Sunday 5th Sep 1999

Call for CIA evidence

ACT Leader Richard Prebble has written to the president of the Labour party Bob Harvey, asking him to substantiate his claims that the CIA was involved in Norman Kirk's death.

"Mr Harvey has repeated his allegation. As one of the few MPs now in Parliament who knew Norman Kirk, I do not think we can leave this matter. We owe it to Norman Kirk's family to examine Mr Harvey's claims," Mr Prebble said.

"If, as has been suggested, this is just an irresponsible and hurtful exploitation of Norman Kirk's memory to create anti-American sentiment on the eve of APEC, then examining Mr Harvey's evidence will establish this.

"It's now time for Labour's president to put up or apologise to Norman's family and the nation."

Hon Richard Prebble CBE Leader ACT New Zealand Parliament Buildings

5 September 1999

Mr Bob Harvey Mayor Waitakere City Civic Administration Building 6 Waipareira Ave Henderson

Dear Bob

I write to you as Leader of the ACT Party and as one of the few MPs in Parliament who knew Norm Kirk.

You have recently made allegations that the CIA was, you believe, involved in Norman Kirk's death. These are very serious allegations. As you are the president of the Labour party and mayor of one of the country's largest cities, the allegations carry more weight.

I asked a question in Parliament to which the Prime Minister indicated you had forwarded no information. I note the Prime Minister is taking no action.

You allegations have caused distress to Norman Kirk's doctors and no doubt to his family. I note that though the Labour party has dismissed them, you have not publicly withdrawn your statements, in fact you have repeated the claims. As you have not withdrawn your claims I believe they should be examined.

I write to you to invite you to forward to me the basis of your belief that the CIA was involved in Norman Kirk's death. Please forward to me what information you have. I undertake to place any concrete information in front of the appropriate authorities and to bring it to Parliament. The matter is urgent as President Clinton arrives in a matter of days. You have a duty to put up or publicly withdraw your allegations .

This letter established that you can no longer say that no-one in Parliament would listen to you. I am listening. What have you got to say?

Yours sincerely

Hon Richard Prebble CBE

LEADER, ACT NEW ZEALAND

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