Disarmament

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29224, 7 June 1960, Page 3

Disarmament

Sir,—As I pondered over the urgent warning of the film, “On Thetßeach.” the following fivepoint programme evolved in my mini First, the New Zealand Government should immediately publish its general agreement with the Russian three-stage world disarmament plan of June 4. Second, the Dominion should propose in the United Nations the immediate admission of the People’s Republic of China, Third, the Government should definitely draw up plans for the establishment of a working-class democracy in New Zealand with control “from the bottom up.” Fourth, the Government should take definite steps towards greater economic equality (same incomes) and educational equality. Fifth, the Dominion should unilaterally disarm itself on land, sea, and air as a practical example and a most timely contribution to world peace through world disarmament. — Yours, etc., N. M. BELL. June 5, 1960. Sir. —If the people in all democratic countries were half as intelligent as they think they are,

they would make conditions so noone could make money out of war. or war material—that is what disarmament means if it means anything at all. Wars and poverty would soon be gone. To get rid of disease would perhaps take longer, but if the money we saved from no more war was spent to teach the people how to live, I feel sure we would soon see a difference. Of course it does not matter much if, as Bertrand Russell says, any day some fool may put his finger on the trigger. Then we all die.—Yours, etc., D. ELLWOOD. June 5, 1960.