Visit by Isabel Allende

Press, 9 May 1980, Page 12

Visit by Isabel Allende

Sir, —' Mr Comber’s inability to tolerate an alternative view brings the Government dangerously close to the regime that ousted Salvador Allende in a bloodbath that was internationally condemned. Salvador Allende was' democratically elected in 1970 — with the same percentage of votes that the National Party gained in 1978. Mr Comber apparently believes that democracy is good — as long as it produces an “acceptable” result. Pinochet’s intervention in Chile was rationalised • by crying “red,” the same puerile and intellectually dishonest tactic of Mr Comber (“The Press.” May 6). In 1935, at 5.E.A.T.0., New Zealand defended the Spanish people against fascism, and Ethiopia against Italian fascist aggression. If the New Zealand Government no longer has the integrity and intestinal fortitude to stand up for human rights against continued fascist dictatorships such as General Pinochet’s, then one can only conclude that it has itself lifted the bed-covers of fascism and crept under. — Ycurs, etc., D. J. CASEY.May 7, 1980.