Defence review directives conflict

Press, 14 December 1985, Page 8

Defence review directives conflict

PA Auckland Armed Forces officers have been given apparently conflicting directives by the Prime Minister and the Chief of Defence Staff as to whether they may speak about defence policies. When Mr Lange announced a four-person panel to review defence policies the Prime Minister said serving military officers would be free to make submissions directly, whether privately or publicly. However, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal Ewan Jamieson, has issued an instruction that they shall not. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said yesterday that the instruction from the Chief of Staff was in line with one from the Minister of Defence, Mr O’Flynn, Mr O’Flynn’s instruction had preceded’ Mr Lange’s announcement.

, “There is obviously some confusion,” said the spokesman.' “It is a little bit vague whether the Prime Minister intended that officers’ submissions should be to or through the Chief of Staff. “We are still trying to resolve whether there will be a further directive from the Air Vice Marshal. Until then, it applies.” Mr Lange would not comment yesterday other than to say the issue had been settled.

The review panel due to receive submissions until about mid-February, is expected to start hearings in March.