N.Z. ‘must try hard’ to be U.S. ally again

Press, 25 July 1989, Page 2

N.Z. ‘must try hard’ to be U.S. ally again

PA Wellington Restoring New Zealand’s status as a reliable and trusted friend and ally of the United States will not be automatic on a National Government coming to power, the Opposition spokesman on defence, Mr Don McKinnon, said yesterday.

A return to full membership in the A.N.Z.U.S. alliance was the most effective first step New Zealand could take towards that objective, Mr McKinnon told the National Party’s Auckland division luncheon club. “In A.N.Z.U.S. we will have a respected place at the table where the crucial decisions on war and peace and disarmament are made and where we can once again articulate the views of many Pacific Island States who always look to New Zealand to carry their concerns into this alliance,” he said. “But the job ahead for a National Government on this issue is not going to be easy. “David Lange and the Labour Party no longer heading the country’s negotiating team will certainly make things easier, but New Zealand is going to have to work hard to earn and win back that respected place in international affairs; a place that has been envied by European countries.” He said New Zealand would need to undergo "some significant attitudinal changes.” “One of the first will be

to listen a little more to those who know something about New Zealand’s defence needs and objectives, have the professional experience and skills gained from years of service dedicated to maintaining the external security and well-being of the country, and work and benefit from peace. “Instead at present we as a country give centre stage to those who, at best, are well-meaning in their objectives to matters of defence or, at worst, are downright dangerous in peddling their isolationist agenda born of ignorance and prejudice,” Mr McKinnon said. The return of the New Zealand forces from Singapore was seen by the Government as a way to take the country down the road to isolationism and non-alignment and as a way of saving more defence dollars.