Peace-keeping moves: P.M. answers critic

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32777, 30 November 1971, Page 2

Peace-keeping moves: P.M. answers critic

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 29. The New Zealand Government had long been in the forefront in encouraging constructive consideration by the United Nations of the crisis created by the situation in East Pakistan, the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) said today.

He was commenting on a letter he had received from Mr A. J. Faulkner (Lab., Roskill), suggesting that the Government take steps in conjunction with some other Commonwealth countries to bring the India and Pakistan conflict before the Security Council.

Sir Keith Holyoake said he noted that Mr Faulkner’s let*' ter made no reference to the successful initiative launched by New Zealand, with the Netherlands, in the General Assembly. “With the unanimous support of the third committee of the General Assembly, a resolution dealing broadly with the refugee problem in the area was adopted,” he said.

“Last Thursday I commented that this initiative had, for the first time, brought the members of the United Nations to acknowledge that they have responsibilities towards this vast human tragedy.” He said at the time that this action should provide a useful basis for subsequent action by the Security Council, and he could already report that members of the t

Security Council were considering possible forms of action. “New Zealand is not a member of the council,” said Sir Keith Holyoake. “But the permanent representative in New York, in accordance with my instructions, will continue to keep me closely informed of all developments, as he has done throughout. "The Government’s concern about the situation during recent months has not been limited to the plight of the refugees themselves, serious though it is. The implication of the situation for peace and security in the Indian sub-continent has all along been an important element in our thinking and action.” Sir Keith Holyoake said he also welcomed the initiative taken by President Nixon to ensure that India and Pakistan avoided a border war,