Consul suggested embassy

Press, 15 July 1976, Page 7

Consul suggested embassy

PA Wellington The suggestion that New Zealand should consider opening an embassy in South Africa was made to the Government by the former South African Consul-General (Mr Peter Phillip), the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Talboys) said in Parliament when questioned by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling).

Mr Taiboys said the suggestion had been made in a letter written by Mr Phillip before he left New Zealand in February. The Minister said that whether the proposal was official or not, the Government had felt it should be taken seriously, and had considered it because it came from an official representative of the South African Government.

Mr Taiboys said he knew of no government which would make an official approach without knowing in advance what the answer would be. In making its decision on the matter the Government had taken into account its priorities and political considerations.

In response to persistent questioning from Mr Rowling, Mr Taiboys said he saw no necessity to publish the letter from Mr Phillip. “It is not my practice to publish letters from diplomats.” Mr Taiboys said an approach on the matter had also been made to the Minister of State (Sir Keith Holyoake).