N.Z. like cross-eyed javelin thrower—claim

Press, 24 February 1986, Page 5

N.Z. like cross-eyed javelin thrower—claim

NZPA-AAP Brisbane

The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Hayden, yesterday compared New Zealand’s policy on nuclear ships and its effects on the ANZUS Treaty with a cross-eyed javelin thrower. His sharp crack came during an address to Brisbane mid-city Rotary Club.

However, he said Australia would continue to do what it could to encourage the other two treaty partners — the United States and New Zealand — to sort out their problems over New Zealand’s banning of nuclear ships from its ports. “Let me make it clear:

the Government disagrees with New Zealand’s policy,” Mr Hayden said. “We understand the confusion it can cause. At times New Zealand is like the cross-eyed javelin thrower who doesn’t win any medals but keeps the crowd on its toes.”

Mr Hayden described the problems between New Zealand and the United States as serious. While Australia did not agree with the New Zealand policy, the reaction to this in some circles in Australia had been hysterical and in his view opportunistic. One complaint had been that Australia’s number one security arrangement had unravelled. “This is still being said

even though the Americans have joined us, in denying it,” he said. “It’s as silly as claiming that NATO collapsed when France decided to leave its military structure.

“Another reason is to criticise the Government for not forcing New Zealand to drop its nuclear ships policy, presumably by sending the S.A.S. over to Wellington. “In my 25 years in national political life, I’ve never found that criticism has ever been inhibited by ignorance.” In any case, New Zealanders had shown, fighting alongside Australians in four main wars over the last 60 years, that they weren’t bullied easily.