Neutrality Not In N.Z.’s Interests

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31857, 9 December 1968, Page 26

Neutrality Not In N.Z.’s Interests

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 8. Rear-Admiral J. O’C. Ross said today that he was certain that neutrality was neither in the true nature of the New Zealander nor in his best interests.

The Chief of Naval Staff was addressing a passing-out parade of military servicemen at Waiouru Camp. "No-one wants war,” RearAdmiral Ross said. “It is not in the nature of the New Zealander to seek war. But in a troubled world, and there is no more troubled area than South-East Asia, on whose perimeter we stand, the choice between peace and war does not always lie with us.”

Rear Admiral Ross said New Zealand’s defence philosophy rested on the principle of collective security. Its basis was alliance, not reliance.

“There is much talk of peace in the air today, for peace is an honourable estate. These men on parade are a demonstration that the cause of peace can be honourably served by military service,” he said. He said he did not know of one case in which the cause of peace was advanced by persons who spent an hour sporting a banner in Lambton Quay or Trafalgar Square. “I congratulate you on your bearing on parade.

here today,” Rear Admiral Ross said. “But most of all I congratulate you for what you and your training stand for in this troubled world.”