U.S. defence suspension an 'option’

Press, 17 January 1986, Page 4

U.S. defence suspension an 'option’

PA Wellington The United States could announce a suspension of its defence obligations to New Zealand if the Government’s anti-nuclear legislation were passed, said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr McLay, yesterday. However, the A.N.Z.U.S. ■alliance would continue as far as Australia was concerned, he said. Mr McLay, his deputy, Mr Jim Bolger, and the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Warren Cooper, yesterday met the United States Congressman, Mr Stephen Solarz, for an hour to discuss the A.N.Z.U.S. issue.

Mr Solarz, chairman of the East Asian sub-commit-tee of the Congress Foreign Affairs Committee, earlier met the Prime Minister, Mr Lange. Mr McLay said after the talks that it was clear there were probably three options available to the United States Government if the anti-nuclear legislation were passed in its present form. It could terminate the alliance or continue the present situation where the alliance had been described as “inoperative” and there was limited Intelligence sharing and no defence exercises. Another option was for the United States to give notice that although the alliance would continue it would suspend its obliga-

tions as far as New Zealand was concerned.

It appeared that most people in the United States Administration and Con-, gress were directing their thinking towards that option, Mr McLay said. “If for whatever reason the United States decides itdoesn’t regard itself obliged, to defend New Zealand anymore and publicly says so.’ to New Zealand and to the rest of the world, there is little we can do about it,” he said. Mr Solarz was greeted by cries of “Go home Yank,”“Get off our backs,” and “Hypocrite” from a group of 19 anti-nuclear demonstrators at Parliament. Afterwards Mr Lange, described the meeting with Mr Solarz on the ship visitissue as pleasant, productive and warm. “It was one of the best meetings that I have nad in that office,” Mr Lange said. He said Mr Solarz was aware of the commitment of New Zealand to not embarking on some antiAmerican crusade. Mr Lange said Mr Solarz also understood the strength of New Zealand’s human rights conviction. “We’ll both go away and think,” he said. Wellington peace groups say a planned visit by Mr Solarz to the Heylen Research Centre could be an attempt to influence pub-, lie opinion