Coastguard navy ‘hollow defence’

Press, 5 December 1988, Page 8

Coastguard navy ‘hollow defence’

By

, political reporter

BRENDON BURNS,

A Government paper on the Anzac ship project released last evening rejects calls for New Zealand to have a coastguard-type navy.

The paper, issued on the eve of a four-day visit by Australia’s Minister of Defence, Mr Beazley, said coastguard vessels would make New Zealand’s commitment to Australasian defence looks distinctly hollow. It said New Zealand commentators were reluctant to look beyond immediate defence needs in considering whether the Anzac ship project was appropriate. It would provide four Australian-built light frigates for New Zealand.

Some commentators, including peace activists, have called for less sophisticated vessels such as corvettes, arguing they are more suitable for resource protection and disaster relief work. They could possibly be built in New Zealand.

But the Government’s position paper, issued by the Minister of Defence, Mr Tizard, said a longerterm view needed to be taken.

It was not easy to foresee circumstances in which New Zealand could come under direct attack; for resource protection or policing roles a single gun

was adequate armament. But the paper argued that the Anzac ship’s more sophisticated weaponry and equipment was valuable insurance.

It warned of the steady development of combat ships, submarines and aircraft by “regional powers” — taken to include the Soviet Union and China. “There is no evidence that any of these developments are directed at Australia or New Zealand. They will nevertheless be a significant factor in regional security towards the turn of the century.” The broader view of potential developments was central to the decision not to limit the navy to a coastguard role, said the paper.

Adopting a coastguardtype navy would make it difficult to meet New Zealand’s defence commitments.

Dependence on Australia or some other country for naval resources might be required.

“In those circumstances New Zealand’s commitment to a combined Australasian defence effort would look distinctly hol-

low,” said the paper. It was clear as an island nation that New Zealand needed a navy. The 15-page paper concluded by saying that New Zealand’s future naval needs was an important issue.

Large sums of money were at stake. The public’s view would be an important factor as the Government assessed its options in the coming months.

A final decision on New Zealand involvement in

the Anzac ship project is required by Australia in the middle of next year. However, an indication of commitment is expected in February, a month after tenders to build the vessels close.

The information paper was said by Mr Tizard to have been prepared in response to public request for information and to outline the reasons for the Government’s approach to the Anzac ship project. Its release was timed before tonight’s arrival in Wellington by Mr Beazley.

He will hold talks with the Government this week, including two meetings with the Prime Minister, Mr Lange. Mr Beazley will also discuss the project with the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, and his deputy, Mr McKinnon. Mr McKinnon last week affirmed the National Party supported buying frigates from Australia if the price was acceptable. A speech to journalists is planned by Mr Beazley tomorrow evening and he will meet industry and union representatives in Auckland on Thursday before flying home.