Speakers On Vietnam

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31633, 20 March 1968, Page 12

Speakers On Vietnam

Sir,—Among the proposed speakers at the forthcoming “Peace, Power and Politics in Asia” conference is apparently a former United Nations representative in the Congo. 1 rather wonder at the choice, for, after all, the nearest the United Nations seemed to get to a* just peace in the Congo was the resolution of its Security Council, passed on August 9, 1960: “The United Nations Congo force will not be a party to, or in any way intervene in, or be used to influence the outcome of, any internal conflict, constitutional or otherwise.” It appears the resolution was not honoured, for soon afterwards orders were given to the United Nations forces in the Congo to invade the province of Katanga to force its subjection to the pro-Communist government of Patrice Lumumba. This they did with a brutality which is now history—all under the guise of “peace-keeping.”—Yours, etc., VULCAN. March 19, 1968.

Sir,—So far there has been much concern over the refusal to allow money for the speakers who would probably disagree with the United States and our Government’s Vietnam policy. What I would like to know is who is putting up the money for the travelling to and accommodation in New Zealand of the S.E.A.T.O. conference delegates and their staffs.—Yours, etc.,

COSMOS I AN March 19, 1967.

Sir, —To any realistic New Zealander it is grand to read the firmness of the Minister’s refusal to be intimidated by the rush to publicity by parsons and others, including an ambitious politician. An analysis of the columns of criticism of the Reserve

Bank’s refusal of funds—unfairly tacked on to the Govern-ment-shows clearly not only the propriety of the bank’s conservation of overseas exchange but also the weak emotionalism and opportunism of the Minister’s critics and political opponent. If these desired solely the admission of those so-called but littleknown “authorities” they would arrange quietly to supply the cost from overseas funds available under their own control. Obviously personal publicity through “roasting” the Government in New Zealand newspapers is the greater attraction.—Yours, etc., NO AXE TO GRIND. March 19, 1968.