Thank you for your message below.
If your message of "shame" refers to your views of the horrific events of 11 September in New York and Washington, I agree with you. If, however, you are referring to New Zealand, I strongly disagree with you as New Zealand is one of only two countries that stood with the United States in every major conflict of the 20th century. I regret to say there appears to have been some erroneous and misleading reporting in the New Zealand media of the New Zealand Government's response to those tragic events.
In fact on learning of these events while in Rome, Italy our Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark, cancelled the remainder of an official visit to Europe which she had just begun and returned immediately to New Zealand.
On her return to New Zealand the Prime Minister made a public statement saying that she had written to President Bush to express New Zealand's revulsion at the terrorist acts committed against the United States. Indeed that was New Zealand's second official message of condolence. Given the world of instantaneous communications in which we live, a number of New Zealanders watched in horror as the events unfolded during the middle of the night in New Zealand with the Acting Prime Minister, Hon Jim Anderton sending a message of condolence to the President at 4.00am New Zealand time.
The Prime Minister also unambiguously expressed New Zealand's support for efforts by the United States and the international community to combat terrorism and to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attacks. To quote the Prime Minister from her 14 September statement; which was headed "New Zealand Pledges support to United States."
"The United States will be considering what responses it needs from friends around the world. We have yet to receive any specific requests, but New Zealand will help in any way we can.
We are passing on that message in the White House.
New Zealand condemns any form of terrorism. The attacks against the United States were attacks against all civilised nations. New Zealand is determined to do its bit."
Asked in Parliament what New Zealand's contribution was likely to be, the Prime Minister indicated that New Zealand was prepared to offer diplomatic support, on-going intelligence support and military support as we can, including, if necessary, the special forces.
In contrast to what you may have read, it is clear that New Zealand stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States in its preparedness to combat the evil of terrorism.
Yours sincerely
Rt Hon James B Bolger ONZ
Ambassador
It appears the 'problem' began in the NZ media.