

Currently released so far... 12553 / 251,287
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/08
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
APECO
ASEC
AMGT
AFIN
APER
ACABQ
AORC
AEMR
AF
AE
AR
AGMT
AU
AY
ABLD
AS
AG
AJ
APCS
AX
AM
AMEX
ATRN
ADM
AMED
AFGHANISTAN
AZ
AL
ASUP
AND
ARM
ASEAN
AFFAIRS
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
AODE
APEC
ACBAQ
AFSI
AFSN
AO
ABUD
AC
ADPM
ADCO
ASIG
ARF
AUC
ASEX
AGAO
AA
AER
AVERY
AGRICULTURE
AIT
AADP
ASCH
AORL
AROC
ACOA
ANET
AID
AMCHAMS
AINF
AMG
AFU
AN
ALOW
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
ACS
ADANA
AECL
ACAO
AORG
AGR
BEXP
BR
BM
BG
BL
BA
BTIO
BO
BP
BC
BILAT
BK
BU
BD
BRUSSELS
BB
BF
BBSR
BIDEN
BX
BE
BH
BT
BY
BMGT
BWC
BTIU
BN
CA
CASC
CFED
CO
CH
CS
CU
CE
CI
CM
CMGT
CJAN
COM
CG
CIS
CVIS
CR
CKGR
CHR
CVR
COUNTER
CIA
CLINTON
CY
CPAS
CD
CBW
COUNTERTERRORISM
CITEL
CDG
CW
CODEL
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
COE
CN
CARICOM
CB
CONDOLEEZZA
CWC
CACS
CSW
CIDA
CIC
CITT
CONS
CL
CACM
CDB
CDC
CAN
CF
CJUS
CTM
CBSA
CARSON
CT
CLMT
CBC
CEUDA
CV
COPUOS
CTR
CROS
CAPC
CAC
CNARC
CICTE
CBE
ECON
ETRD
EIND
ENRG
EC
ELAB
EAGR
EAID
EFIS
EFIN
EINV
EUN
EG
EPET
EAIR
EU
ELTN
EWWT
ECIN
ERD
EI
ETTC
EUR
EN
EZ
ETC
ENVI
EMIN
ET
ENVR
ER
ECPS
EINT
EAP
ES
ENIV
ECONOMY
EXTERNAL
EINN
EFTA
ECONOMIC
EPA
EXBS
ECA
ELN
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ENGR
ECUN
ENGY
ECONOMICS
ELECTIONS
EIAR
EINDETRD
EREL
EUC
ECONEFIN
EURN
EDU
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ECIP
ENERG
EFIM
EAIDS
EK
ETRDECONWTOCS
EINVETC
ECONCS
EUNCH
ESA
ECINECONCS
EUREM
ESENV
EFINECONCS
ETRC
ENNP
EAIG
EXIM
EEPET
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EUMEM
ETRA
ERNG
ETRO
ETRN
EINVEFIN
ICTY
IN
IS
IR
IC
IZ
IA
INTERPOL
IAEA
IT
IMO
IO
IV
ID
IRAQI
IEA
INRB
IL
IWC
ITU
ICAO
ISRAELI
ICRC
IIP
IMF
IBRD
ISLAMISTS
ITALY
ITALIAN
ILO
IPR
IQ
IRS
IAHRC
IZPREL
IRAJ
IDP
ILC
ITF
ICJ
IF
ITPHUM
INMARSAT
ISRAEL
IACI
IBET
ITRA
INR
IRC
IDA
ICTR
IGAD
INRA
INRO
IEFIN
INTELSAT
INTERNAL
INDO
ITPGOV
KWMN
KSCA
KDEM
KTFN
KIPR
KCRM
KPAL
KE
KPAO
KPKO
KS
KN
KISL
KFRD
KJUS
KIRF
KFLO
KG
KTIP
KTER
KRCM
KTIA
KGHG
KIRC
KU
KPRP
KMCA
KMPI
KSEO
KNNP
KZ
KNEI
KCOR
KOMC
KCFC
KSTC
KMDR
KFLU
KSAF
KSEP
KSAC
KR
KGIC
KSUM
KWBG
KCIP
KDRG
KOLY
KAWC
KCHG
KHDP
KRVC
KBIO
KAWK
KGCC
KHLS
KBCT
KPLS
KREL
KCFE
KMFO
KV
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KFTFN
KVPR
KTDB
KSPR
KIDE
KVRP
KTEX
KBTR
KTRD
KICC
KCOM
KO
KLIG
KDEMAF
KMRS
KRAD
KOCI
KSTH
KUNR
KNSD
KGIT
KFSC
KHIV
KPAI
KICA
KACT
KHUM
KREC
KSEC
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KCMR
KPIN
KESS
KDEV
KNAR
KNUC
KPWR
KENV
KWWMN
KWMNCS
KPRV
KOM
KBTS
KCRS
KNPP
KWNM
KRFD
KVIR
KTBT
KAID
KRIM
KDDG
KRGY
KHSA
KWMM
KMOC
KSCI
KPAK
KX
KPAONZ
KCGC
KID
KPOA
KIFR
KFIN
KWAC
KOMS
KCRCM
KNUP
KMIG
KNNPMNUC
KERG
KTLA
KCSY
KJUST
MOPS
MARR
MASS
MNUC
MX
MCAP
MO
MR
MI
MD
MK
MA
MP
MY
MTCRE
MOPPS
MASC
MIL
MTS
MLS
MILI
MAR
MU
MEPN
MAPP
MTCR
MEPI
MZ
MEETINGS
MG
MW
MAS
MT
MCC
MIK
ML
MARAD
MV
MERCOSUR
MTRE
MPOS
MEPP
MILITARY
MDC
MQADHAFI
MUCN
MRCRE
MAPS
MEDIA
MASSMNUC
MC
NZ
NZUS
NL
NU
NATO
NP
NO
NIPP
NE
NH
NR
NA
NPT
NI
NSF
NG
NSG
NAFTA
NC
NDP
NEW
NRR
NATIONAL
