REACTION TO N.Z. AIRCRAFT CHOICE

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31362, 6 May 1967, Page 3

REACTION TO N.Z. AIRCRAFT CHOICE

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 5. The Government’s announcement that New Zealand would be buying American planes left far too much unsaid, said the director of the British Trade Association of New Zealand (Mr L. B. Crompton) today.

“We strongly recommend that the Government should make known to the public immediately its full reasons for preferring to buy American planes rather than British at this particularly critical point in our economic history,” said Mr Crompton.

Members of the Airline Pilots’ Association had flown the B.A.C. 1-11 and described it as a good aeroplane, and pleasant to fly. But they only “understood” there were guarantees to protect the Government relating to the performance of the Boeing 737, said Mr Crompton.

“Having in mind the financial situation, both internal and external, and Mr Marshall’s pending visit to Britain to try to protect our interests there, both the New Zealand public and British industry are entitled to be told all the reasons for what, on the surface, appears an extraordinary decision,” said Mr Crompton. “VERY PLEASED” The general secretary of the New Zealand Airline Pilots’ Association (Captain J. W. Dickinson) said the association was “very pleased” with the Government’s decision.

“We feel the choice is right, and we are satisfied that the corporation did a thorough job on the evaluation of the

types of aircraft available,” he said. The chairman of the board of directors of N.A.C. (Sir Andrew McKee) was not available today to comment on whether financial arrangements had been agreed. Nor was the general manager of the corporation (Mr D. A. Patterson). CAUSTIC COMMENT

The choice of an American aircraft has provoked strong comment in London, says a special correspondent of the Press Association. Neither the British Aircraft Corporation nor the Board of Trade would make official comment, but in the offices of both bodies a feeling of disappointment was evident. The timing of the announcement, just after New Zealand’s heavy dependence on Britain to negotiate satisfactory arrangements with the Common Market countries had been emphasised, drew caustic comment.

Political observers in Whitehall said the decision seemed likely to be “filed for future reference” by those politicians who might wish to refer to it when Common Market negotiations were well under way. At the same time as news of the decision reached London, B.A.C. announced the placing

of orders for 12 more 1-11 airliners by five airlines. These included Austria, the Argentiniaan domestic and international airline; Mohawk, a United States firm; and Philippine Air Lines. Of all the countries in the Commonwealth, New Zealand has the greatest claim on Britain’s affections, the “Daily Express” - said in a leading article.

“Most people here are resolved that New Zealand’s economy—so heavily dependent on Britain—should never be sacrificed. “Because of these close ties there is particular disappointment that New Zealand has rejected the British aircraft in favour of the Boeing 737. “No-one was asking the New Zealanders to buy an inferior plane. The BA.C. 1-11 is a winner that has been bought all over the world. “But disregarding the proven qualities and old loyalties, New Zealand makes the task of those who champion her interests in Britain all the harder,” said the newspaper.