Mr Marshall turns down Paris visit

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32956, 30 June 1972, Page 1

Mr Marshall turns down Paris visit

(New Zealand Preet Association)

WELLINGTON, June 29. ~ No visit to Paris will be made by the Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) about the French tests at Mururoa. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) pressed today for such a visit, but Mr Marshall said that the suggestion was not practical and would not be effective.

Mr Kirk, in a special statement to Parliament, asked Mr Marshall personally to acquaint President Pompidou with the strong opposition there was to such tests and the damage that persistence with nuclear testing in the South Pacific could do to French relationships in the region.

“It is believed that if the Prime Minister went on such a mission he would have the support of the country,” Mr Kirk said. “The unprecedented nature of such a visit would add force to arguments against the tests.” It was the view of the Labour Party that a conference of Foreign Ministers concerned about such testing could and should be convened.

“We also believe that this proposal has not been pursued with the diligence that it should have been by the Government,” said Mr Kirk. It had been claimed by the Government that the Prime Minister’s visits to the Continent had gained influence for him in European capitals, Mr Kirk said. “Any such influence would stand such a mission in good stead. “The cessation of a programme of nuclear explosions likely to continue until 1985 is of vital importance to

New Zealand,” he said. “In these circumstances no stone should be left unturned in. an endeavour to have nuclear testing abandoned. ‘Considered view’ "It is our considered view that the .Prime Minister should set aside all lesser responsibilities and devote himself single-mindedly to the goal of ending nuclear testing in the South Pacific, and that he could best do this by going to Paris at once.” Mr Marshall replied that if Mr Kirk had had experience of government he would know that such a venture would be unproductive. There was no doubt that such a venture would have "wide popular appeal" “I am not concerned about that,” Mr Marshall said. "I am concerned about stopping the tests.” Drawing support The action would also be counter-productive. The only effective way of stopping the tests was by developing such widespread support in the international community and by mobilising such support for a comprehensive test ban treaty that France would have to desist, Mr Marshall said. Mr Marshall told a hushed House that this was exactly what New Zealand was doing. It would be a long process, and anyone who knew anything about the way governments acted would know that. The Prime Minister said

that New Zealand had written to 11 Pacific nations inviting their views on whether a conference should be held. Only six replies had been received—and none had categorically accepted the proposal; all the replies were “hedged about with conditions.” Mr Marshall commented: “It is my judgment that a small conference of Pacific countries would be an anticlimax and would have no effect on the present series o' tests.” Mr Kirk said later that he was “bitterly disappointed” that Mr Marshall had rejected “out of hand” his call to make a special trip to Paris. ‘Almost acquiesiug’ "Mr Marshall’s response shows that he has no intention of mounting a really, effective campaign of opposition to the tests,” said Mr Kirk. “Instead, he is merely trying to preserve the front of opposition while almost acquiescing in the tests by his indifference." '. Mr Kirk said that Mr Marshall’s argument “will not bear examination.” “He says that going to Peris is not the way governments work,” said Mr Kirk, “but last year he told the country that it was essential that he went to Luxembourg on the butter problem. “He said that was the way the Government should act. “Now he flatly refuses to go to Paris about the future health of New Zealand’s people.”