Tasman defence ties

Press, 19 February 1987, Page 6

Tasman defence ties

NZPA Sydney A defence White Paper prepared by Australia’s Minister of Defence, Mr Kim Beazley, proposes increased military aid for South Pacific nations and greater defence co-opera-tion with New Zealand, according to a report in Sydney yesterday. The “Sydney Morning Herald” says that the White Paper, which could become the Government’s defence, blueprint for the 19905, also places greater emphasis on the alliance with the United States in the context of Australia’s new self-reli-ant defence strategy. The newspaper says the

White Paper gives Australia’s military commitment to the South Pacific equal priority with its commitment to South East Asia in a significant expansion of its defence responsibilities. “This will mean increased - military aid for the South Pacific nations, increased ship visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force PjC surveillance flights and greater emphasis on defence cooperation with New Zealand in establishing Australia’s prime strategic interest in the area.” Defence Ministry sources in Canberra con-

- firmed that the paper pn> posed Increased .involvement in the South Facial and New Zealand. Mr- Beazley welcomed last week New Zealand? decision to award a IM million Steyr rifle contract to Australia, sayimi it would “significantly enhance our ability to cooperate effectively.” - i Mr Beazley is also trying to persuade New Zealand to join Australia’s patrol frigate project, so that both countries’ navies are modernised with the same vessels. One of the requirements of the frigate design is a 6000 nautical mile range for operational use.