NO EXPLANATION FOR INACTION

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31004, 9 March 1966, Page 1

NO EXPLANATION FOR INACTION

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 8 Because of the “delicate intricacies” involved over the extension of New Zealand’s fishing limit, he could not explain to the public why the Government took no action against Japanese fishing encroachments, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said tonight.

“It is the hardest thing for me to sit here and take no action—but there would be ven 7 great harm if I explained the Government’s position,” he said.

Mr Holyoake said his policy had always been “tell the people and trust the people” but added that in the present situation and the delicate international situation there were occasions when such a policy could be harmful to the people of New Zealand. He said a Federation of Labour delegation—which met the Prime Minister last night —had been taken into his confidence. He expected prominent fishermen had been informed of the position. The Federation of Labour and the fishing industry have led strong criticism of the

Government over its handling ■ of Japanese fishing encroach-

|ments inside New Zealand's 12-mile fishing limit. The Japanese Government, which does not recognise New Zealand’s domestic fishing limit, has announced it will submit its case to the International Court of Justice.