F.O.L. calls for N.Z. to withdraw from A.N.Z.U.S.

Press, 22 April 1986, Page 6

F.O.L. calls for N.Z. to withdraw from A.N.Z.U.S.

PA Wellington A.N.Z.U.S. is not in New Zealand’s interest and the country should give immediate notice of withdrawal, the Federation of Labour has told the Defence Committee of Inquiry. The F.O.L.’s submission was presented by the president, Mr Jim Knox. Among the disadvantages of A.N.Z.U.S. membership was that it increased New Zealand’s chance of being a target for nuclear weapons, the F.O.L.’s submission said. A.N.Z.U.S. also associ-

ated New Zealand with and lent support to the American nuclear umbrella. It was F.O.L. policy that New Zealand should not be protected by weapons of mass destruction. A.N.Z.U.S. also guaranteed New Zealand nothing because there was no obligation under the treaty other than to consult, said the F.O.L. submission. A.N.Z.U.S. also prevented New Zealand from developing an independent defence policy suited to its own position. New Zealand’s options

in defence policy were restricted by A.N.Z.U.S. involvement, the F.O.L. said. Involvement in the treaty has also meant the New Zealand Armed Forces have been distorted by the need to function as extensions of a larger force.