‘N.Z. must be given chance on E.E.C.’

Press, 28 March 1980, Page 2

‘N.Z. must be given chance on E.E.C.’

PA’ .Wellington The European Economic Community must give Nevi Zealand the opportunity it needs to secure a continued market for its farm exports to Britain, said West GerMinister of Defence (Dr Hans Apel) yesterday. : 1 , He told a news conference this would be the view he would put to the German Cabinet when he returned to Bonn. Dr Apel, a former Finance Minister who has been tipped as a future West German Chancellor, had talks yesterday with the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Talboys) and later met the Defence Council. He said much of his discussion with Mr Talboys had been on economic matters. “I will report back to my Government that the Common Market has to make an effort to give you your chances you need for secur-

ing your exports to Britain — that means the common Market,” he said. Dr Apel emphasised that there was also a political dimension to the European Community ; and some compromise was needed between different attitudes and demands. He said three-quarters of the money spent by the community went into the Common Agricultural Policy and there was not enough for things such as energy and research. However, the political value of the community was so great that ,it could not be destroyed because of differences over agriculture, Dr Apel said. It was not possible to change the Common Agricultural Policy quickly, he said. Dr Apel said there were some “minor problems" in West German joint ventures with New Zealand but he was .sure these could be overcome.

. To a question ort the possibility of Germany’s giving defence assistance to. Nevy Zealand arid the South Pacific, he replied: "Certainly not.” ■ '

West Germany’s constitution forbade any military role outside ..".‘the N.A.T.O. area.

Dr Apel said he did not see the Soviet Union as an “actual threat” in the South Pacific, but Russia’s maris time capability would. increase.

The South Pacific was an! area of increasing import-1 ance and it was important to be prepared.

“That means for us to help those smaller countries to develop their economic and social structure,” Dr Apel said. Dr Apel yesterday laid B wreath at the National War Memorial, and this morning will visit a New Plymouth farm,’ a dairy factory, and the Maui rig. He. will fly to Australia tomorrow.