A.N.Z.U.S. no reason for election—P.M.

Press, 3 December 1985, Page 8

A.N.Z.U.S. no reason for election—P.M.

PA Wellington A decision by the United States Government to withdraw from the A.N.Z.U.S. alliance would not be a catalyst for a snap election in New Zealand, said the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, yesterday. The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Palmer, will go to

Australia today to brief Australian Government officials on New Zealand’s anti-nuclear legislation which will be introduced in Parliament later this month.

The American Embassy and British High Commission in Wellington will be provided draft copies of the legislation later this week.

Asked whether the A.N.Z.U.S. issue was one over which he would consider calling a snap election Mr Lange replied “No”. “Why would this Labour Government want to go to the country and have a General Election now?” Mr Lange said.

He said he could not credibly say to the Gover-nor-General that his Government was under threat when it held an 18 per cent * lead in opinion polls. “What sort of a mug do you think I’d be to walk up to Government House and say I’m thinking of throwing in the towel,” he said.