Malaysia

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30568, 10 October 1964, Page 12

Malaysia

Sir, —I object most strongly to today’s headline, “First Kill to N.Z. Regiment.” We must accept that New Zealand has to play its part in tha preservation of international law and order, and we regretfully realise that in the course of operations men on both sides may be killed. However, the implication in your headline that this is some sort of sporting event is quite intolerable. If it had been a New Zealand serviceman who died, would we have read this morning, “First Kill to Indonesians”?—Yours, etc., W. I. PATERSON. October 9, 1964.

Sir, —What does Christ stand for? What do the Cathedral and the church stand for? Is there no Christian conscience in this country? These are questions I ask myself and am asking you after reading one headline in today’s issue: “First Kill to N.Z. Regiment.” Such a headline would imply that this was a major achievement of the New Zealand Regiment. If we have to fight in defence of rights of other people, at least we could show reverence to any casualty instead of headlining it as if it were a victory for New Zealanders. This is a defeat of Christian principles and not a victory.—Yours etc., R. G. STRINGER. October 9, 1964.

Sir,—The headline over today’s report in “The Press” of current military operations in Malaysia calls for the strongest possible protest. The suggestion of the words chosen (“First Kill to N.Z. Regt”), that nothing more is involved than some exciting sporting event betrays a lack of imagination, a degree of inhumanity, and possibly a desire to stimulate a nauseating kind of interest which must, horrify and dismay readers who, on the basis of your previous record, hoped for something better in your pages.—Yours, etc. A. W. STOCKWELL, L. A. BAIGENT. October 9, 1964.

Sir,—l take strong exception to the utter callousness of your heading, “First Kill to N.Z. Regiment.” This is a classic example of “the inhumanity of man to man” which we hear so much about, and is the direct antithesis of our so-called Christian teaching. I realise that the “Indonesian infiltrator” was

shot in battle, but why report it as though it were, for instance, the opening day of the duck-shooting season?— Yours etc., GRANDMA.. October 9, 1964.