U.S. cuts logistical support agreement

Press, 3 February 1987, Page 4

U.S. cuts logistical support agreement

By

DAVID CLARKSON

and PA

New Zealand’s defence planners face an extra irritation — and more expense — now that the United States has decided to drop its logistical support arrangement.

The Memorandum of Understanding is the latest casualty of the twoyear row over New Zealand’s anti-nuclear policy and port access for United States warships. The logistics agreement is due to expire on June 21. The American Embassy in Wellington said yesterday it would not be renewed or renegotiated.

The Minister of Defence, Mr O’Flynn, played down the American an-

nouncement, but the decision' presents added difficulties for New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence. In the long term, it may mean more overseas defence purchases are made from Australia and Britain rather than the United States. The Royal New Zealand Air Force relies on American manufacturers for several of its key aircraft. Without the supply arrangement, defence equipment will have to be purchased earlier and stored in New Zealand.

The storage facilities would be a significant expense.

The embassy’s statement says New Zealand would still be offered the customer rights on military sales which were

normally accorded to “friendly, non-allied” nations.

Sources say that will mean defence purchases in the United States will be dearer. The $l4O million avionics refit for the R.N.Z.A.F.’s Skyhawks would have been arranged under the memorandum at a slight discount.

New Zealand may also face a longer wait in the “queue” of purchasers, and added difficulties in getting information about American defence suppliers.

“The United" States regrets having to take this action,” the embassy said. “However, the continuation of the Government of New Zealand’s policy of denying normal access to

United States ships and aircraft left the United States with no acceptable alternative.”

Mr O’Flynn said he had been told of the American decision in a letter from the United States Secretary for Defence, Mr Caspar Weinberger.

He said his first reaction was, "Caspar Weinberger seems to have found our address again after all.” The Government was sorry the United States felt obliged to act in this way but its action would make little practical difference.

"There is no pressure which will force us to accept nuclear weapons in New Zealand,” Mr O’Flynn, said.