Nigeria’s withdrawal from Games

Press, 7 August 1978, Page 16

Nigeria’s withdrawal from Games

Sir, — If the list of sports events supplied by H.A.R.T. and printed in “The Press” on Saturday is correct, it is quite clear that the only way New Zealand sportsmen will avoid contact with their South African counterparts is by a complete withdrawal from international sport. The list itself indicates that such a policy is not followed by the sportsmen of other nations. The true motive for Nigeria’s withdrawal from the Games is not clear to me but should we really be concerned? Its government is authoritarian; its criminals may be executed in public and genocide of Biafrans is a fact of recent history. I would prefer our sportsmen did not compete against Nigerians. — Yours, etc.,

D. MARSHALL August 5, 1978.

Sir, — By the use of the word “dissident” Mr Muldoon has invited comparison with Russia. This can be a two-edged sword. Thus, for anyone in the last year or two who has followed the way the Russian Government has adhered to the Helsinki Agreement and the way the New Zealand Government has upheld the Gleneagles Agreement, it will be apparent that neither can be trusted in these respects. On a superficial level it may seem that both governments are adhering to their respective agreements but neither has shown evidence of real commitment to the_ principles involved. Platitudes and generalisations are about all we hear. Therefore, whether or not it is considered to be treachery, it is as a dissident that I sign this letter. — Yours, etc.,

W. R. SYKES. August 5, 1978.

Sir, — The only “frightening implications” in Dr Finlay’s statement (“The Press.” August 4) is the way he links New Zealand with the Soviet Union. To compare a dissident in the U.S.S.R. with the situation in New Zealand is ridiculous, and irresponsible coming from a man of Dr Finlay’s calibre. “Dissident” is a very emotive word conjuring up ideas about staged court action, false evidence, and gross sentences imposed upon Jews in Russia recently. The Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and leaders of many African countries all find Nigeria’s withdrawal from the games regrettable. We do not need people like Trevor Richards at a time when co-operation is the key to export year and when New Zealand is

fighting for improved trading relations. If ail H.A.R.T. can do is stir up international controversy, damaging our reputation overseas then its members are certainly “dissidents” in the true sense of the word. — Yours, etc., C. A. FLANAGAN. August 4, 1978.