Rainbow Warrior probe part of wallpaper—P.M.

Press, 3 December 1985, Page 8

Rainbow Warrior probe part of wallpaper—P.M.

By 1

PATRICIA HERBERT

in Wellington

The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, confirmed yesterday that the threatened court of inquiry into the Rainbow Warrior bombing was intended to strengthen New Zealand’s negotiating hand against France. He said the possibility ,of an investigation would be “part of the wallpaper” when compensation negotiations resumed in New York on December 9. He also indicated that the

threat might have persuaded France to return to the table. The Minister of Transport, Mr Prebble, announced last Friday that he had sought legal advice from the Solicitor-General, Mr Paul Neazor, Q.C., on his powers under the Shipping and Seamen Act which provides for inquiries to be set up into marine casualties. He is still awaiting a reply but Mr Lange suggested yesterday that the matter would not be pursued if “sensible progress”

was being made on New Zealand’s damages claim. Mr Lange was informed last Saturday by the French Minister of External Affairs, Mr Dumas, that the talks would be resumed and has since authorised New Zealand officials to restart discussions with their French counterparts. He has emphasised, however, that their brief is to get recompense for the various losses flowing from the sabotage and has reiterated that early deportation of the two convicted prisoners, Alain Mafart and Dominique Prieur, is out of the question. “It would be totally abhorrent to all New Zealanders and to all responsible international opinion for them to get off with token sentences. We will not permit that to happen,” he said;