Aust, comment on ‘spy’ bases refused

Press, 1 April 1985, Page 4

Aust, comment on ‘spy’ bases refused

NZPA-AAP Canberra Australia’s Defence Minister, Mr Kim Beazley, has again refused to confirm or deny whether United States bases in Australia would be used to spy on allies. Speaking on the Channel Nine Television Network’s “Sunday” programme, and responding to reports that the United States bases were being used to spy on Greece, Mr Beazley said that “no comment”., was not to be taken as a confirmation.

If the Government confirmed or denied suggestions about the American installations it would lead to discussions of the functions of the bases.

Mr Beazley also defended the Government’s decision not to participate in the

United States strategic defence initiative, commonly known as “Star Wars.” He said there was no guarantee that it would stop the arms race. Asked about his coming visit to New Zealand, Mr Beazley said he would have .“bilateral discussions on our defence co-operation in a wide variety of areas.” Those included exercises, equipment exchanges and the like. “What will come out of that will be a clear picture of where we are going on the defence bilateral relationship with New Zealand,” he said.