Policy on A.N.Z.U.S.

Press, 17 April 1979, Page 16

Policy on A.N.Z.U.S.

Sir, —Labour is committed to both A.N.Z.U.S. and a nuclear-free Pacific. The two are compatible. The proof of that is that between 1972 and 1975 New Zealand promoted the nuclear-free zone at the United Nations. We gained the support of the South Pacific. We prevented nuclear warships from visiting New Zealand yet the A N.Z.U.S. alliance continued. As your editorial ac« knowledged, this treaty requires little more than a process of -consultation in the event of another war. Put at its worst, there is no present threat of this. But what is happening right now, despite American opposition and international treaties is tne increasing spread of nuclear weapons and capabilities. This is the threat to which we should be addressing ourselves. The preamble to the A.N.Z.U.S. tfeaty actually look's towards a “more comprehensive system of regional security in the Pacific area.” It is time New Zealand took steps to achieve this.—Yours, etc., DAVID CAYGILL. M.P. for St Albans. April 16, 1979. Sir—Peace forces throughout the world have consistently been pursuing a policy in support of detente and all concrete actions that, can strengthen peace leading to disarmament. The United States military industrial corporations and the Pentagon stand accused of crimes against humanity for their escalation.of the arms race the creation of the neutron bomb, which has been designed as a genocide weapon; the continuation of United States first-strike capacity with Trident submarines and sophisticated new weapons systems. Attempts to cover up the aggressive purposes of United States military pacts are daily being exposed by honest people every-

where. Bill Rowling in stating firmly the position of the Labour Party, has only voiced the popular aspirations of peace-minded New Zealanders.—-Yours, etc., RON O’BRIEN. April 16, 1979.