Moscow Olympics

Press, 9 June 1980, Page 18

Moscow Olympics

Sir — D. J. .Casey (June 6) is right in listing some of th? military, adventures... in the American catalogue of dirty tricks, but a senior officer in the Antarctic Command might be no great authority. One of these vehemently denied that America sent a task force to Iceland before Pearl Harbour, But I was there, and not only were American servicemen executed for rape, but willing Icelandic girls had their heads shaved of the long blonde tresses, like their Norwegian counterparts under the Nazis, for “collaborating” with the occupying troops. There are now few countries in the "free world” where there are no! American forces (by invitation?), and “The Press” today shows a photograph of United States Marine Corps tank-killers in peaceloving Japan, -in, preparation “for service in trouble spots throughout the world.” The Government cannot justify financial support for New Zealanders playing games anywhere/ — Yours, etc., VARIAN J.-WILSON. June 6, 1980. Sir, — It has been' concerning me that all the meetings and polls for and against the boycott of . the Olympics were not concerned with the effect the s t o p-go announcements would have on the training programmes the athletes must need to undertake to reach a peak at the time of the events taking place. Many people see it as an obligation to Mr Carter to boycott the Moscow Olympics because he had expressed

displeasure at New Zealand’s slow response to his edict. But one woman approached by television interviewers answered that Russia should be taught a lesson for their invasion of “Iran.” I would suggest to L. Mattson (June 3) that the trend to “follow” like sheep is the predominant motivating factor governing the decisions of many. Tonight when on television Dr Lloyd Drake, a psychologist, was asked what effect the indecision would have on athletes’ training programmes. His reply coincided with the doubts I have had regarding their ability to carry on. — Yours, etc., L. E. REID. June 5, 1980.