India and Pakistan

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32801, 29 December 1971, Page 12

India and Pakistan

Sir, —Like a child who kicks the cat after losing an argument, the Nixon Administration, smarting from its defeat in the India-Pakis-tan arena, arbitrarily orders resumption of bombing of North Vietnam. No doubt “The Press” and others will hasten to rationalise and approve, as they approved Mr Bhutto’s “spirited” remark about fighting for three generations to re-unite Pakistan. “Preservation of the integrity of the national territory must be the prime concern of any State.” (“The Press,” December 23.) A sour laugh, such words coming from supporters of a Government which has long been busy harnessing this country firmly to Nixon’s monopolycapitalist, militaristic cart. How much New Zealand land has already been allowed to slip into the hands of United States business and defence interests? It is time we looked to our own national integrity and dignity, when even Bangla Desh intends to “afford” an independent foreign

December 28. 1971. (“The Press” did not “approve” Mr Bhutto’s remark; on the contrary, it said that the policy it illustrated might have to be modified before long. —Ed., “The Press.”]