Radio coverage of the 'Think Tank affair' and related controversies. The first items are narrated by Ian Johnstone and Spencer Jolly. [These may be ex-Checkpoint or Morning Report.]
Prime Minister Norman Kirk created a 'think tank' of outside experts to discuss ways to improve New Zealand's economy, headed by MP and Labour Party vice-president Gerald O'Brien. Other members included unionists and public servants including Tom Skinner, William Sutch, Jack Lewin, Sir Henry Kelliher, chairman of Dominion Breweries.
Includes an interview with Gerald O'Brien by Spencer Jolly. He talks about the group and their intentions. It is alleged Mr O'Brien met with a Russian spy Mr Rosgavorov [?] - he denies this. He also denies the group was given access to confidential cabinet papers, or made recommendations to the Prime Minister to set up controls over the flow of capital into and out of New Zealand.
Import licensing was discussed but cabinet ministers were not told about this and news of the Think Tank's existence came as surprise to many. Mr O'Brien comments on the ethics of what the group was doing.
In a separate but related matter, an announcement on the enquiry into the Security Intelligence Service is expected soon.
[Break in the recording]
A further interview with Gerald O'Brien about his interview with the police and comments on the Sutch affair.
There is also an interview with businessman Paul Freeman who originally received the document which he handed over to the Prime Minister, Norman Kirk. Believes he was only coincidentally involved because of being given the document in the first instant and thinks things are now a 'storm in a teacup' and wants it to blow over as quickly as possible.
This is followed by a biography of Paul Freeman by journalist Neil Roberts.
This report ends with a voice package by an unidentified reporter about a new turn in the SIS affair and how it could have been a hoax engineered by the National Party. Includes a statement by Robert Muldoon denying claims it could have originated from the SIS itself.