Labour calls for N.Z. peace-keeping move

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32775, 27 November 1971, Page 2

Labour calls for N.Z. peace-keeping move

(N.Z. Press Associations

WELLINGTON, Nov. 26. The Parliamentary Labour Party felt that New Zealand could, and should, do very much more in attempting to stop the hostility between India and Pakistan, and to relieve the resultant human misery, Mr A. J. Faulkner (Lab., Roskill) said in a letter today to the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake).

Mr Faulkner, convener of the Labour caucus committee on foreign affairs, said the Labour Party believed that what was occurring in East Pakistan, as well as the confrontation between two Commonwealth countries, was Commonwealth business.

“It is strongly urged that you should make an immediate approach to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom seeking that the United Kingdom Government, as a permanent member of the Security Council, move in the Security Council to invoke those parts of the charter designed to deal with the circumstances that are in existence in the area,” he wrote.

He said a combined effort was needed to stop the fighting. and to bring both India and Pakistan before the council to show cause why the

peace of this area was once more threatened. It was felt

that neither Government was in a position to ignore such an appeal.

“It is further suggested that Canada should be approached to join this New Zealand initiative,” said Mr Faulkner.

“Canada is included in the suggestion because of her reputation in the field of peace-keeping, and her contacts in this area. New Zealand should offer such trained personnel as may be necessary for the establishment of confidence between the confronting parties in the area, and provide additional urgent administrative staff and other appropriate aid. “Again you could offer the services of a top New Zealand official, and seek a like

Canadian colleague to visit at once these Commonwealth countries in an attempt to defuse the very serious situation that grows worse by the hour.”

In the longer term, a clear position had to be taken by New Zealand on the horror that had occurred inside East Pakistan.

“There can be no permanent peace nor can the Commonwealth fulfil its longterm potential for good, if we sit idly by and allow this to occur without a demonstration of the most positive kind to rectify and prevent recurrences,” he said. The Parliamentary Labour Party would support such action, and offered its assistance.