N.Z. Asked To Join Defence Force

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30975, 3 February 1966, Page 1

N.Z. Asked To Join Defence Force

I From DAVID BARBER, N Z.PA.-Special Correspondent]

CANBERRA, February 2.

New Zealand and Australia were asked to join Britain in a collective force for peace-keeping operations in the South-east Asian and Pacific regions during the crucial defence talks which ended in Canberra today.

But both New Zealand and Australia were warned that they must pay their fair share of the cost. The New Zealand Minister of Defence (Mr Eyre) tonight said the British proposals considered at the talks, may prove to be “of profound historical significance.”

The two-day talks at which Mr Eyre led a four-man New Zealand delegation, ended today.

A formal joint statement noting that the talks had taken place was the only communique issued. Mr Eyre said tonight that the talks were never intended, and, in fact, did not result in any decisions.

He said MY Healey was left in no doubt as to New Zealand’s and Australia’s views. Mr Eyre said: “It was made clear to us that in discussing the possible shape of things to come in the defence field Mr Healey was putting before us various alternative proposals which the British Cabinet might or might not adopt as part of their defence review.

s “We were particularly r gratified to receive the weli come assurance that Britain’s presence and commitments

in South-east Asia are not likely to be diminished and that Australia and New Zealand can expect to continue to have British support in their policy of forward defence in the area and in their assistance to the countries of South-east Asia in defending themselves against Communist China.”