Czechoslovakia

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31775, 4 September 1968, Page 14

Czechoslovakia

Sir, —While support for limited guerrilla activity within Russia’s shaky East European empire should be seriously considered if Brezhnev continues his military adventurism, it should be the main aim of this age to avoid nuclear war. For this reason, “L.G.W.” is irresponsible when he advocates giving “nuclear weapons" to West Germany in retaliation for Russia’s attack on Czechoslovakia. President Kennedy pointed out that the West had never made use Of its continuing economic superiority over Russia. If used imaginatively, this economic superiority could eliminate poverty In the underdeveloped non-Communist areas of the world within 20 years, and thus create a peaceful balance of power in a more stable world. New Zealand could begin a new approach by allowing in imports of Indian-manufactured motor-cars duty-free, but while we have a Cabinet in

revulsions about a contraceptive machine, there is little hope of imaginative statesmanship.—Yours, etc., MARK D. SADLER. September 3, 1968.

Sir, —The assumption by “Red Morrow" that a “rocket empire” is built upon the sweat, blood and tears of the workers suggests that this one-eyed individual has his wires crossed and that he has never read any history books If he had, he would know that all the upper class capitalistic empires have been built by the subjugation and exploitation of the people in the countries they have invaded, or of the workers in their own countries. I sug. gest he start with a study of working conditions in Britain last century,—Yours, etc., PERCY L. McMILLAN. Saltwater Creek, September 3, 1968.

Sir, —As you (not George Kelly) are editing this correspondence and have been kind enough to publish my letters may I elaborate a little on the first one. I was basing my view of the Czechoslovak crisis on an article by Edward Crankshaw (a recognised authority in England on Russian affairs) in the “Observer” over two months ago. He thought the invasion might take place, but only if Russia had become too afraid, not only of Czechoslovak liberalism but also of a tendency to liberal rebellion in Russia itself. This conjecture has been endorsed ny other experts more recently, and, taking a long-term view, it could have much significance. As for George Kelly’s latest display of choler it may have sent up his blood pressure but has left mine undisturbed. I still think these Olympian pronouncements and reproofs are just plain silly, and am prepared to endure his polemics for what I think they are worth.—Yours, etc., I.S.T. September 3, 1968.