Democrat Party supports Mr Lange’s complaints

Press, 7 May 1987, Page 6

Democrat Party supports Mr Lange’s complaints

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington The Democratic Party has supported the Government in its complaints about actions of the United Kingdom High Commissioner to. New Zealand, Mr Terrence O’Leary. Mr O’Leary last week attacked the Prime Minis-ter,,-.Mr Lange, for his address in Dunedin when he had said the remarks of the British Foreign Minister, Sir Geoffrey Howe, constituted an intervention in New Zealand’s affairs. Mr Garry Knapp (Dem., East Coast Bays) accused Mr O’Leary of acting in-

jured while claiming Sir Geoffrey’s comments did not constitute intervention in New Zealand’s affairs. Such a response from Mr O’Leary begged the question — what did Sir Geoffrey Howe come to New Zealand for in the first place? ; . .Mr Knapp said the lasting impression of Sir Geoffrey’s visit was that Mrs Thatcher’s Government was concerned and disturbed by New Zealand’s present foreign policy. That was the highlight of Sir Geoffrey’s comments and it clearly constituted interference in New Zealand’s domestic affairs, coming as it did

so publicly and so close to a General Election. ' Sir Geoffrey was either speaking plainly if unwisely about his Government’s opposition and concern about New Zealand foreign policy, or his advice and diplomacy were very poor. “Mr O’Leary cannot have it both ways, so which is it?” said Mr Knapp. ; Mr Lange had correctly identified it as simple and deliberate interference. He (Mr Knapp) concurred with that conclusion and supported the Prime Minister in his public reactions.