Aussie Sees Bush at Golf, Jumps Ship

PERTH, Australia — An Australian sailor who jumped ship last week on its way to the Persian Gulf said today he did so after seeing news film of President Bush playing golf.

The 23-year-old unidentified sailor said in a statement that he had had no intention of going absent without leave until he saw television film of Bush on vacation.

“But after seeing one of the parties responsible for it all on holiday, playing golf while committing thousands of young lives, including those of Australians--it was enough for me to decide not to be part of the killing,” the sailor’s statement said.

“I am not a coward, and I would be prepared to die for my country, but I am taking a political stand because this is not our war, we are just following the Americans,” said the sailor, who surrendered Monday and is being detained at a Sydney naval base.