Defence Dept “Not A Security Risk”

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32322, 13 June 1970, Page 40

Defence Dept “Not A Security Risk”

(NX. Preus Association)

WELLINGTON, June 12. Remarks by the Minister of Finance (Mr Muldoon) about security among people associated with defence did not appear to be directed at the Ministry of Defence, said the Minister of Defence (Mr Thomson) today. Mr Muldoon made the remarks last evening when addressing the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce

“These gentlemen in defence are trained to keep matters confidential, but you can guarantee that what is told them will be in the press within 48 hours.” Mr Muldoon said. Defence vote information released confidentially to a meeting of defence representatives last week appeared in the newspapers 48 hours later. “From the point of view of a Minister of Finance, they are the worst security risk in New Zealand,” he said.

Mr Thomson said that the Ministry of Defence dally handled many highly-classi-fied matters, and could not “by any interpretation” be regarded as a security risk. “Mr Muldoon appears to be referring to those outside organisations which take a very lively interest in defence, and which usually lead public debate on such matters as the reequipment of the services and school cadets,” he said. “It is Government policy to encourage public discussion on defence issues, and I therefore try to keep these patriotic organisations as fully briefed as I can within the limitations posed by security considerations. "No doubt their overenthusiasm occasionally results in indiscretions, which is to be regretted. I would not like it felt, however, that Mr Muldoon is implying any serious lack of security in the Ministry of Defence."