‘Ostrich’ view of treaty criticised

Press, 31 January 1989, Page 6

‘Ostrich’ view of treaty criticised

NZPA Sydney New Zealand’s growing tendency to turn its back on its defence role in the South Pacific is unrealistic, according to the “Australian” newspaper. “Kiwis should realise that they can no longer play at being ostriches and bury their heads in the sand while hoping the world ignores them,” the paper’s editorial said. New Zealand had already destroyed A.N.Z.U.S. by refusing port visiting rights to United States Navy ships that will neither confirm nor deny that they are nuclear-armed or nuclearpowered. “New Zealand now seems determined to reject any involvement in the Anzac frigate project, which would see New Zealand purchase four Australian-built frigates at a cost of sAustl.l4 billion ($1.62 billion).” For the Prime Minister,

Mr Lange, the rebuff from his consultative committee could not have come at a worse time, the “Australian” said. Next month Mr Lange will host a high-level defence forum with the Australian Defence Minister, Mr Beazley. Further obstacles to Mr Lange will be thrown up by a nationwide campaign against New Zealand involvement in the frigate project, timed to coincide with Mr Beazley’s visit. “The campaign indicates that the chances are diminishing of Mr Lange and his more realistic colleagues being successful in getting New Zealand to pull its weight in defence matters.” If the ostrich-like Left wingers manage to successfully torpedo the frigate project, New Zealand will find itself without any major allies in the South Pacific, the "Australian” said.