U.S. suggests N.Z. halts N-ban moves

Press, 3 August 1985, Page 9

U.S. suggests N.Z. halts N-ban moves

NZPA Washington United States Secretary of Defence, Mr Caspar Weinberger, has suggested that “the New Zealand people” might halt Government moves to legislate a ban on visits by nuclearcapable warships. His comment came in an interview with the American news agency, Associated Press. The reporter, Norman Black, said Mr Weinberger did not contradict reports that the Administration might scuttle the A.N.Z.U.S. Alliance if such legislation is introduced. Mr Weinberger quickly added, however, Black said, that he hoped the dispute would not go that far. “The New Zealand people haven’t changed any,” Mr Weinberger said. “We still

have a great affection and friendship for the New Zealand people as well as for the Australian people.” “New Zealand is in a very strategic and important position. “The importance of having New Zealand as a friend and as an ally and as a military ally is still very strong, and I am sure that that will be recognised by the New Zealand people.” A break in military ties, if it occurred, would not mean “we would break all (diplomatic) relationships or anything of that kind,” said Mr Weinberger. But he described the port policy as short-sighted and unrealistic and made it clear the United States could not honour security obligations to New Zealand without its reversal.