N.Z., Samoa disagree on action over citizenship

Press, 14 August 1982, Page 1

N.Z., Samoa disagree on action over citizenship

PA

Wellington

New Zealand was prepared to go it alone in negating the landmark Privy Council decision granting New Zealand citizenship to a generation of Samoans, the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) indicated yesterday.

Mr. Muldoon told reporters it was obviously desirable, however, for . any action against the British law lords' judgment to be in concert with the 'Western Samoan Government and the two opposition parties here. Mr. Muldoon-was speaking after the Western Samoan Prime Minister Va'ai Kolone, had said he wanted the shock council decision to stand. The two men met in the Beehive yesterday and Va’ai Kolone later told journalists he wanted the decision left as it was. ' “We did not believe that any great problems will, in

tact, arise from . it," he said. Changes made to the law should be based on observed fact rather than on "theorised problems,’' he said. New Zealand has put a proposal to Western Sanioa, but neither Va'ai Kolone nor Mr Muldoon would give any detail. Mr Muldoon said he thought it would be generally acceptable in New Zealand. The leaders of the Labour and Social Credit parties could both see merit in it. He said he hoped for a response from Apia to his proposal by the time both major party caucuses met on

August 19 but no deadline had. been set. • ■

Mr Muldoon said if agreement with the Apia administration was not reached, New Zealand would act unilaterally.

He conceded that this would have a long-term effect on relations between New Zealand and Samoa. Agreement with Samoa was “very much, to be desired." There were, he said, very considerable reservations about the Privy Council ruling but, it was the law and every court in the country had to abide by it. In spite of the difference between the two Governments, Mr Muldoon insisted that’ the talks over the last two days had been friendly.

“We have not talked to each other in any other than a very friendly fashion ... no-one has objected to anything,” he said. The Labour Party Leader (Mr Rowling) had no comment on the proposal put to Western Samoa, but Mr Beetham said he favoured it.

He would not say, however, if he and Social Credit’s other Member of Parliament, Mr G. T. Knapp, would support any legislative attempt to change the law.