NT
NS
NASA
NAR
NV
NORAD
NSSP
NK
NPA
NGO
NSC
NATOPREL
NW
NPG
NSFO
OPDC
OTRA
OIIP
OREP
OVIP
OSCE
OEXC
OIE
OPRC
OAS
OPIC
OTR
OMIG
OSAC
OFFICIALS
OECD
OSCI
OBSP
OFDA
OPCW
ODIP
OFDP
OES
OPAD
OCII
OHUM
OVP
ON
OIC
OCS
PHUM
PREL
PGOV
PINR
PTER
PARM
PREF
PM
PE
PINS
PK
PHSA
PBTS
PRGOV
PA
PORG
PP
PS
PGOF
PL
PO
PARMS
PKFK
PSOE
PEPR
PAK
POL
PPA
PINT
PMAR
PRELP
PREFA
PALESTINIAN
PBIO
PINF
PNG
PMIL
PFOR
PUNE
PGOVLO
PAO
POLITICS
PHUMBA
PSEPC
PTBS
PCUL
PROP
PNAT
PNR
POLINT
PGOVE
PROG
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PDEM
PECON
PROV
PHUMPREL
PGOC
PY
PCI
PLN
PDOV
PREO
PGIV
PHUH
PAS
PU
POGOV
PF
PINL
POV
PAHO
PRL
PG
PRAM
POLITICAL
PARTIES
POLICY
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PGGV
PHUS
PSA
PHUMPGOV
PEL
PSI
PAIGH
POSTS
PBT
PTERE
RS
RU
RW
RM
RO
RP
REGION
RSP
RF
RICE
RCMP
RFE
RIGHTS
RIGHTSPOLMIL
ROBERT
RUPREL
RELATIONS
ROOD
REACTION
RSO
REPORT
SENV
SNAR
SCUL
SR
SC
SOCI
SMIG
SI
SP
SU
SO
SW
SY
SA
SZ
SAN
SF
SN
STEINBERG
SG
ST
SIPDIS
SNARIZ
SNARN
SSA
SK
SPCVIS
SOFA
SAARC
SL
SEVN
SARS
SIPRS
SHUM
SANC
SWE
SHI
SYR
SNARCS
SPCE
SYRIA
SEN
SH
SCRS
SENVKGHG
TRGY
TSPL
TPHY
TSPA
TBIO
TI
TW
THPY
TX
TU
TS
TZ
TC
TH
TT
TIP
TO
TERRORISM
TRSY
TINT
TN
TURKEY
TBID
TL
TV
TNGD
TD
TF
TP
TFIN
TAGS
TK
TR
UNSC
UK
UNGA
UN
US
UNHRC
UG
UP
UNMIK
UNHCR
UE
USTR
UNVIE
UAE
UZ
UY
UNO
UNESCO
USEU
USOAS
UV
UNODC
UNCHS
UNFICYP
UNEP
UNIDROIT
UNDESCO
UNDP
UNPUOS
UNC
UNAUS
USUN
UNCHC
UNCHR
UNCND
UNICEF
UNCSD
UNDC
USNC
USPS
USAID
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 05WELLINGTON475, NZ FOREIGN MINISTER PUTS POSITIVE SPIN ON TOUGHER
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #05WELLINGTON475.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
05WELLINGTON475 | 2005-06-17 05:14 | 2011-04-28 00:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Wellington |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 WELLINGTON 000475
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP A/S HILL AND EAP/ANP
STATE PASS USTR FOR WEISEL AND KATZ
NSC FOR NSA HADLEY AND VCHA
SECDEF FOR OSD/ISA LIZ PHU
PACOM FOR J0051 HUSO, MUNIPALLI AND POST
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/15/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV NZ
SUBJECT: NZ FOREIGN MINISTER PUTS POSITIVE SPIN ON TOUGHER
WASHINGTON MESSAGE
REF: A. STATE 112199
¶B. WELLINGTON 452
Classified By: AMBASSADOR CHARLES J. SWINDELLS,
FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)
¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Swindells recently met with NZ
Foreign Minister Phil Goff to discuss the latter's visit to
Washington. Goff painted an upbeat message about his recent
U.S. visit, but obviously had heard Washington's tougher
message regarding the negative effect of New Zealand's
policies on its prospects for an FTA. Goff's unacceptable
response -- that New Zealand is happy working around the
edges of the status quo -- was considerably more inflexible
than the Prime Minister's words on the issue (ref B ). This
may reflect 1) Goff's own feelings regarding the importance
of the nuclear ban; 2) the refusal of National Party leader
