This 1977 cartoon highlights New Zealand's ambivalent attitude towards its Cold War 'enemies'. Prime Minister Robert Muldoon thunders against the perceived belligerence of the Soviet Union – depicted as a Russian bear – then softens his stance when he realises a renewed trade deal with the Soviets is pending. While New Zealand was willing to fire anti-communist rhetoric, its range was checked by a desire to not endanger lucrative trading relationships with communist nations.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
A-315-5-002
Cartoon by Malcolm Evans
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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