Little: Reports Trump passed intelligence on 'worrying'

The <i>Washington Post</i> reported claims from anonymous sources Trump shared intelligence details with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about Islamic State. PHOTO / supplied, AP

Labour leader Andrew Little says reports US President Donald Trump shared high-level intelligence with Russia's Foreign Minister would be concerning if they were verified and the NZ Government had to decide if the US could be trusted.

The Washington Post reported claims from anonymous sources Trump shared intelligence details with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about Islamic State which could have jeopardised an intelligence operation.

It said the information was obtained by a US intelligence partner and was shared without that partner's permission or knowledge.

The reports have been rejected by Trump's National Security adviser HR McMaster and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who issued a statement saying while some "specific threats" were discussed at the meeting, there was no discussion of sources, methods, or military operations.

However, the reports have prompted commentary on whether the US' traditional intelligence partners can trust Trump or it will have a chilling effect on the sharing of intelligence.

New Zealand is one of the "Five Eyes" partners - an intelligence sharing alliance with the US, Australia, Canada and Britain.

Little said the reports were yet to be verified but it was a worry if there was any suggestion sensitive security information was given to another state which should not have it.

"But we are part of a security network and all partners to that network must maintain the integrity of that network."

Asked if he would have concerns about sharing with a Trump Administration if he was Prime Minister, Little said he would make a judgment on that if he was Prime Minister after September.

"I think it is important for those security relationships and partnerships to operate is that everybody has to trust each other. In the end, it's a matter for this Government to make a judgment right now about whether that trust is there."

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said the media reports had been rejected by senior US officials at the meeting.

"If there is ever to be a resolution of the dreadful situation in Syria, it will require concerted efforts from both the US and Russia.

"I hope the meeting between President Trump and Foreign Minister Lavrov is a step towards that."

He did not say whether the Government was concerned or had sought reassurances about the handling of its intelligence information.

Prime Minister Bill English is in Japan and could not be contacted for comment.