France did apologise

Re Rob Buchanan’s letter ( French apology?, Oct 19), the French government apologised three times, on three different occasions, and took full responsibility for causing the Rainbow Warrior incident.

The French government paid an agreed amount of financial compensation, brokered by the UN secretary-general of the time to the New Zealand government and to the other parties involved – Greenpeace International and the families of the crew member of Rainbow Warrior who died.

In April 1991 the French prime minister came to New Zealand and at a parliamentary reception apologised in person. The New Zealand prime minister of the time accepted the apology and declared the matter closed.

In early 1992, due to a matter that had escaped attention earlier, the decision of April 1991 was re-affirmed by the same NZ government. Our two countries continue to have a cordial relationship.

Jim Veitch, associate professor Victoria University (retired), Masterton