Resentment in Australia over US wheat subsidies

CANBERRA - President Bush's decision to boost subsidies for US wheat exports sent a wave of resentment through Australia yesterday from the top levels of government to angry farmers, AFP reports.

Paul Keating, the Prime Minister, said the decision to subsidise sales of 30 million tons over the next nine months cast doubt on US commitment to liberalising world trade. The move was announced on Wednesday while Mr Bush was electioneering in South Dakota, the heart of US wheat-farming country.