No debate over Cooks post

Press, 3 May 1977, Page 3

No debate over Cooks post

PA Wellington' i The Minister of Foreign' ■ Affairs (Mr Taiboys) said yes-'; ’terday that he had no inten-' tion of being drawn into al I debate with the Premier of. 'the Cook Islands (Sir Albert 'Henry) over the appointment of a new police superinten-l dent for the Cooks. “Mv knowledge of the cir-i cumstances surrounding the; appointment of the new police superintendent is already on public record,” Mr Talbqysl said, referring to a complaint bv Sir Albert that an earlier istatement on the subject by, I Mr Talbovs had been based! on incomplete information. , “Sir Albert has indicated; that his understanding of the, background to the inspectors appointment differs in some) respects from my own, he said. | “I stand by my earlier remarks, which set out the New 1

■ Zealand Government's posijtion. ' “I wrote to Sir Albert about this matter in February, and have not yet received a 'reply.” Mr Taiboys said that he; 'was concerned about Sir 'Albert’s complaint about the; 'conduct of the New Zealand loffice in Rarotonga, j “I have sought an assurance from the office, and I ’am satisfied that no discourtesy occurred. j “Nor was there any implied threat, as .he Premier seems to believe, in my comment; 'that he and his Government! !are at liberty to alter the 'nature of the Cook Islands’! 'constitutional link with Newi Zealand,” Mr Taiboys said. ' “This was a statement of [fact. New’ Zealand has no; hold on the Cook Islands, and ■ they may opt for full independence at any time, if they 'wish.” i