‘Let down badly’

Press, 10 June 1978, Page 24

‘Let down badly’

PA ” < Wellington New Zealand had been let down very badly by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Taiboys) at the United Nations special session on disarmament, said the Opposition spokesman on foreign affairs (Mr W. W. Freer) yesterdav. Mr Taiboys had told the United Nations that his Government supported the concept of a “nuclear-free zone in the South Pacific in ai manner compatible with the freedom of the high seasj and existing security arrangements.” Mr Freer said, i It was clear the Govern-! ment had no intention oil pressing for nuclear-free, seas, he said. “Its idea of a nuclear-free zone is limiter'j to the land areas of the! South Pacific.” ’ ’But as we have seen, the Government is quite happy to have nuclear-powered I ruclear-armed ships enter New Zealand harbours,” said Mr Freer.

i “The only thing it seems to be against are nuclear - bases on land in the South. ' Pacific, but as no nation has '! showed the slightest interest l ' in establishing a nuclear i base anywhere in the South ■ Pacific, there will be no -problems on this matter,” I;Mr Freer said. The Government’s support ■ of a nuclear-free zone in the South Pacific was “a mean-; •; ingless gesture” which did ‘ nothing to promote the : si cause of disarmament or !world peace. J Mr Taiboys himself had pointed out to the United l Nations that non-nuclear! ! States had special responsi-' .bilities in disarmament. ! “It is regretted that New .'Zealand did not take this i opportunity to set ai ! example to other smal. i States, for if there is to be - iny evidence in this area. .it is obvious that the small?: countries must be the ones • to push for a tangible and real commitment to disarmament,” Mr Freer said. >