American newspaper’s plug for A.N.Z.U.S.

Press, 16 July 1983, Page 16

American newspaper’s plug for A.N.Z.U.S.

From JOHN HUTCHISON, in San Francisco

Americans ought to pay more attention to the A.N.Z.U.S. relationship, a major western newspaper, has told its readers. The “San Francisco Chronicle,” the largest newspaper in Northern California, devoted its leader space recently to an examination of the A.N.Z.U.S. linkage, remarking that, while the United States gives magnified importance to its ties with Western Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, “we pay little enough heed” to the A.N.Z.U.S. pact. “We believe it should receive more American attention, particularly from those of us who live along this coast.”

The editorial, was prompted by recent assurances from Australia’s new Prime Minister, Mr Bob Hawke, that his country is fully committed to the treaty.

“The telescope ...' must be forced to swing west and southwest more often,” said the newspaper. “If Europe was a major contributor, and it certainly was, to California’s past, then Asia and Australasia are going to have an increasingly important part to play in California’s future.”

The writer expressed regret that President Reagan has not included Canberra and Wellington on his itinerary for next November, when

he will visit Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. Australia and New Zealand should be of particular interest, the editorial said.

“One does not downgrade the importance of American relationships with Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, or, indeed, the special relationship with the Philippines,” the editorial said. “But Australia and New 'Zealand have unusual status; Those nations were, of course, British colonies, just as this nation and Canada were. Language, traditions, law, majority religions, as well as large populations of continental European background combine to form a special bond.”