P.M. ‘broke protocol’

Press, 1 July 1986, Page 4

P.M. ‘broke protocol’

PA Wellington The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, had breached a confidence after meeting the United States Secretary of State, Mr George Shultz, said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, yesterday. Responding to a question, Mr Bolger referred specifically to Mr Lange’s attribution of a statement to Mr Shultz that the American system “leaked like a sieve.” Mr Lange had told New Zealand reporters travelling with him on his visit to Manila and Thailand that New Zealand had offered to keep secret the refusal of any future United States warship visit. Mr Shultz had rejected the offer and justified rejection in part by saying the American system

“leaked like a sieve,” Mr Lange said.

, Mr Bolger described Mr Lange’s comment as a breach of confidence.

“The incredible decision to report the comments of Mr Shultz to justify the Labour Govern-

ment’s position can only further damage the relationship between New Zealand and the United States,” Mr Bolger said. Mr Bolger said Mr Lange had broken the accepted norms of public

protocol involving a meeting between leaders. His comments would not assist New Zealand in its troubled relationship with the United States. “They will suggest to the United States and to Mr Schultz in particular, that

it is impossible to have a private discussion with the Prime Minister,” he said.