Powder sent to Indonesian embassy 'probably harmless'

Bacterial powder that sparked a terror alert when it was sent to the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Australia, was probably harmless, an initial police report said today, though tests were continuing.

Prime Minister John Howard said he suspects the powder was sent in retaliation over last week’s conviction of an Australian woman in Indonesia on drug smuggling charges. Her 20-year prison sentence drew public outrage at home.