Nobscurity in Washington

Press, 14 November 1977, Page 2

Nobscurity in Washington

By

STEWART POWELL,

of United Press

International, through NZPA

Washington Nobscurity is being a visiting head of Government from a nation the size of Colorado and having talks with an American President followed by a briefing in which no-one wants to know what happened.

Robert Muldoon. the Prime Minister of New Zealand, concluded an official visit on Friday and headed for a three-week tour of United States agricultural areas to lobby for greater United States imports of New Zealand meat and dairy products. Mr Muldoon got a White House ceremonial arrival, exchanged the traditional public words traded by public men in public places, and talked with President Carter.l But his visit was barely noticed in this busy capital J city which has a way of ig- j noring what it deems unimportant. Local papers and television stations gave little I coverage to Mr Muldoon’s arrival and remarks.

Washington’s indifference perhaps was best expressed in a briefing where dozens of White House reporters asked no questions about Mr Muldoon’s meeting with Mr Carter.

A one-page typewritten statement was distributed, detailing the talks on "a wide range of political, security, economic, and other subjects of common concern.”

Then it was time for questions. The briefing officer was Jerrold Schecter, a former ‘‘Time” magazine cor-

respondent, now spokesman for the National Security Council.

The transcript of the 15minute briefing was provided by the White House: Schecter: I will be happy to take any questions on the meeting between the President and Prime Minister Muldoon . . .

Questioner: Jerry, was there any discussion ... ? Another questioner: No. Come on. (Laughter). Schecter: Gentlemen, give the man a chance.

Questioner: Jerry, was there any discussion be- ; tween the Prime Minister j and the President on this week’s “Newsweek” cover i figure? (The magazine showed Billy Carter, the President’s brother, promoting a new beer nemed Billy). Schecter: You haven’t seen this week’s “Newsweek” cover story? Questioner: No. And the Prime Minister had described him as a beer-drinking petrol station attendant. I just wondered.

Schecter: No, absolutely no discussion. (Laughter).

A voice: With a name like Muldoon, what can he do? (Laughter). Questioner: Thank you very much, Jerry. (Laughter and applause). Schecter It is a pleasure doing business with you today.

Questioner: Jerry, come back and see us.

Another questioner: What about the dial-a-sailor experience? Schecter: There is a conspiracy afoot here ...