Originally Posted by
Derfred
I’m old enough to remember the time NZ refused entry to US nuclear subs into their harbour!
There were several nuclear sub visits in the 1970's, which were met with increasing levels of protest but none were refused entry.
I believe what you are referring to is the USS Buchanan, an older conventional Guided Missile Destroyer.
The USA requested a visit by this ship in 1984 but refused to confirm whether or not it had nuclear armament. This was intended as a test of NZ's nuclear free policy resolve. Unfortunately this left the NZ Govt no room to manoeuvre given the high domestic approval of the policy and they had to refuse the visit. The US then angrily shut the door on it's old ally.
Now of course we're back to best buddy status due to concern about another certain countries' increasing influence in the South Pacific. Which seems to be affecting best buddy status with that certain country.
Push - pull. Quite ironic really.