Olympic Games

Press, 22 July 1976, Page 16

Olympic Games

Sir, —In reading the article, “Harsh regimes among New Zealand’s critics,” one should not forget that most of the African states named in the article gained their first experience of international intercourse and the norms of behaviour between peoples from those European countries which colonised them. If we now deplore the behaviour, which proves how apt they were as pupils, let us note how often the article describes them as a former “German, French or British colony.”—Yours, etc., M. CREEL. July 21, 1976. Sir, —Political propagandists about sporting contacts with South Africa confuse issues. Politics is one thing. Sport is another. Our Government has repeatedly declared strong opposition to current apartheid policy and, supported by a resounding electoral majority, opposes political interference with sport. New Zealanders generally are hostile to communism which, helping some, moves through class war and big weapons to bureaucratic oppression, yet they do not boycott the Bolshoi Ballet. Politics must not prejudice the free flow of culture. Our Government wisely allowed only the Under-Secretary for Sport to farewell the AU Blacks. Had no-one of status wished our team good luck, propagandists, protesters, and public would have cried to high heaven. Mr Ordia disturbed a country renowned for liberal outlook on racial equality. Every man is sick of violence, militancy, hijacking and strikes over trifles which mar orderly approach to higher human happiness.—Yours, etc., W. R. LASCELLES. July 21. 1976.