WikiLeaks releases of US diplomatic cables about New Zealand cover just about every aspect of domestic and foreign policy.The following is a selection of key quotes from the cables.TradeUS deputy chief of mission Robert Clarke this year: "[Trade Mini
WikiLeaks releases of US diplomatic cables about New Zealand cover just about every aspect of domestic and foreign policy.
The following is a selection of key quotes from the cables.
Trade
US deputy chief of mission Robert Clarke this year: "[Trade Minister Tim Groser] emphasised he understood that the time was not yet ripe for Washington to move forward."
US Ambassador Charles Swindells on the nuclear ban and Anzus split in 2005: "I simply do not consider credible New Zealand officials' insistence that the public will not tolerate any discussion of a repeal of the ban."
and:
"I have stressed both in public and in private that the nuclear ban does still matter to us."
and:
"US officials have strenuously avoided linking New Zealand's proposal for an FTA with our desire that the nuclear ban be ended... But in practical terms I have observed that our preferences for FTA partners are often made along a continuum of countries' economic and trade potential and our overall foreign policy interests. Certainly, if there were significant economic benefits I would strongly support a US-New Zealand FTA, and have told this to the government here."
China
US deputy chief of mission Robert Clarke last year:
"[Foreign Affairs China desk director Grahame] Morton said that PM [John] Key had earlier conversed with Premier Wen Jiabao concerning the Dalai Lama's December 4-7 visit to Auckland, saying that neither he nor any of his ministers would meet with the Dalai Lama. Morton said the Chinese 'obviously registered' this."
Former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark
Charge d'Affaires David R Burnett in 2005; "Clark's grasp of policy detail is positively Herculean... her political instincts are widely recognised..."
and:
"As Prime Minister she is a very controlling manager, bordering on obsessively so. Clark avoids obvious falsehoods...Yet she also habitually shies away form close-to-the-bone truth."
and
"Chief of staff and gatekeeper Heather Simpson... would walk across hot coals for Clark."
Then the same memo on former National leader Don Brash:
"Brash portrays an awkward humanism that opens the door for the middle ground vote."
When asked a difficult question, "he often flounders."
and:
"Opinion is split on whether Brash is brave or just plain naive in the way he at times acts contrary to the conventional wisdom of a politician."
