Group to study defence options

Press, 20 December 1985, Page 9

Group to study defence options

PA Wellington Mere effective and less expensive defence options are available to New Zealand without needing to rely on military Powers, according to a new organisation. A spokesman for Just Defence, Mr Geoff Gregory, said the group believed neither pacifism nor alliance to a nuclear weapon Power were appropriate, but that sensible alternatives were possible. The organisation would research defence options and promote a new direction for defence planning, he said. Just Defence directed specifically at the Government’s defence review, is a coalition of individuals with a knowledge of or interest

in defence matters. Mr Gregory, the editor of "Science Review,” said the S’s patrons included a r Secretary of Defence, Sir Jack Hunn, a former Ombudsman, Sir Guy Powles, and the vicepresident of the Federation of Labour, Mrs Sonja Davies. He said key elements in any future defence policy had to be the removal of risks of nuclear conflict from the South Pacific; ensuring New Zealand never again was involved in wars that had nothing to do with its interests; and building strong, co-operative links with South Pacific neighbours to encourage political —• and economic independence in the region.