VIETNAM ISSUE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30453, 29 May 1964, Page 14

VIETNAM ISSUE

Comment By Mr Walker “I agree that the controversy on Vietnam has been healthy, but probably not for the same reasons as Mr H. G. Kilpatrick," said Mr H. J. Walker. M.P., on a statemen'. “I feel that after Mr Ross’s attack it behoves all members of the United Nations Association in Christchurch to beware of apathy and to take their full share of responsibility in attending such committee meetings to ensure that no single element can use this medium to spread its doctrines undaunted. Incidentally, Mr Kilpatrick has still not replied to my question as to how many people were actually present on the night the committee meeting was reported,” said Mr Walker.

"Because of Mr Ross's irrational and unprovoked personal attack on my integrity and ability and that of all members of Parliament, heads of State, public servants and diplomatic staff, and his gross misrepresentations of what was originally said by me to benefit his own theories, no self-respecting citizen would desire me to share a platform with him and his few rabblerousing supporters. “The difference in our thinking is plainly and fairly this. Mr Ross is prepared, and prefers, to accept complete submission to a Communist power under the heading of ‘peaceful co-existence’. ‘Peace’ to the Communists means no opposition to their poisonous doctrines. I am not willing to abide by this theory and so, according to my opposers, that makes me some sort of monster. But to me freedom is the most important attribute of life, and if need be, I am prepared to fight for it,” said Mr Walker.