‘Entirely For N.Z. Govt.’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30741, 4 May 1965, Page 1

‘Entirely For N.Z. Govt.’

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, May 3. The Australian and United Kingdom Governments were in close agreement on all South-east Asian questions, replied the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Arthur Bottomley) when asked today if his Government approved of the Australian decision to commit a battalion to Vietnam.

It was then suggested to Mr Bottomley it would naturally follow that the same approval . would be forthcoming were New Zealand to decide to send a combatant unit to South Vietnam.

“That is entirely a matter for the New Zealand Government.” he replied. “The United Kingdom does not interfere in the affairs of Commonwealth countries. The two governments are in close co-operation and in full agreement on all matters relating to South-east Asia, but

it is New Zealand’s responsibility to decide what it should do respecting South Vietnam.”

Replying to a question, he said he was “very grateful” for the parts played by New Zealand and Australia in Malaysia. “New Zealand is making a very great contribution.” he said.

He said he believed Malaysia was quite capable of defending herself against Indonesia’s confrontation policy—without aid from the British Commonwealth.

“But, of course, as far as Britain is concerned, we are right behind Malaysia in the struggle,” he said.