Nuclear weapons

Press, 18 July 1980, Page 10

Nuclear weapons

Sir, — The American shift towards a limited nuclear war strategy instead of massive retaliation, as outlined by lan Mather (“The Press,” July 12) is a danger to New Zealand as we are involved through A.N.Z.U.S. The only way limited nuclear war could be practical between the United States and U.S.S.R. is for each side to avoid targets within each other’s territory. Otherwise, command, control and communications could be disrupted, thus bringing on mutual destruction. That leaves countries such as New Zealand which are allied to one or the other side, as potential targets. It would appear that traditional defence thinking coupled with lack of attention to American nuclear doctrines, has caused New Zealand to be placed in a nuclear front-line position of great risk through A.N.Z.U.S. As A.N.Z.U.S. acts as a lightning rod attracting enemy fire, we should withdraw from it and pursue a policy of constructive neutrality and peacemaking.— Yours, etc., 1.. F. J. ROSS. July 14, 1980.