Cheaper arms deal possible

Press, 26 July 1983, Page 1

Cheaper arms deal possible

PA Wellington The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Cooper, is optimistic that New Zealand may be able to secure a special price on some military equipment bought from the United States.

Mr Cooper, who returned yesterday from defence talks in Washington, said that although New Zealand had often been turned down when seeking special deals, the situation could change. “We had a couple of breakthroughs while we were there,” he said. “I’m optimistic that there is a clear understanding by the Americans of the situation; a small country, with small resources ... and recognising we do not have any military industrial developments.”

Mr Cooper said the Americans had given him

the sympathetic response that he expected as an A.N.Z.U.S. ally. “The difficulty the Americans have is that Congress has told the United States Administration that there should be no sales unless they are made on a commercial basis.”

Mr Cooper said it was impossible to discuss details of his talks with the Americans, but when asked if he had emerged from the talks with a relatively good deal on a couple of items, he said: “On small items, but I think that signifies a capacity in the United States Administration to be quite helpful” Asked if New Zealand could expect “cut-price” military equipment in future, Mr Cooper said he would “not put that context on the matter.”