Japanese solution to N-row ruled out

Press, 1 February 1986, Page 16

Japanese solution to N-row ruled out

PA Wellington The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, has ruled out a Japanese-style solution to New Zealand’s problem with port visits by United States warships. Mr Lange was asked had been asked to comment on statements made last Friday by a United States Congressman, Mr Stephen Solarz. At a press conference at the United States Embassy, Mr Solarz made repeated references to the Japanese situation as a possible means of resolving the United States-New Zealand ship visit problem. Japan’s anti-nuclear constitution has three nonnuclear principles — not to possess, produce or introduce nuclear weapons into Japan. Mr Lange said he was surprised when Mr Solarz rehearsed a Japanese

solution. He said he specifically rejected a Japanese-style solution in the two-hour meeting with Mr Solarz in his office last Thursday. “I had specifically rejected it... 1 dismissed it completely. We are not into that solution,” Mr Lange said. In spite of the Japanese constitution there had been disclosures that United States ships visiting Japanese ports during the last 14 years have been nuclear armed.

Mr Lange said it was good that Mr Solarz came to New Zealand. “I think that he was positive,” Mr Lange said. “I was pleased that he was here because he was a Democrat... who was au fait with the Republican Administration’s position,” Mr Lange said.

“While he did not en-

gage in some sort of partisan denunciation of the Administration’s policy he was nonetheless able to be receptive to the idea that this is a matter which could be examined rather than dismissed inflexibly.” Mr Lange was asked to comment on Mr Solarz’ observation that the New Zealand Government’s anti-nuclear legislation could contribute towards a solution of the ship visit row.

“The legislation you see does provide for a degree of order. A degree of assurance,” he said. “It sets the line of political accountability... and in my view makes it possible for an administration in New Zealand to allow a visit which is consistent with our policy and to be able to defend it coherently and cogently,” Mr Lange said.