Lange appears unnerved by Hawke comment

Press, 11 July 1989, Page 9

Lange appears unnerved by Hawke comment

By BRENDON BURNS The Australian leader, Mr Bob Hawke, appeared to unnerve the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, yesterday with his suggestion. New Zealand was firming towards buying Anzac frigates.

Mr Hawke made his comment yesterday after a breakfast meeting with Mr Lange. Mr Lange had earlier deflected questions about whether Mr Hawke had welcomed a claim last week by the Minister of Defence, Mr Tizard, that a substantial majority of the Cabinet backed the frigate deal. “We didn’t discuss it in that detail at all,” Mr Lange said in a lunchtime press conference. “If we had, Mr Hawke would have endorsed what Bob (Tizard) said.” In a mid-afternoon press conference, Mr

Hawke appeared pleased with his talks with Mr Lange. “I have the impression that a positive view of New Zealand participation is firming.”

These comments were referred to Mr Lange last evening. He replied that he and Mr Hawke had discussed Mr Tizard’s assessment. “We just talked about the statement that Bob (Tizard) made and I said that Bob has made his numbers. Obviously he’s been doing the tracks and he made a statement that Bob Hawke has noticed.” He attempted to call an end to the press conference, saying it was turning into an echo chamber. The issue of whether there is majority Cabinet support for buying the frigates is sensitive while New Zealand attempts to get the best possible price from Australia. This process will not be concluded until next month.

Mr Lange has said if Cabinet is in favour of the deal, he expects Ministers

outside the Cabinet, Under-Secretaries and Whips to support the decision. This would give a majority in the Government caucus. But the Under-Secre-tary for Agriculture, Mr Ralph Maxwell, said that as of last month no case for frigates had yet convinced him to support the deal. There is staunch Labour Party opposition to buying or leasing four or even two frigates. Mr Hawke grinned yesterday when asked if he had put any pressure on Mr Lange to confirm New Zealand participation. “Look, I’m a reasonable, easy-going sort of bloke. I’ve never been known to put pressure on anyone in my life.” Pausing briefly and looking heavenwards, Mr Hawke added, “Were my lips moving then?”