Kampuchean policy

Press, 28 November 1979, Page 20

Kampuchean policy

Sir, — The film “Year Zero” seen on TVI in a repeat screening on November 25 makes the point that the Vietnamese, in militarily backing the Kampuchean Front of National Salvation, performed an act of liberating humanity comparable to the Allied victory in World War 11. One contemplates with incredulous stupefaction the folly of the Muldoon Government for the perverted logic by which it justifies its recognition of the Pol Pot regime as the legitimate government of Kampuchea. Successive National Governments have burdened us with enough guilt on our collective conscience by their moral support and military involvement in the United States’ aggressive war against Vietnam. Let us not compound that guilt by pursuing policies that defer to the autocratic right-wing views of the A.S.E.A.N. members, or which play directly into the hands of China whose hegemonistic ambitions are admirably served by supporting Pol Pot and vilifying Vietnam. — Yours, etc., M. CREEL. November 26, 1979.

Sir, — In reference to Barry Stewart’s practical comments, albeit negative (November 23), what do I know about Kampuchea other than what I read or hear or see via the media? When they invite me to become indignant, I become indignant; when they play on my sympathies, I invariably become sympathetic. My practical response is a matter of degree depedent upon my conditioned personality. When I give I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have responded to an appeal for help — my blind faith in accepting the integrity of the demand could be irreparably destroyed on being told that my donation, my gesture of help has come too late, or has been misspent. What no-one can destroy is the knowledge that I am, or have been, capable of being compassionate, am capable of responding to a call for what seems to be a genuine need. When we who are capable of giving such compassion join the ranks of those who only give in expectation of a personal reward the human species might as well become extinct. — Yours, etc., L. J. ROBINSON. November 23, 1979.