Aust. Failure To Support N.Z.

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 17

Aust. Failure To Support N.Z.

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

CANBERRA, September 8. Australia did not support a New Zealand attempt to protest to the United Nations against French nuclear tests in the Pacific because there would be no meaningful outcome, the Minister for . External Affairs, Mr Paul Hasiuck, says in a letter to Senator Douglas McClelland (Lab., N.S.W.). Mr Hasiuck confirmed reports that the New Zealand delegation at the United Nations asked the Australian delegation to support a formal protest in the General Assembly. He said the delegation discussed the possibility of indi-

eating in the General Assembly the grave concern still felt in many countries. “It was subsequently found that such a move would not be forthcoming on a sufficiently broad basis to ensure a meaningful outcome. “However, both delegations took the opportunity to ensure that the views of their respective governments were recorded. . . .” Senator McClelland today attacked Mr Hasluck’s reply as typical of the Government’s negative attitude. “It shows that the Government is not prepared to take the bit in its teeth and do something about the tests,” he said.