Politicians Reject Integration

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31641, 29 March 1968, Page 20

Politicians Reject Integration

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 28.

. Mr Gorton claimed that the speculation was not only irrelevant but also damaging—because it could lead to suspicion and resentment.

Mr Holyoake discounted suggestions of federation with Australia and said he did not think any New Zealander wanted to go back and take up the option New Zealand passed over in 1900 on federation with Australia.

The Deputy Leader of the New Zealand Opposition (Mr Watt) actively opposed any suggestion of political union and contended that New Zealand should retain its right to independent action. All three politicians were speaking at a State luncheon in honour of Mr Gorton. Mr Gorton said there had been speculation in newspapers and by individuals from both sides of the Tasman on whether there should be some form of political union between the two nations. Mr Gorton called for the issue to be put aside. “Let us rather consider what can be done by ourselves without worrying about this,” he said. “Not An Objective” Mr Gorton had told a press conference after a meeting with the New Zealand Government this morning: “Integration is not an objective of my visit, nor is it something I can see happening in the measurable future.” He said he had no idea how the people of Australia and New Zealand felt on the issue —but added that in any case it would be for the people of both countries to decide whether they wanted some closer form of union.

"What is more important is a closer relationship between our two countries—without

bothering about this political integration,” he said.

At the luncheon, referring to the fields in which Australia and New Zealand worked most closely—defence and foreign affairs—Mr Gorton said there had been the “closest co-operation” between the two countries. Common Study. On defence, Mr Gorton referred to the increasing compatability of equipment and said greater military effectiveness could be gained by the two countries if there was common study. Commenting on foreign affairs, he said it was unlikely there would be any rift between Australia and New Zealand.

Earlier, Mr Holyoake had also referred to speculation about union between the two countries. Mr Holyoake said most New Zealanders had decided that the closer the relationship was with Australia the better. “Some of them, going even further, have suggested we take up the option we passed over in 1900 and seek some form of constitutional union

Speculation on the future political union of Australia and New Zealand was decisively rejected today by the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Gorton) and the New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake).

or federation with Australia,” he said.

“I don’t think anyone really wants to go back to that now.”

Mr Holyoake said that, instead, New Zealand had chosen a friendship which—while recognising the similarities of origin in the two countries, the parallel courses of their histories and common goals—was also based on a candid appreciation of distinction.

Mr Holyoake said the broad areas of co-operation between the two nations were informed will; the insights gained from their particular differences

“There’s a constant play of Australian ideas on New Zealand notions and we like to think we send a flow of ideas in the reverse direction,” he said.

“The relationship between Australia and New Zealand is, in some respects, like a good book: there’s more inside the covers than meets the eye at first sight.” Mr Watt said: “I believe it is imperative that both nations remain independent so that our voices can be expressed separately.”