Mr Gotz Condemns Russian Bomb Tests

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29745, 12 February 1962, Page 12

Mr Gotz Condemns Russian Bomb Tests

The “perfidy” of Russia In preparing for nuclear weapon tests while discussing an agreement to end tests ,was comparable to the infamy of the Japanese In attacking Pearl Harbour while still holding talks in Washington, the Minister of internal Affairs (Mr Gotz) said at the Rum Lawn Cemetery yesterday. He was unveiling a memorial to 44 servicemen from the northern half of the South Island who died in or around New Zealand but lack a known grave Mr Gotz was acting in the dual role of Minister responsible for war graves and New Zealand representative of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

“Keeping to one’s pledged word or to written treaties seems to have no part in totalitarian ethics,” said Mr Gotz. The Communists were a greater threat to freedom and world peace than the Kaiser and Hitler had been. “Before the recent Russian, test series, the Western Powers were ahead in nuclear weapon development,” he added “Are we still ahead, or have the Russians learnt something we did not know? It is this uncertainty which has caused Mr Macmillan and Mr Kennedy to decide to prenare for new tests of their own Teste Not Wanted

“We in New Zealand certainly don't want teste to begin again, and nor do the other Western Powers. Britain and America are making a last effort to get the Russians to agree to more talks, which we hope may be successful. But If the talks fail, do we submit to intimidation by those whose ideas are utterly foreign to ours? “Those former servicemen we honour today, and all ♦hose who have served before, would join in sayine to the Russians. ‘So far and no further ’ To the Western Powers, the response muri be. “Make your tests.' We want the best weapons to be in the hands of people who want peace” The president of the Christchurch Home Servicemen’s

Association (Mr E. V. Green) also spoke. Dedications were performed by the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A K Warren) on behalf of the Anglican Church, the Rev Father J Kingan, for the Roman Catholic Church, and the Rev R J Griffiths, for other denominations. The president of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association (Mr A. Farrar) reminded the gathering of the women and children left behind by those who had given their lives during the wars "Let us go away resolved to do more and give more for those who. through no fault of their own, are in need of assistance.” he said. -

Courage and Devotion

The Mayor (Mr G Manning) said those present were deeply conscious that their liberty to follow their own way of life was because of the courage and devotion of those who had fought in the two world wars. The servicemen commemorated comprised 31 from the Army and two from the Naval Reserve in World War I, with two from the Army and nine from the Air Force in World War II Before the dedication, the Last Post and Reveille were sounded After the dedication, wreaths were laid during the playing of the anthem, “I Will Arise.” by ‘he-band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force station. Wigram. After the ceremony, guests were entertained to afternoon tea at the Council Chambers by the Mayor and City Council.