N.Z. assurance on defence to Islands

Press, 10 August 1985, Page 8

N.Z. assurance on defence to Islands

NZPA staff correspondent Suva The A.N.Z.U.S. row had not compromised the security of South Pacific Island nations, said the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, in Tonga yesterday. Neither would New Zealand “inflict” its views on regional defence on those States, he said at a press conference in Nukualofa. Mr Lange pointed to the Guam Doctrine where the United States had said it was the responsibility of every country to see to security within its region. The Government was spending more on defence and ensuring that New Zealand was “relating better” to Pacific Island countries

over defence. “We have exercised with the forces of smaller Island countries,” he said. “We have expanded our defence relations with Australia considerably in conventional defensive terms.” There had been a lot of criticism of the banning of nuclear warships, but that was to be expected, Mr Lange said. Later, at a feast given by the King of Tonga, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, Mr Lange said that New Zealand wanted to remain free of the disruptive influence of “not so friendly foreign Powers.” "The logical consequence of that view is a long-term commitment on our part to this region and a

conscious decision to concentrate our resources and efforts here.” Regional economic cooperation helped to ensure that the region remained stable, Mr Lange said. But as strategic, attention, not all of it friendly, focused more and more on South Pacific countries “so the need for us to come closer together to safeguard ourselves will grow.” New Zealand had had to think harder and more objectively than it had for a long time about defence questions, he said. “The sixth Orion aircraft which we have purchased in the last few months will enhance our maritime surveillance capacity and enable us to help our neighbours to patrol foreign fish-

ing activity more effectively.” Mr Lange said he also hoped that a joint exercise could soon be held with the Tongan defence force. “Training opportunities for Pacific Island States will be stepped up and we will look at ways of increasing our existing military assistance programmes with countries like Tonga.” That would be done at a pace and in the manner which suited those countries’ requirements. New Zealand’s difference with the United States over the banning of nuclear warship visits was undeniable, he said. But both countries, “that difference notwithstanding,” remained committed to keeping the South Pacific free of unwelcome outside interference.