A Nuclear-Weapon-Free South Pacific: A New Zealand Perspective

Abstract

IN AUGUST 1984, members of the South Pacific Forum decided to support in principle an Australian proposal regarding the establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in the South Pacific. Yet the Australian idea in 1984 did not represent any significant advance upon the abortive New Zealand initiative at the United Nations in 1975. It needed the election of a Labor government in Australia (1983) and a Labour government in New Zealand (1984) to revive the idea of a South Pacific NWFZ. Because the concept has remained dormant for nine years, however, little attention has been paid to the practicalities of establishing a NWFZ in the region. This paper aims to discuss the issues relevant for negotiating such a zone in the South Pacific: the nature and boundaries of the zone, its compatibility with national security policies, its relationship with external major powers, and the means of policing it. The focus is on a South Pacific NWFZ as an option in New Zealand's foreign policy. The role of nuclear weapons in alliance strategy has been an issue of concern and controversy throughout the Western world. In New Zealand, anti-nuclear concerns have found expression in demands to throw out the ANZUS security alliance linking the country to Australia and the United States, pursue a nonaligned or neutral foreign policy, stop visits by American nuclear warships (that is, those which are nuclear-powered, and/or equipped to carry nuclear weapons) declare New Zealand to be nuclear-free, and conclude a nuclear-weapon-free zone for the South Pacific. The peace movement in New Zealand has gained strength in reaction to Western decisions and strategies rather than from Soviet intimidation. The movement is not predominantly pacifist or neutralist, although such elements are undoubtedly present. If, however, ANZUS