N.Z. ‘friend, but A.N.Z.U.S. ally no longer’

Press, 18 April 1985, Page 11

N.Z. ‘friend, but A.N.Z.U.S. ally no longer’

NZPA-AAP Sydney New Zealand is no longer a United States military ally under A.N.Z.U.S., not even in name, according to the retiring United States Ambassador to Australia, Mr Robert Nesen. “We have cut them out of some things — we have to militarily. If you do not have a military alliance in a military alliance, you don’t have one,” Mr Nesen said this week after addressing Rotarians in Sydney. Mr Nesen did say that New Zealand, still “a friend” of the United States, would be free to rejoin A.N.Z.U.S. if it again allowed access to ships presumed nuclear-capable. The tripartite A.N.Z.U.S. framework was in abeyance. The resulting bilateral defence arrangement with Australia had contributed to probably even stronger relations. “Our relationship is as close now as it has ever been, maybe closer,” Mr said. “We will prob-

ably be able to have more military manoeuvres and so forth. “In the United States’ view, A.N.Z.U.S. is as basic an element of its policies in the Pacific region as N.A.T.O. is in Europe.” Mr Nesen said there was no question that the United States would fulfil all its obligations under A.N.Z.U.S., including the use of military force were that deemed necessary. The A.N.Z.U.S. relationship was much broader than a treaty alone, being “based on a long history of cooperation and common sacrifice,” he said. Australia and New Zealand were the United States’ allies during the four big conflicts of the century — the two world wars, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. “But A.N.Z.U.S. cannot be sustained merely through remembered victories,” Mr Nesen said. Continuing application from all parties was required. The White House has not yet nominated its new ambassador to Australia)