Academics’ Concern At Denial Of Funds

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31633, 20 March 1968, Page 1

Academics’ Concern At Denial Of Funds

(New Zealand Prete Association)

HAMILTON, March 19.

Twenty-six of the 44 academics at the University of Waikato have signed a petition expressing concern at denial of overseas funds to bring speakers to the “Peace, Power and Politics in Asia” conference.

Last week the Minister of Finance (Mr Muldoon) said the Reserve Bank had refused permission for tue funds to bring Dr Conor Cruise O’Brien, Professor Jean Lacouture, and Felix Greene. The petition says: “We fear that this use of financial decisions apparently to effect control of the expression of political opinion creates a dangerous precedent, and urge the Government to reverse its decision.” Synod Message The Auckland Methodist Synod, now in session in

Auckland, has expressed regret in a message to the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) that apparently political considerations had weighed unduly in Mr Muldoon’s decision to support the Reserve Bank’s withholding funds from conference.

The synod decided to urge that the decision be reviewed in the interests of the widest possible examination of the role of New Zealand in SouthEast Asian and world affairs. The scheduled meeting between Mr Muldoon and organisers of the conference will probably take place on Thursday. A Government spokesman said in Wellington today the appointment had not been cancelled and the deputation would probably meet Mr Muldoon as scheduled. Last night it was reported that Mr Muldoon was reconsidering his decision to receive a deputation in the light of "continued statements of a propaganda nature” made by the chairman of the committee organising the conference, Mr A. Taylor. Informed sources said in Wellington today it was unlikely that the Government would intervene or overrule the Reserve Bank’s decision.