TERMS DEFINED

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30588, 3 November 1964, Page 13

TERMS DEFINED

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) NEW YORK, November 2. A constant complaint throughout the 1964 U.S. Presidential election campaign has been that it was devoid of “issues.”

A good deal has been said, however, about foreign policy, defence, space, extremism, nuclear control, civil rights and the many domestic questions.

Here are some of the questions raised in the campaign and the stands taken on them by the Democratic and Republican parties in their platforms or public speeches. PEACE: Democrats—“ The world is closer to peace today than it was in 1960. Responsible leadership . . . has turned the tide in freedom’s favour.” Republicans—“ The Democratic Administration has been, from its beginning, not the master but the prisoner of major events. The will and dependability of its leadership . . . have come to be questioned in every area of the globe.”

COMMUNISM: Democrats—“We must not underestimate the danger of communism, but neither should we underestimate the danger to all the world if nuclear power is unleashed and if we do not move towards peace.” Republicans —“The Democrats have been soft on communism. . . . We must look forward to being faced by a more unified Communist movement.” DEFENCE: Democrats—"We have created a balanced, versatile, powerful defence establishment, capable of countering aggression across the entire spectrum of conflicts, from nuclear confrontation to guerrilla subversion.” Republicans—“ This Administration has delayed research and development in advanced systems and thus confronted the American people with a fearsome possibility that Soviet advances in the 1970’s may surpass America’s present lead.”

SPACE: , Democrats—“ln four vigorous years we have moved to the forefront of space exploration. We will continue to ensure that any race in space is won for freedom and for peace.” Republicans—“ The Administration has retarded our own military developments for near and outer space, while the enemy's development moves on.” The party promised a replanning of the present programme.

NUCLEAR CONTROL: Democrats—" Control of the use of nuclear weapons must remain solely with the highest elected official in the country —the President of the U.S.” Republicans—The platform did not deal with this issue, but Senator Goldwater has suggested that N.A.T.O. commanders be given more discretion in the use of tactical nuclear weapons. CIVIL RIGHTS: Democrats —“We reaffirm our belief that lawless disregard for the rights of others is wrong—whether used to deny equal rights or to obtain equal rights.” Republicans—“We pledge full implementation and faithful execution of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” (Senator Goldwater voted against the act on the grounds that two of its provisions—dealing with public accommodation and employment—were unconstitutional). FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Democrats—“lt is the national purpose, and our commitment, to continue this expansion of the American economy towards its potential without a recession.” Republicans—“We pledge prudent, responsible management of the Government's fiscal affairs to protect the individual against the evils of spendthrift Government.”