A.N.Z.U.S. Pact remains the key to N.Z. policy
The role of A.N.Z.U.S. in the defence policy of New Zealand and the roles of the three Armed Services complete the series by “The Press'’ defence reporter. GEOFF MEIN.
Against a background of growing uncertainty in world affairs, the A.N.Z.U.S. Pact — signed by Australia, New Zealand, and the United States in 1951 — remains the essential component in New Zealand’s strategic relationships, says the Secretary of Defence (Mr D. G. B. McLean).
Committed to the security of the Pacific, A.N.Z.U.S. “sets the scene for close and practical cooperation between the defence forces of the three countries, particularly in exercising and training together.” A nation’s role in the world is determined by its political stability, economic health, and military strength, Mr McLean adds. New Zealand has political stability, small military capabilities, and its economy could hardly be described as “healthy” at present. Outlining defence policy for this decade, the 1978 Defence Review noted that the problems facing New Zealand were economic rather than military. The long-term nature of defence requirements makes it essential that a given level of effort be sustained over a lengthy period, but this can only
be done if the economy can stand the strain.
(In New Zealand, the problem is compounded by the inadequacy of the country’s industrial base to produce defence equipment. More than 90 per cent of defence equipment is imported, using vital overseas funds.) “The Government fully
appreciates the importance of keeping the armed forces in being and in training, and of continuing to work closely with our allies in the defence field,” the report said. Although restraining expenditure wherever possible, New Zealand is committed to maintaining defence
spending at an “adequate” level. The Minister of Finance (Mr Muldo.on) announced in last week’s budget that the Government intends spending 5412.9 M on defence this financial year. This compares with social welfare ($2392M), health 51329 M), and education ($1241M). Within the A.N.Z.U.S. context, New Zealand seeks to contribute to regional stability in the South-West Pacific. Australia and New Zealand are increasingly being seen as “a single strategic entity,” Mr McLean says, and emphasis is being given to strengthening trans-Tasman defence relations. Close relationships with countries in the South Pacific and SouthEast Asia will continue to be fostered.
To attain these objectives, within the limits of the New Zealand economy, the Ministry of Defence has adopted the flexible “core force” concept. The three forces (Army, Air Force, and Navy) are organised to provide: 1. Operatationally-ready regular units, trained and equipped to operate with allies;
2. Flexible forces, organised as required and
capable of ready repsonse to low-key situations; 3. Training units to sustain the operationallyready forces; 4. A cadre of expertise in a wider range of roles. The fundamental assumption of the “core force” policy is that it is a basis for expansion, according to the Chief of Defence Staff (Vice Admiral N. D. Anderson). Although the concept is probably the cheapest way of maintaining defence forces, it requires “timely warning of a worsening situation, which means good intelligence.” Through membership of various alliances — not only A.N.Z.U.S. — New Zealand shares intelligence from a wider organisation. “We contribute (to intelligence networks) in certain vital directions, but we are very much a receiver. If we need answers on a specific ask — and we get it,” question, we only need to Admiral Anderson says. As well as the need for flexibility, he stressed that New Zealand must be seen by other countries as credible. The 1978 Defence Review stated that the armed forces serve “to show our friends in other parts of the world that New Zealand is playing its part in the general effort to maintain peace and promote progress.”
Mr McLean believes that New Zealand has played a very credible role in world affairs this century, a role which he says all New Zealanders should be proud of. “Our contribution to international security has given us a standing in world affairs which we
country prepared to go to very real lengths to make its contribution,” Mr McLean says. (In 1943-44, during the Second World War, New Zealand spent more than 40 per cent of Gross National Product on defence. In 1979-80, less than two per cent of G.N.P. was spent on defence.)
Mr McLean adds that New Zealand has achieved a high status in SouthEast Asia because of its willingness to share in the security burden. “I don’t think that our involvement in Vietnam has rubbed off against us in any way.”
could probably not have gained in any other way. Our role in’ both world wars — which a lot of people are inclined to dismiss these days — has given us recognition as a
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