Marshal Ky’s Visit

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31278, 26 January 1967, Page 10

Marshal Ky’s Visit

Sir, —“One of many eyewitnesses” who was present at the airport was no doubt the person who “courageously” marched up to two young girls and tore their banner from them. This person provoked peaceful demonstrators, then tries to discredit them because they resist. Because Ky has a beautiful wife, speaks softly, smiles and wears a suit it does not alter his position as a military dictator and U.S. puppet in Vietnam.—Yours, P. G. SUTTON. January 24, 1967. Sir, —Those who delight in calling Marshal Ky a dictator, should really start asking themselves whether they really have a good grasp of the complex political as well as social and religious situations in South Vietnam. Secondhand knowledge and scattered information from newspaper cuttings do not provide sufficient foundation for judgment on a subject like Vietnam. Because thing; are more complex than could be conceived through reading just the newspapers. People who talk of democracy in relation to Vietnam may have assumed the existence in that country of the factors which are prerequisites to the establishment of a democratic form of government. These factors cannot be created overnight—even by the almighty Americans. And the colonial past of many of the Asian countries is hardly noted for its practice of democratic government.— Yours, etc., W. NISSON. January 24, 1967. Sir, —The Leader of the Opposition has yet to learn the difference between politics and statesmanship. If he is at all consistent be will now get his backroom boys too work to oust our Mayor frm his well-merited office. Mr Manning has learnt Hie difference between common courtesy and commonplace soap-box politics. The General Election was fought and won on New Zealand’s pollties towards its treaty commitments. Mr Kirk, the Labour members of Parliament who insulted our visit, our labour councillors, and the real power-holder’s behind the , scenes who call the tune, ought to admit defeat and act in a responsible way when holding public office. Another black mark against Mr Kirk. Eastern countries do not easily forget such insults.— Yours, etc., A BELIEVER IN ETIQUETTE. January 25, 1967.

Sir, —Upon reading of the reception meted out to Air Vice-Marshal Ky and Madame Ky in Wellington, I feel very proud to be Canterbury-born and to live in Christchurch. At Harewood, even the protesters were highly commendable, especially one young man with a beard. How surprised the Kys must have felt when the door of their plane opened and they were greeted by smiling faces and waving hands. Then there was the woman who put down her placard and shook hands with Madame Ky. This was a simple and significant act, one woman who had the warmth in her heart towards a stranger to our shores with

no gnawing hatred, no hysterical desire to attempt hitting her with a stick. Thank God for these people.—Yours, etc., X. January 25, 1967.