Sir Joh reacts to cancellation

Press, 7 February 1985, Page 12

Sir Joh reacts to cancellation

NZPA-AAP Rockhampton

The cancellation of the A.N.Z.U.S. naval exercise had put Australia’s defence at risk, the Queensland Premier, Sir Joh BjelkePetersen, has said in Rockhampton.

Sir Joh told a news conference after a state Cabinet meeting that the United States’ rejection of New Zealand’s anti-nuclear terms had put Australia’s defence forces in a critical position. “This is one of the most serious things that has happened to this nation and New Zealand as a result of Labour Party policies,” Sir Joh said. Sir Joh said New Zealand was saying to the United States, “You can defend us but don’t bring your ships in. And to think we have

reached this stage because of Labour Party policies here and largely in New Zealand,” he said. Sir Joh said that he hoped there would be further consideration about the cancelled sea trials. ' “We have nothing with which to defend ourselves at large, nothing like the protection the United States can offer. “The Communists in the Labour movement have forced the United States to do this,” he said. “They will make it very hard for the Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, to play the role he wants to play. “Yet our defence is at risk.

“Young fellows like you ought to be shaking in your shoes. It is your future as much as anyone else’s,” Sir Joh told journalists.