Call me crazy but I was reading one of these cables this morning (Nothing else to do, lying in bed, laptop.) Seems the U.S. who heartedly believes NZ doesn't play a big enough role in the world (especially military wise - where they say even Fiji contributes more)
They also say this is in part due to the dismal state of our military. (They even give an example of some C-130 going to help Samoans after the Tsunami, and breaking down.)
Also, it seems the only way the Americans will accept an FTA is if we repeal the nuclear-ban.
Also interesting is that they even referenced letter to the editors in newspapers.
Shows how doing a little research for yourself can show what a failure our own news companies are.
And also that MFAT believe that an FTA will give us almost no benefit whatsoever...
I'm actuallly suprised by the lack of suprises. Yes US drug companies want to sell to us and use influence to do so, yes Aussie insurance companies are behind the changes to ACC etc etc etc yes we told China we wouldn't see the Dalai Lama.
Unless you are a bit credulous there's not much in them really.