Alexander Downer stays quiet over information that sparked FBI probe into alleged Russian involvement in US election

FORMER foreign minister Alexander Downer has remained tight-lipped over the bombshell revelation that he passed information to the FBI that helped spark an investigation into the 2016 American election.

• Turnbull expects no strain on Trump relationship
• Downer helped spark FBI probe into Russia’s alleged US election meddling

MALCOLM Turnbull has played down the possible damage to the Australia-US relationship from the bombshell revelation that information from former foreign minister Alexander Downer helped spark an investigation into the 2016 American election.

The Prime Minister also dismissed concerns about US President Donald Trump’s ongoing failure to appoint an ambassador to Australia.

During a boozy conversation in London’s up-market Kensington Wine Rooms in 2016, Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos is reported to have told Mr Downer the Russian Government had “political dirt” on US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Mr Downer, who will soon complete his term as Australia’s High Commissioner to London, passed on the information to officials in Canberra who later told American authorities, The New York Times reported.

Australian High Commissioner Alexander Downer. Picture: AP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Mr Turnbull declined to comment directly on the revelation.

“The government won’t be making additional comments on a matter that relates to an ongoing investigation in the US,’’ he said.

Mr Downer, who is holidaying for a fortnight at prime Fleurieu Peninsula beach spot Carrickalinga, 60km south of Adelaide, declined to comment further when approached by The Advertiser.

On Sunday, he said he would not comment as the matter was before investigation in the US.

Mr Downer is a regular summer holiday maker at the popular coastal town. He hit the fairways at nearby Links Lady Bay golf course on Saturday and Sunday, but not on New Year’s Day yesterday.

Mr Turnbull said the Government’s relationship with the Trump administration remained strong and there was nothing unusual about the fact the US ambassador’s position had been vacant since late 2016.

“The relationship is in excellent shape and the connections between Australia and the United States are so diverse, numerous, so strong — and indeed, our relationship through the State Department is excellent as well,’’ he said.

Mr Trump has criticised the investigation into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia and there have been suggestions he could sack Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller.

Deputy US Ambassador to Australia James Carousso has been serving as Charge d’Affairs since former ambassador John Berry completed his posting.

— with Craig Cook