Plea for South Pacific

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 2

Plea for South Pacific

NZPA Los Angeles The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Cooper, has urged Americans to "reach out and embrace" the island nations of the South Pacific.

Any neglect "may lead to the possibility, of political opportunists, dissatisfied with the developed countries’ endeavours, seeking stronger links with the Soviets." he told the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, on Saturday.

“Bilateral aid that could at some future time be available from the expansionist Soviet Union may be an attractive alternative to South Pacific island politicians seeking materialistic solutions,” he said.

Mr Cooper, who was on his way home from addressing the United Nations in New

York, said the Pacific Island countries saw the United States spending vast sums on aid and wondered “why not us."

"There is no begging bond thrust in your direction." he said, "but if charity does begin at home it should also extend to near neighbours." These countries were sympathetic to Western interests and ideals. Mr Cooper said, but they wondered about American attitudes, and the refusal by the Reagan Administration to sign the Law of the Sea contention "has caused the Polynesian and Micronesian people to ponder why pressure from multinationals interested in mining the seabed is so successful."

Recognition by distant

water-fishing nations such as the United States of their rights to exploit their own 200-mile economic zones was essential to establishment of good will he said. “It is not easy to convince Islanders that the presence of nuclear-power vessels with or without nuclear weapons .in their waters or ports are essential to the region's security," Mr Cooper said. “However, if they know .who their friends are and

recognise the acts of a friend, our joint task in A.N.Z.U.S. will be made so, much easier." Mr Cooper also canvassed the concept of a Pacific trading bloc ;similar to the European Economic Community and said that eventu-

ally a loose grouping might be worth while. Benefits of a Pacific economic community were not apparent. Mr Cooper said, and any moves by Pacific leaders for such a community would need to be “thoroughly and painstakingly thought through." "Eventually, however, a loose grouping of Pacific interests capable of mutual advancement through enthusiasm and vitality may be worth while. Certainly for Californians reaching out to the west, your involvement .. must be contemplated. The prospect is worth thinking through and may contain considerable attraction when considering the economic, political, and stragetic importance of the vast Pacific.”