‘N.Z. May Have To Be Part Of U.S.’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30975, 3 February 1966, Page 14

‘N.Z. May Have To Be Part Of U.S.’

(New Zealand Frees Association)

WELLINGTON, February 2.

New Zealand might have no choice but to become part of the United States and within the next two decades. This was forecast in an interview in Wellington tonight by the Federal leader of the Australian Labour Party, Mr A. A. Calwell.

He said New Zealand forced to abandon independence by economic and defence pressures—could ultimately form two new American states.

“There is a growing realisation that New Zealand cannot stand alone forever—and I am of the opinion that it can’t stand alone much longer than the next two decades,” Mr Caldwell said. Australia could hold out for a longer period but it, too, would eventually have to take steps to secure its future. “It will be said that I am indulging in fantasies, but I am talking about a matter of survival. Can New Zealand survive in its present circumstances. I am sure a change must come.

“Personally, I would much prefer to see New Zealand in a political union with Australia as soon as possible, but I don’t think this will happen.

“A year ago in Auckland, I suggested that New Zealand and Australia —as two isolated outposts of European civilisation in the Pacific—should establish a greater political and economic unity. “I propounded the idea that New Zealand should enter the Australian federation as two States —the North and South Islands, each returning 10 senators and 20 representatives to the Australian Parliament in Canberra. “This idea was received in New Zealand with com-

plete frigidity—because New Zealanders, naturally think they are doing very well as they are. “But the unwinnable war in Vietnam —which may last years and is likely to escalate and the flexing of China’s muscles shows the direction from which trouble will ultimately come to the Pacific nations.

“And this prospect should spur the United States, Canada. Australia, and New Zealand to move towards closer relationships,” he said. “There is also the likelihood that Britain will enter the European Common •Market and, in spite of what might be said in official communiques, Whitehall does want Australia and New Zealand to assume additional burdens for the defence of Malaysia and Singapore. “For all these reasons—military and economic—Australia and New Zealand will have to pursue some course for survival,” said Mr Calwell.

“Geographic situation should be no difficulty. New Zea-

land is nearer to Hawaii—the 50th State —than Hawaii is to mainland America. “I am aware that it took many years for America to get around to admitting Hawaii and Alaska to the union, but America’s period of isolationism is now over. KEEN TO HAVE N.Z.

“And there are many reasons why America would be keen to have New Zealand—its political stability, for one, its agricultural resources for another, and its prime location as a defence base.” he said. “Australia can stand alone for some decades but even there the process of growing attachment to the United States will persist. “If Australia had a population of 150 million, it could conceivably retain its independence and if New Zealand had 13 or 14 million people its defence problems would not be so great, grave, and challenging. “But neither of us have got these numbers and so we must look around to see how we can best protect the generations to follow,” he said.