N.Z. dependent on ‘economic health’

Press, 9 June 1978, Page 4

N.Z. dependent on ‘economic health’

The New Zealand Foreign Minister (Mr Taiboys) told the American Secretary of State (Mr Cyrus Vance» in Washington yesterday that New Zealand's capacity to play its part in the A.N.Z.L.S. treaty organisation and in the South Pacific depends on its economic health.

“I took the opportunity to! underline the fact again." Mr Talbovs said last evening., after a half-hour meeting: with Mr Vance after rhe' opening dav of the A.N.Z U.S. meeting, reports the N.Z P.A. staff correspondent in Washington. A.N.Z.U.S. is the 26-vear-' old treaty which links Australia, New Zealand and the United States in mutual def ARCP New Zealand has linked its l role in A.N.Z.U.S. to its economic health repeated!v, and Mr Talbovs said Mr' Vance fullv appreciated the position.

Mr Taiboys said he also underlined in his meeting with Mr Vance the “crucial' ; importance” for New Zealand of the multi-lateral trade negotiations in Geneva. New Zealand seeks the inclusion of livestock products, I particularly dairy products, in i anv agreement and has Arne-' rican support for its position. | He said that what emerged from his talks with Mr Vance was that there was a real understanding that “if there is no effective move in relation to agriculture in its wid- ' est sense" the negotiations would have failed. He said that when Mr

i Vance talked of agriculture ;lhe included livestock prodI ucts. The A.N.Z.U.S. meeting will end today with a review of economic political developments. .Mr Taiboys is scheduled i to have talks with the United States Secretary of AgriculIture (Mr Bergland) and the Presidential foreign trade negotiator (Mr Strauss) during the afternoon. On Friday Mr Taiboys will meet the Vice-President (Mr Mondale) and Congressional foreign relations committees. He is due to fly to Europe tomorrow morning.