THE PRESS TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1989. Better relations with France

Press, 22 August 1989, Page 20

THE PRESS TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1989. Better relations with France

The hope of a better relationship developing between France and New Zealand, held out by the French Prime Minister, Mr Rocard, during his visit to Australia, is sensible and welcome. It was accompanied by another apology for the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior. The Prime Minister, Mr Palmer, has responded warmly to the French overture and it may be expected that French-New Zealand relations will improve. This need not wait for the outcome of arbitration associated with the premature return of Alain Marfart and Dominique Prieur, the Rainbow Warrior secret agents, to France. Since New Zealand and France have both agreed to accept the result of arbitration, it would seem unnecessary to hold off initial steps until the ruling is given.

Better relations between France and New Zealand should bring regional and international advantages. The key to peaceful development in New Zealand’s nearest neighbour, New Caledonia, lies in the hands of France. The Government of Mr Rocard is now handling affairs in New Caledonia in a manner that New Zealand has long argued for. France is the only big Power with any territories in the South Pacific region and it is the only big Power with any significant military forces in the South Pacific. All of these factors make it imperative for New Zealand to be aware of the politics of France and of France’s intentions in the region.

Apart from regional concerns, New Zealand will have to deal with France continuously because of France’s key role within the European Economic Community. France is a major dairy producer and it has often opposed the access that New Zealand has had to sell its butter and sheepmeat in Europe. New Zealand has every intention of retaining its access to the European market and needs to deal with every Government which has an influence on the continuation of that access.

New Zealand also needs to take account of France’s prominent place in world affairs. France has 55 million people. It is the world’s fourth largest exporter and has the world’s fourth largest capitalist economy. It has 7 per cent of the total gross domestic product of the rich Western countries and Japan. It is a major arms supplier, ranking third in last

year’s sales. France is the world’s second largest producer of nuclear energy. Besides this impressive place in world affairs, France has other ambitions. It has sought a prominent role on the world stage. It recently held a conference to try to resolve problems in Cambodia and another to oppose chemical warfare. Other conferences it has recently organised have included one on the environment and another on the crisis in Lebanon. France has long sought an important place in world affairs but this latest thrust has coincided with the bicentennial year of the French Revolution. Because France seeks such a role, New Zealand does not have to see France through France’s eyes. Nevertheless, it is as well to be aware of how a country sees itself and to ponder what steps it might take to further those ambitions.

France will undoubtedly see advantages in improving relations with New Zealand as well. New Zealand is an important country in the South Pacific and its co-operation would be helpful in bringing about peaceful developments in New Caledonia. As a democratic country far from Europe, New Zealand represents, in France’s eyes, an extension of Europe’s values.

The timing of an improvement in relations between France and New Zealand is all the better because of Mr Rocard himself. Unlike so many French politicians of the past, Mr Rocard has a reputation in some quarters of being able to relate very well to people of Anglo-Saxon background. He seems to be without some of the suspicion shown by other French politicians. Certainly he is much easier for New Zealand and Australia to get on with than was his predecessor, Mr Chirac.

It was an amiable gesture on Mr Palmer’s part to replace the jersey that Mr Lange had given Mr Rocard. There cannot be too much wrong with the relationship between the two countries if the French Prime Minister wears a jersey given to him by the New Zealand Prime Minister. For those who fear that close relations with France will disadvantage New Zealand, it should be worth reflecting on the fact that when Mr Rocard puts his jersey on, it is New Zealand wool being pulled over French eyes.