No troops for Asian fighting

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33807, 2 April 1975, Page 3

No troops for Asian fighting

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 1. While it remained in power, the Labour Government would never commit its forces to a fighting role in the South-East Asian conflict, said the Prime Minister (Mr Rowling) today.

Interviewed on the new “Morning Report” programme of Radio New Zealand, he was asked: “Will our troops be used again?”

“Not by the present administration,” he replied.

However, said Mr Rowling, New Zealand would expect to “play its part” in a United Nations peacekeeping role if asked.

On civil aid, Mr Rowling said New Zealand should be aiming at stability to support the people who were being hurt. “Any aid programme is going to be pretty wasteful, I think; there is going to be so much movement. Obviously the administration has broken down in most parts of the country and it would be to a large extent ineffective except where the Red Cross has control,” said Mr Rowling. The Prime Minister was asked if “summoned” was the right word for the trip he would make to Washington to see President Ford after the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica.

“I think that’s a bit strong,” said Mr Rowling. “It was suggested I should call at the White House on my way back. I’m one of the few Prime Ministers President Ford hasn’t met.”