N.Z. not committed to peace-keeping force

Press, 27 July 1981, Page 2

N.Z. not committed to peace-keeping force

NZPA Washington The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) ' avoided giving President Reagan any commitment that New Zealand would contribute troops to a Middle East peace-keeping force when they’ met in Washington on Friday. “I have given no indication that New Zealand could take any part," Mr Muldoon told New Zealand journalists after the meeting.

..He said the question had been raised during the nearly two hours of talks. “The discussion was not in the context of any New Zealand commitment, but on the background to it,” he said. The Americans have been canvassing several countries, including New Zealand and Australia, about joining the force which must be set. up by next April' when the Israelis withdraw from the Sinai Desert under the Camp David accords.

The Americans are vitally concerned • that a multinational force be set up, as the United Nations has rejected the task after Soviet objections.

But the United States will not make a direct, formal, appeal for troop Contribu-

tions to any country until it is satisfied that it will get a positive response. Mr Muldoon made it clear that he saw no urgency for a New Zealand decision, although sources indicated that the President had pressed him for one. Mr Muldoon said later: “They still hope that New Zealand could be involved in a project such as this, but it has not reached the stage of a substantive discussion with us yet." According to United States sources. Mr Muldoon spelled out the extent of New Zealand’s growing lamb trade with . the Middle East and noted “its .very great interest indeed" in peace..in the region. Mr Muldoon welcomed the cease-fire in the region, which was. announced before he met the President on Friday, saying he hoped it would -lead to a decline in tension in the area. The two leaders, who met privately in the Oval office before having a working lunch, with top advisers, appeared to get on well in their talks which were dominated by ; bilateral trade issues? 1 , . ■

They had what the official called an "extended" discussion about lamb and casein, with Mr Muldoon .expressing New Zealand’s concerns about moves by United States farmers and protectionist Congressmen to limit, imports. Mr Muldoon said later of the threat to casein. “I think it is going to be all right. We’ are getting the support of the Administration, as we will on lamb."

He said President Reagan had reiterated his Administration’s commitment to “freeing up" international trade. There was no discussion on the possible purchase by New Zealand of part of America’s 200,000-tonne butter surplus, but Mr Mul-doon-said later he thought some decision was likely soon.

According to the senior American Administration officials, President Reagen opened the meeting by thanking New Zealand for its strong support in resisting Soviet expansionism, particularly in the Pacific. Mr Muldoon made it clear later that he had expressed understanding of the United

States’ desire to review progress in the Law of the Sea negotiations before’a final agreement was reached. He said the President had told him the United States had no desire;.,to' “torpedo” the .progress? that - had been made, but wished- to obtain an agreement-that would be endorsed by Congress. £ "It looks as though it .will take some time," Mr Muldoon said. The Vice-President of the United States, Mr George Bush, may visit New Zealand next year. Mr Muldoon extended an invitation in Washington on Friday. "He is very keen to come and he will try to fit a visit in," he said yesterday.

He also invited President Reagan .to visit New Zealand. “He did not rule it but, but that will be more difficult to put together," Mr Muldoon said. ' ’ ‘ . .. .

There is speculation in Washington that the President will make an overseas trip, including stops in Asia, early next year, but .nothing has ’ been confirmed . and there is no indication .that New Zealand is on the prospective itinerary. ■