Tongan warning on fish deal

Press, 1 November 1977, Page 12

Tongan warning on fish deal

PA Auckland It would be very unwise to try to trade off fishing rights to squeeze trade concessions from the Japanese, according to King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV of Tonga. “Such a deal would be extremely profitable for the Japanese.” said the King, who is in Auckland for a personal visit during which he will see a cardiologist, and then go to Christchurch to be measured for a pair of fleece-lined boots.

"I think it is a pity that fishing rights should be traded for other kinds of rights. I think the proper approach is to try to do the fishing ourselves,” said the King. -

Tonga would try to exploit its 200-mile economic zone as much as possible itself.

“If you let the Japanese do all the fishing you are

going to miss out on a lot ol benefits,” said the King.

Asked how he saw the Japanese role in exploiting Tonga’s fisheries, he said: “I hope they will put capital resources into such things as slipways and the training of Tongans, and maybe provide a fish carrier for marketing in Japan.” In return, Tonga would sell fish to Japan at a price to be negotiated. Of Tonga’s hopes for oil, the King said that tests showed at least seven potential oilfields on land and one at sea close by. Tonga would want to refine the crude oil itself because that would bring more money for the kingdom. The King said that plans to extend the airport on the main island, Tongatapu, were well under way. The extended airport suitable for international jet airliners would probably be usable in the latter half 1 of next year.