THE PRESS TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1978 Vice-President Mondale’s visit

Press, 9 May 1978, Page 24

THE PRESS TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1978 Vice-President Mondale’s visit

Trade is probably the only problem of any significance between New Zealand and the United States that is likely to occupy much time within the 29 hours the American Vice-President, Mr Walter Mondale, will spend in New Zealand today and tomorrow. A few years ago some Pacific islands were the subject of dispute between the two countries: even then the Governments became tired of sending letters to one another which mentioned the islands and officials telephoned one another to avoid the tedious necessity of spelling out their official positions. The dispute and. perhaps, even the islands themselves, have been forgotten. Trade problems, are. however, unlikely to suffer the same fate.

The United States is New Zealand's fourth biggest market and fourth biggest supplier The United States is one of the most open markets in the world except, unhappily, to New Zealand in some agricultural products. Even so it is a significant market for cheese, beef, and casein, and it has no quotas on lamb. New Zealand will want to talk to Mr Mondale about dairy products and beef. Whatever else can be accomplished, it should be possible to spell out New Zealand s opposition to the measures coming before the Senate which would affect the setting of beef quotas. Mr Mondale’s visit should also provide an opportunity for a discussion on world trade in agricultural products, for an assessment of the possibilities of protectionism, and for mutual commiseration about Japan's attitudes to imports.

Probably other subjects, as suggested in the articles printed on this page yesterday and today, will be raised. New Zealand is Mr Mondale’s final port of call before he returns to the United States and his perspective on the earlier stages of his trip will be worth having. Mr Mondale is privy to the highest counsels of the Carter Administration and what he says, as well as what he hears, will be important.

Although it is almost certainly true that the tour through the Philippines, Thailand. Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand has more symbolism than substance, the tour should not be taken lightly for that reason. It is designed primarily to demonstrate continued American interest in, and commitment to, Asia and the Pacific. The second ranking American citizen has been sent to do that.

What response should New Zealand make? One of the advantages of the timing of the present visit is that there is no issue such as the Vietnam war which can inflame public opinion and New Zealanders should be able to look at the whole relationship with the United States calmly. The interests of a global power and those of New Zealand cannot be expected to coincide at all times, and it is proper to consider where they coincide and where they differ. It should be possible for New Zealanders to come to some consensus about this country’s long-term relationship with the United States and about what New Zealand can expect from such a relationship.