Labour spineless: P.M.

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 2

Labour spineless: P.M.

PA Wellington The Labour Party would be "spineless” if it were 'running New Zealand during the Falkland islands crisis, said the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) yesterday. "What the New Zealand Labour Party is showing is that it would be as spineless in this type of crisis as it was in its economic management between 1973 and 1975,” Mr Muldoon said.

He was referring to the comment by the Labour Leader (Mr Rowling) on Thursday that New Zealand's support of Britain was being used by the Argentinians. The Argentinians were appealing to other South American nations to come to their aid because New Zealand and the United States were 'helping Britain, Mr Rowling said. Mr Muldoon retorted yesterday;: "The .Leader of the 1 Opposition is ‘ still desperately trying to invent reasons ' for allying himself with the.

! extreme Left of the British Labour Party in his attitude. i “His latest ridiculous ; reason is that our loan of the ; Canterbury to the Royal Navy" will cause South American nations to give i assistance to Argentina. • “The United States has long since commenced giving : far more in”-materials, weapons of war, and transport to Britain. The South American countries will make up their, own minds whether they wish to aid the aggressor or remain with the Western democracies.”