a center for Australian Studies by other universities."

Whitlam, speaking at the Australian-American Association Ball in Sydney, Australia, said he hopes the chair would be the first step in expanding American studies of all aspects of his country.

William S. Olney '46, director of special projects, said yesterday he is "surprised, delighted and honored," that Australia has chosen Harvard to establish the chair.

He said as far as he knew Harvard was the only University to receive a grant from the Australian government for Australian studies.

He said he and other Harvard officials will be meeting soon with the Australians to discuss further plans and possible additional gifts for Australian research.

Whitlam said in his speech that he commends "this proposal to the great companies and corporations--which operate in the two countries. Some of them, I trust, will see the chair as a focal point for further research endowments in their own names in disciplines of special interest to them."

Olney said he looks forward to working with representatives from Australia on the details of the project. He said prior to receiving notice of the grant he had held "a couple of talks" with the Australians about the possibilities of setting up a chair.

Olney said the Australian grant is not part of the Program for Harvard and East Asia, which is soliciting funds for the University in the Far East for the Japan Institute and other East Asian programs.

However he said that part of the Australian program may be integrated with the University's East Asian program, "but it will not be restricted to that program."

John K. Fairbank '29, Higginson professor of History and director of the Council on East Asian Studies, said yesterday he thinks the proposal "sounds great." He said he is not sure whether the chair will play a role in the East Asian Studies program.