Concern in U.K. over A.N.Z.U.S., says diplomat

Press, 8 February 1986, Page 16

Concern in U.K. over A.N.Z.U.S., says diplomat

PA Wellington The British are concerned about the possibility of a breakdown in relations between New Zealand and the United States over - A.N.Z.U.S., says Mr Bryce Harland, New Zealand’s new High Commissioner in London. Mr Harland said that the British were well placed to help find a solution to the problem and were responding to a desire by the New Zealand Government for a solution. “The critical thing is that they are very well placed because they are on the one hand very close to the United States — their own neither confirm nor deny policy is identical with the American one — but on the other hand they have very strong ties with New Zealand and very warm attitudes and they don’t want to see a breakdown,” he said.

Mr Harland is in Wellington for two weeks of consultations with the Government and the private sector, and. three weeks holiday /with his family. - ' Mr Harland said he had had it from the. highest quarters in - London ■ that Britain did not agree with the New Zealand Government’s nuclear policy but would go on supporting New Zealand anyway. Britain had also given the assurance, he said, that it would continue to support access for New Zealand butter to the European Community. As far as he knew that too was unquestioned. Asked whether Britain might request a port visit during the coming visit of Britain’s Chief of. Defence Staff, Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Fieldhouse, Mr Harland replied that he would leave details- of Sir John’s visit to British spokesmen.