The Falklands

Press, 14 May 1982, Page 12

The Falklands

Sir,—What should be concerning everyone about the Falklands issue is the question of individual and minority authority. What right has an individual or a minority to act for a majority of the people of a country without reference to that majority? Britain and particularly New Zealand, have authorities (governments) which do not represent the electoral majority, let alone the absolute majority (AM) of the people. Today, especially today, all-authority should be subject to (the approval of the absolute majority principle (AMP), where mechanisms for electoral opportunities are constantly made available for everyone to participate in the

governing decisions that affect their lives. The technical Kwer available today is too rrendous to be allowed, to be left in the hands of individuals and minorities whose politics alone are so dangerously selfcentred and psychologically narrow.—Yours, etc., L. J. ROBINSON. May 12, 1982.

Sir,—The American Truxtun controversy is on a par with Britain’s policy of using New Zealand as a half-way house in time of war or threat of war. The British Government under Mrs Thatcher’s leadership is at present operating along these lines with the full co-operation of our’own Prime Minister, Mr Muldoon, who like his counterpart Mrs Thatcher is operating a self preservation-policy’ in order to preserve the present status. quo as leader of this country. However, should Mrs Thatcher fail in the attempt to take over the Falkland Islands, the British people will dispense with her services and live the rest of their lives in peace while Mr Muldoon can turn to the Americans for consolation in his great loss—Yours, etc., L. WESTNEY. May 12, 1982.

Sir,—Congratulations to Dr Alan Walker, of the World Methodist Council, for his condemnation of the British war action in the Falkland Islands. In describing them as “dangerous and irresponsible” he neglected to say "unnecessary, barbaric, stupid, archaic.” Gunboat diplomacy in this day and age is unacceptable. With no E.E.C. and no United States prepared to enforce trade sanc-

tions, Britain is in a strong position to solve the problem by negotiation.—Yours, etc., C. M. CURTIS. May 12, 1982.