'Disclose all expulsion facts’

Press, 7 May 1987, Page 47

'Disclose all expulsion facts’

The Christchurch-based Plains Club has called on the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, to make a full disclosure of the facts surrounding the expulsion of the Russian diplomat, Mr Sergei Budnik, from New Zealand. “Mr Budnik’s expulsion

raises more questions than it answers. The proSoviet stance taken by this Government on issues ranging from foreign policy to education has not gone unnoticed by New Zealand citizens,” said a club spokesman, Mr Terry O’Cain.

“The expulsion must be a source of embarrassment for a Labour Government in an election year. But Mr Lange’s token gesture of patriotism is not enough.” The Government should answer questions on the identity of other diplo-

mats suspected of illegal activities in New Zealand and which “Soviet-front group” was in contact with Mr Budnik. “It is well known that Soviet embassies are major avenues for subversion throughout the

world,” Mr O’Cain said. “Mr Lange’s so-called defence policy has made New Zealand extremely vulnerable to enemies. If the Prime Minister is to restore the confidence of the Country, a full disclosure of the facts is required,” he said.