P.M. Not Aware Of Refusal Of Visas

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31377, 24 May 1967, Page 1

P.M. Not Aware Of Refusal Of Visas

(New Zealand Press Association) , WELLINGTON, May 23. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said tonight that he had no knowledge of visas having been refused in recent months to two scientists from Peking University who had been invited to lecture in New Zealand.

As with visitors from any > other foreign country each application for a visa was considered on its merits, Mr Holyoake said. He was commenting on a report that' the New Zealand China Society had urged the Government to adopt a more liberal and consistent policy towards visitors from China. It was said at the society’s conference in Wellington that visas to visit New Zealand were refused to two scientists from Peking University. The > society had invited both men - to give lectures in New Zealand. i Mr Holyoake said he would be happy to investigate the matter thoroughly if the so- , ciety would give him more particulars.

Commenting on the society’s resolution calling on the Government to recognise China and to support its admission to the United Nations, Mr

Holyoake Mid the position was not quite so simple as the society would have people believe. “In present circumstances, to extend formal recognition to Communist China would mean withdrawing recognition from the Republic of China and acknowledging Communist Chinese authority over Formosa.

“I do not believe that the majority of New Zealanders would agree that the rights of the 13 million people of Formosa should be so lightly disregarded," he said.