MFAT releases files in annual restricted file review
Correspondence from the New Zealand public on international issues such as nuclear ship visits and the Vietnam War are
among nearly 2400 files being released for public access under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s ongoing
review of restricted files.
The majority of files in this year’s release date from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Many of the files have already
been transferred to Archives New Zealand and some are scheduled for transfer in coming months.
Material being released covers a wide range of subjects, including:
Vietnam – public representations re NZ involvement in the war (1965-73) NZ’s position on a peace settlement with Germany
(1940-47) Rhodesia – public representations (1965-72), sanctions (1970) Air New Zealand’s (TEAL) early relationship with
Qantas (1959-64) Atomic energy research for peaceful use and military uses (1958-75) Letters from the public regarding
nuclear ship visits (1975-76, 1985-86) Department of Island Territories files, including those on Public Service
Commissioners’ visit reports to the Cook Islands, and records concerning the selection and appointment of Resident
Agents, “native” police and school teachers in the 1920s International Law of the Sea issues such as foreign vessels
fishing in NZ waters (1960s-70s) Enforcement of the United Nations Charter (1940s-70s) Among the files are included
records from the Ministry’s posts in Apia, Beijing, Brussels, Canberra, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, New
York, Rarotonga, Saigon and Tokyo.
As in previous years, files reviewed and cleared during the previous 12 months are released in early August. Rather than
release files after a fixed time period (eg. 30 years), the Ministry reviews and releases closed files as soon as
practicable, subject to resources and international document release conventions.