N.Z. FORCES SOUGHT

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29824, 17 May 1962, Page 13

N.Z. FORCES SOUGHT

iheu teatano Press Association)

WELLINGTON. May 16. “We have been asked for forces." said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoakei after a special Cabinet meeting tonight, when questioned about a Washington report that New Zealand as a SE A.T.O member had been asked to supply at least a token force for

the defence of Thailand. “It tas been represented thai we might at least Ry the dag." said the Prime Minister in reply to further questions. “In what shaoe?" Mr Holyoake was asked “In a shape for us to de-

termine," replied the Prime Minister,

"The shape was being considered in close detail by our people this afternoon and again this evening A decision will be taken as early as we can." said Mr Holyoake

The Prime Minister declined to indicate from what quarter the request for the supply of New Zealand forces came—whether from the Thai Government or- from the United States. At his press conference earlier in the night, Mr Holyoake said no special steps had bcsn taken to prepare ourselves for any irr ediate military aid, when he was

asked whether New Zealand was in a position to give military aid to Thailand

Asked to comment on a cabled report that the Foreign iL ster of Thailand (Mr Thanat Khoman) had said that an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers of S.E.A.T.O. in Bangkok had been called. Mr Holyoake said: “I know nothing whatsoever about it.” “1 have had no advice." said Mr Holyoake. “Would vou be nrenared to go if such a meeting were ’d?" he was asked. “I would consider it. There are too many rumours to make i iud'’m"'’t now," replied the Prime Minister.