03-31-2003, 11:05 PM
"We have a nuclear capable ship, but will neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons on this ship at this time."
That was our Navy's standard line. The NZ government decided that such was not good enough for them, so they would not permit US ships to call in their ports, unless the US government would certify that the ship was 'nuclear free.'
A real shame, from my perspective, since I know many US sailors would have loved to have visited New Zealand, but the sovereign right of NZ is honored. As well it should be, I might add. It's your turf, as they say. :)
I guess I need to look into the last 20 years of the ANZUS agreements to flesh out my understanding of the recent goings on. Thanks for the summary.
For what it is worth, I cheered the sinking of the Greenpeace boat, personally, for my own reasons. I do not consider ecoterrorism a valid stance, though I understand that there are people who do. On their behalf, they put their own arses on the line, so at least they had the courage of their convictions. That counts for something, even to a jaded old rogue like me.
That was our Navy's standard line. The NZ government decided that such was not good enough for them, so they would not permit US ships to call in their ports, unless the US government would certify that the ship was 'nuclear free.'
A real shame, from my perspective, since I know many US sailors would have loved to have visited New Zealand, but the sovereign right of NZ is honored. As well it should be, I might add. It's your turf, as they say. :)
I guess I need to look into the last 20 years of the ANZUS agreements to flesh out my understanding of the recent goings on. Thanks for the summary.
For what it is worth, I cheered the sinking of the Greenpeace boat, personally, for my own reasons. I do not consider ecoterrorism a valid stance, though I understand that there are people who do. On their behalf, they put their own arses on the line, so at least they had the courage of their convictions. That counts for something, even to a jaded old rogue like me.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete