N.Z. ATTITUDE TO SOUTH AFRICA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 21

N.Z. ATTITUDE TO SOUTH AFRICA

(Aeio Zealand Pre,, Association)

WELLINGTON. April 27. The poution New Zealand would take consequent upon South Africa's decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth was outlined this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake). “After May 31. 1961, South Africa will, in general, cease for the purposes of New Zealand legislation to be regarded as a member of the

Commonwealth,” said Mr Holyoake. “In particular, after that date. British preferential tariff treatment will cease to apply, and the trade relations between the two countries will be governed by their mutual association in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Under the provisions of the agreement. concluded between New Zealand and South Africa at the GATT, meeting at Geneva in 1947. undertakings regarding tariff rates were given in relation to certain commodities on both sides, and these contractual undertakings will continue. “There will be a complete revision of tariffs this year so we can consider it with any

country, including Sou'h Africa,” he said, when asked whether the Government

would consider the position of South African goods which, after South Africa'* leaving rhe Commonwealth on May 31. would be placed on th* moet-favoured-natloa tariff applicable to all members of GATT. ’This is an act of South Africa herself, and a consequence ot her going out of the Commonwealth," he said. “All other goods of South African origin ariU be placed on the most-favoured-nation tariff, which is applicable to all member* of GAT.T. and is not related to the Commonwealth association. However. goods shipped from South Africa before June 1 will be subject to the tariff rates at present in force, irrespective of their date of arrival in New Zeaand," Mr Holyoake said. Mr Holyoake said that It was not proposed to make any immediate change in th* nationality legislation at present obtaining in New Zealand.

“The technical nature of this legislation is such that it is preferable not to make any change in it, for the Bffl* being, until it I* further studied, and until more >s known of th* action which other Commonwealth governments may contemplate in thi* field." said Mr Holyoake.