N.Z. help promised

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33407, 13 December 1973, Page 1

N.Z. help promised

'By CEDRIC MENTIPLAY) PORT MORESBY, December 12. Positive assistance for the new nation of Papua New Guinea was promised tonight by the New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Kirk) soon after he janded in Port Moresby (after a nine-hour flight 'from Wellington.

Mr Kirk had already promised aid funds totalling sl.4m over the next three years. He now intends to advertise in New Zealand for 20 secondary school teachers to work in Papua New Guinea. There is a strong possibility that New Zealand will also assist the new State in defence.

It is possible that the Minister of Defence (Mr Faulkner) will visit Papua New Guinea early next year to discuss this.

In any case there are likely to be talks when the Prime Minister (Mr Somare) visits New Zealand for the Games.

Mr Kirk indicated tonight that there are likely to be a number of discussions on at that time, as many other heads of State have been invited to the Games. Mr Kirk said that the New Zealand Government had already bought land in Port Moresby for a diplomatic post when the State achieved full nationhood'in 1975. “We shall activate this site before then,” he said. “I want our post to be fully operative as soon as possible.” Australian correspondents at tonight’s press conference showed concern at New Zealand’s interest in Papua New Guinea. The first question was: “Why do you seem to have closer ties with these people than we do?”