Conclusion: Much Faulty Use Of Documents

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31981, 7 May 1969, Page 12

Conclusion: Much Faulty Use Of Documents

The inquiry shows that the case against Omega has been largely based on the faulty use of documentary material. In numerous instances in which the critics of Omega have quoted documents, journals and pamphlets to prove their point, the original sources do not say what they are purported to say.

In a very high percentage; of cases the documentary I material has been misquoted while, in other cases, the original quotations have been taken out of context. The result has often been to alter or conceal the original meaning. Some alleged quotations appear to have been invented. In many cases where the quotations prove to be cor-i rect when compared with the original, the interpretation' put upon them by the critics of Omega is quite different, 1 and sometimes completely the opposite, to the meaning conveyed in the original. Even on several of the most crucial points in the controversy such as whether Omega receivers are being installed in Polaris submarines—the protesters have based themselves largely on documentation which does not bear out their claims.

In some instances, where the protesters have based their argument on the authentic use of original sources, it has been found that the accuracy of those sources was open to question. Where documentation has been in conflict, the critics of Omega have sometimes ignored the bulk of information at their disposal and relied on the small portion that supported their case.

Articles and statements from the following sources! were examined in the inquiry: J

“Canta.” The student newspaper of Canterbury University—“ Special Emergency Edition” of June 25. 1968, and the issue of March 4. 1969. Canterbury University physicists group. This group, ■ comprising Mr P. A. G, I Howell, Dr D. R. Hutton and t Mr G. L. Austin, has issuedtt i a number of statements* I attacking Omega. It is not? suggested that the views of these three are necessarily ] shared by other members of (the Canterbury University-. | Physics Department. ! McNeill. Mr F. A. McNeill, I of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, gave an interview.[ in the Public Service Association Journal of February, 1969.

Quakers. The Peace Committee of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in New Zealand issued a statement against Omega.

Quotations. A cyclostyled sheet entitled “Omega tem Quotations” was circulated anonymously in Christchurch and possibly elsewhere by a group of Omega critics. Wilkes. Mr Owen Wilkes, j a scientist, is the author of a< paper entitled “Omega: Nu-j clear Warfare Subsystem* or International Navigation! Aid?” published by the Farm , Road (Wellington) Branch of J the Labour Party. Government. Various state-1 nients have been made by the * Prime Minister since Novem-; ber 29, 1967.