Don Brash to admit during a weekend news interview that he
favors ending the ban; 3) the consensus of the Cabinet, which
met on June 13, that the ban must stay; or some combination
of the three. Whatever the reason, we appreciate
Washington's consistent message to Goff and will continue to
work quietly on a strategy for an improved U.S.- New Zealand
dialogue during the weeks or months before New Zealand's
general election . END SUMMARY.
¶2. (C) Ambassador Swindells met on June 13 with Foreign
Minister Phil Goff to discuss the latter's recent visit to
the United States and Canada. Goff was enthusiastic about
his meetings in Washington, which he said had offered him a
chance to meet with newly-appointed officials whose
responsibilities include New Zealand. He appreciated the
chance to talk with his counterparts about a wide range of
issues, including China, Indonesia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
------------------------
Still Bucking for an FTA
------------------------
¶3. (C) Goff had obviously heard loud and clear in his
meetings that New Zealand will not be able to begin FTA
negotiations with the United States at this time. In
describing his FTA-related Washington conversations to the
Ambassador, the Minister nevertheless put a positive spin on
New Zealand's prospects for an eventual agreement. While
acknowledging that Deputy Secretary Zoellick had cautioned
that CAFTA must first get through Congress and the United
States must follow through on negotiations with countries
already in the queue, Goff stressed that Congress seemed
positive regarding a possible trade deal with New Zealand.
Furthermore, he noted that the Deputy Secretary had said that
USTR Portman would take the lead on any US-NZ FTA. The
latter is a good friend to New Zealand, Goff said. He added
that the Deputy Secretary had not said anything to indicate
he would oppose a trade deal.
¶4. (C) We could not help but notice, however, that Goff was
somewhat less exuberant about the prospects of an FTA in the
near term than he had been after his last trip to Washington.
He no longer spoke of the growing numbers of members in the
Friends of New Zealand caucus. Instead, he only said that
there seems to be an appreciation of New Zealand's position
in Congress. He also said for the first time that it is in
the end the Administration's choice whether or not to pursue
a trade deal. (He did add that it seems NZ is in a better
position for this than before.)
¶5. (C) Goff admitted things with CAFTA look difficult and it
is likely it will take Congress until December to approve it.
The Ambassador said that the Administration would also need
to get Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority. Goff
said that New Zealand favored CAFTA as a way of assuring a
stable, prosperous Central America and a means by which the
United States could pass democratic values on to the region.
For this reason, Ambassador Wood would promote CAFTA on the
Hill, including with Friends of New Zealand Caucus co-chair
Congresswoman Tauscher, who opposes the Central American deal.
