Careful watch for next U.S. Ambassador to N.Z.

Press, 10 August 1985, Page 9

Careful watch for next U.S. Ambassador to N.Z.

NZPA Washington Pacific leaders will be watching carefully to see who replaces the United States Ambassador to New Zealand, Mr Monroe Browne. The “Washington Pacific Report” newsletter says Mr Browne is expected to leave soon, and that the choice of his replacement will indicate whether Washington’s line toward New Zealand is softening or hardening. “In the past, the job in this sleepy little corner of

the world often has been used as a patronage reward,” the newsletter said. “In the drastically altered circumstances of bilateral relations between the two countries, the appointment could signal a definite message from the Reagan Administration. “Whether it be a political or career appointee is less important than the person’s background and experience in the sensitive issues facing the region.

“One way to signal a hard line would’ be for Washington to delay naming a replacement until well after Mr Browne’s departure, leaving the embassy in the hands of a charge d’affaires. “Although somewhat different than bringing an ambassador home for extended ‘consultation,’ such a move would send an unmistakeable message of Washington’s serious unhappiness over the Lange Government’s policies,” the newsletter said.