Minesweeper Negotiations
(From Our Own Reporter)
WELLINGTON, February 17. Negotiations are continuing with the British authorities on the operation of the two minesweepers off the Malaysian coast for which New Zealand will supply 70 naval ratings and officers.
It is believed the negotiations are over three points—whether the ships will be on temporary loan to the Navy for the duration of duties there, whether they will be on an extended loan by which they might later be used in New Zealand waters or whether they will remain Royal Navy ships manned by New Zealand crews.
The British, iti s thought, favour the ships being sailed under the New Zealand flag as this would demonstrate again that Britain is not alone in her determination to defend Malaysia. This would probably mean, however, that the New Zealand Government would have to bear the fuelling and maintenance costs of operating the
ships, as well as providing the crews.
These costs could be heavy at a time when the Government is attempting to cut down public expenditure.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30678, 18 February 1965, Page 1
Word Count
173Minesweeper Negotiations Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30678, 18 February 1965, Page 1
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