Major-General surprised by invitation

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 4

Major-General surprised by invitation

By

MARTIN FREETH

Major-General Brian Poananga, one of the former defence chiefs who condemned the Goverment’s anti-nuclear weapons policy, was a little surprised to be asked to join the defence review panel. The public statement of 17 retired military men in October prompted a remark by the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, about “geriatric generals.” “The Prime Minister can obviously take a rather wider view of these matters, and he no doubt felt it would be useful to have someone like me there, geriatric general or not/’ General Poananga commented from his home near Taupo last evening. He said that the work of the panel should “canvass all options” for defence policy, including the nuclear

issues and involvement in A.N.Z.U.S. However, General Poananga did not want to comment further until he had more detail on the panel’s brief. In naming the panel members, Mr Lange referred to General Poananga’s involvement in the October statement but said it was important “to ensure that this point of view is represented and that the committee can tap his considerable first-hand military experience.” He did know Mr Corner, and said, “We will have no difficulties in understanding each other.”

General Poananga was the defence chief from 1978 to 1981, and earlier served as a diplomat. He was New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea from 1974 to 1976. Earlier report, page 2