N.Z. “probing” on China tie

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33049, 17 October 1972, Page 2

N.Z. “probing” on China tie

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 16. The Foreign Ministers of New Zealand and Japan met in Wellington today to discuss matters of mutual interest to the two countries, including the establishment of ties with China.

Sir Keith Holyoake said after the meeting that he had “probed” his Japanese counterpart, Mr Masayochi Ohira, on the likely consequences of any approach New Zealand might make to China to “normalise” relations. He was encouraged to learn that to date at least there had been no serious break in relations between Tokyo and Taiwan “apart of course from the breaking-off of diplomatic relations,” he said. Mr Ohira said that Japan had wanted to maintain its ties with Taiwan, provided Peking allowed it to do so, in spite of the cessation of diplomatic relations. Japan had told Peking of this intention and had received no objection. AGRICULTURE TALKS Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Ohira said it was for the Governments of other Pacific countries to decide what sort of China policy they should adopt. “We have normalised our relationship because of our

domestic situation,” he said. His talks in New Zealand had, he said, been general. The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Adachi) would have more specific talks and the Minister of Transport (Mr Sasaki) was having detailed discussions with his New Zealand counterpart.