Defence distrust 'the worst'

By JOHN ROUGHAN

New Zealand's armed forces chief has admitted that distrust between the services is the worst he has seen.

As two inquiries and a defence review were announced by the Government yesterday, Chief of Defence Force Carey Adamson said that there was considerable distrust between the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Outlining the moves with Defence Minister Mark Burton, he said political allegations "have created dissent within the Army, with people questioning the basis of promotions and appointments."

One inquiry - into allegations of Army political activities - will involve the Judge Advocate General, the official custodian of military justice.

At present the position is held by former Chief District Court Judge Peter Trapski.

It has been sparked by the National Party's discovery of a letter written by an Army officer while National was in Government, which discusses a campaign of political influence to boost the Army's interests over the other forces. Similar concerns were raised by an e-mail circulated by naval staff in March.

Air Marshal Adamson said the distrust was causing distractions at a time the services were heavily involved in East Timor and had recently had to staff the country's prisons.

"We are working hard enough to do our normal jobs.

"We don't need people having problems trusting one another."

Mr Burton said the unease in the services had been generated by the political debate.

"Obviously the only way to address that is with a proper credible inquiry."

The inquiry would "allow anyone with a genuine interest to resolve their concerns."

Besides the investigation of the letter and e-mail, there will be a separate inquiry - conducted by State Services Commissioner Michael Wintringham - into the leaking of documents and "the inappropriate use of information and position by Defence Force personnel".

And the review will examine accountability and arrangements between the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Force and the three services.

National defence spokesman Max Bradford described as a "whitewash" the decision to have dual inquiries, by the State Services Commissioner and the Judge Advocate General.

"The only way to get to the bottom of the problems within Defence is a formal inquiry by an independent judge where witnesses can give evidence under oath," said Mr Bradford.

"The public deserves to know what has gone on behind closed doors in the Army and other forces."

Mr Burton replied that the Judge Advocate General was an independent position, appointed by the Governor-General.

"It is entirely appropriate that he be asked to look at issues of military discipline."

And the State Services Commissioner would be able to subpoena witnesses and hear evidence under oath.