------------------
A Line in the Sand
------------------
¶5. (C) Goff also played down any message he had heard
regarding Washington's continued concern over New Zealand's
nuclear ban. The only meeting in which he mentioned the
issue had come up was his session with Acting Deputy
Secretary of Defense England. Even here, Goff said he had
SIPDIS
anticipated the Acting Deputy Secretary would raise the
issue, and he had done so in the context of a broader,
positive discussion. DoD is pleased New Zealand is
increasing its defense budget, Goff stressed.
¶6. (C) The Ambassador then described his own recent trip to
Washington. He had heard nothing but positive things about
New Zealand, he said, but also a lot of questions about how
we could raise the level of bilateral cooperation. Because
of all the challenges in the world, it is important to find
flexibility. As he had remarked to PM Clark during their
meeting last week, the degree to which we can do this can
only be known if we keep talking. We should do this sooner
rather than latter, the Ambassador said. Goff said he
appreciated the Ambassador's wish to move the relationship
forward, and assured him that the PM and he shared this wish.
It makes not sense not to do so, when, for example, we are
cooperating so much in Operation Enduring Freedom. It is
strange not to conduct military exercises together when we
are fighting together.
¶7. (C) But, said Goff, like many small countries, New
Zealand fiercely maintains its independent way of thinking.
The Ambassador said he understood the country's sense of
independence and individuality, but NZ officials might be
surprised how much flexibility NZ could maintain and still
address Washington's concerns. Goff said flexibility is a
good thing. The Prime Minister has said that New Zealand
cannot alter its legislation. The key was therefore to try
to move forward within this limitation. There was no reason
why any ship other than a carrier or sub could not come to
New Zealand. New Zealand has no need or desire for nuclear
power, and Kiwis would not shift the anti-nuclear policy
willingly. In fact, Goff said, the harder they are pushed on
this issue the more dug in they will become. (Comment: The
same can obviously be said about Minister Goff's own views on
the legislation. End Comment.)
¶8. (C) The Ambassador said that the issue nuclear propulsion
was really the issue of America's naval presence in the
region. Japan, Taiwan, and Korea all want us here, he said.
We need to discuss this. Even if nothing changed, we'd know
we had tried. Goff said that New Zealand was happy living
with the status quo but loosening it around the edges. He
stressed that the Government has said and will continue to
say it wants the United States in the region. In fact, Goff
said that during his meetings he had encouraged U.S.
officials to engage more, given China's "charm offensive" in
Asia. He said he hoped that Secretary Rice would attend the
Asia Regional Forum meeting.
¶9. (C) Goff reiterated that his Government is keen to work
together with the United States within the parameters of no
change to the nuclear legislation. He said that NZ officials
feel in some sense that the initiative is with the United
States, and added that New Zealand would respond positively
to a non-nuclear U.S. ship visit if the United States Navy
made this offer. The PM's yearly blanket approval of C-17s
has not been a problem. The question is how we can improve
relations militarily and otherwise. The Ambassador asked if
this meant New Zealand officials would have an open mind and
come to a meeting, which would be "under the radar." Goff
said that the Government could not do anything other than
what it had committed to the electorate to do. Any Labour
attempt to repeal the legislation would be seen as a
betrayal, he said. Such a move would destroy the National
Party as well, he said, as witnessed by National Party leader
Don Brash's unwillingness to openly admit he supported ACT
Party's Ken Shirley's members bill that would revise the ban.
(NB: The bill, which had been submitted months ago, has
recently come up for inclusion on Parliament's calendar,
probably late next month or early in August.) U.S.
politicians would understand Labour's position, Goff added.
-------
COMMENT
-------
¶10. (C) Comment: Goff's hard nosed approach after the PM's
apparently more conciliatory message last week is striking.
We suspect that because National's Brash has (understandably)
refused to make this an election issue, Labour feels
emboldened to harden its line. That being said, the wind is
going out of the Government's sails on the FTA and it is
obvious that they are reacting to a harder message from
Washington. Their probing for a ship visit while still
refusing to even discuss the ban is an indication that they'd
like to have their cake and eat it too. We thank Washington
officials for their unified message to New Zealand
counterparts, and continue to believe that -- after elections
-- the Government may be willing to come to a dialogue if
they know they need to. If they don't, calling them publicly
into account would be appropriate on our part. End Comment.
Swindells